Some employers take advantage of people who have a criminal record, knowing that they face barriers to employment elsewhere. David experienced that after coming home from prison. Thankfully, he found Honest Jobs and was hired by Georgia Pacific, a great fair-chance employer. Learn more about David's experience in the video below:
Interview Transcript:
What was your experience looking for a job before you found Honest Jobs?
David: “ I was incarcerated for residential burglary for four years. When I came home, I felt very taken advantage of, because they took advantage of the fact that: “Oh, you have a record, so you're gonna keep this job, and we're going to treat you any way.” It didn't work for me. Most of the time, [my criminal record] would come up in the interview. I know on the applications they're not allowed to ask, but I would have to inform them if I was on parole or probation."
"There was two of the interviews were I think because of my record they were declined. But there was two other jobs that I did accept. And it just seemed like, they're like: “Okay, well you're on probation, you're on parole. We'll take you and then we want you to do all this work and not be compensated and then mistreated.” With my work experience I know I deserve better. I feel like I paid my due to society.”
What was your experience looking for a job after you found Honest Jobs?
David: “Once I applied with Honest Jobs and posted all my information, I would say within a week to two weeks, I was interviewing.”
Tell us about your new job!
David: “The company I'm with is Georgia Pacific. I hired on as a Production Associate. I get paid $20.50 per hour with medical, dental, 401k, and so much room for improvement and room to move up. They never made me feel like because I have a record I'm stuck or I'm gonna be mistreated. That'll be a company I’m with until I retire. I know this is definitely a good place for me. I found my home at work. They take care of their employees.”
Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
David: “I love it. I've recommended it a few times. I've been like a commercial for Honest Jobs already. Go apply! Sign up! It's easy, so simple. And I admit when I first heard about it, and saw it, I was like: "Oh, great, another agency.” That totally changed once I’ve seen how you guys run your show. This company right here changed everything for me. If you want a job, go to Honest Jobs. That's what you need to do.”
Do you have a message to employers?
David: “My advice for employers would be, everybody deserves a second chance. And look for the guys that you can really see that they are trying. Hey, I just want a second chance. I'm willing to work, I work hard. I'm willing to learn. And if an employer could really try and see that in just any person, I think they would be very happy. Some of the smartest people I've met have been incarcerated.”
Join Honest Jobs
We have fair-chance jobs across the country. Employers doing second chance hiring and job seekers with criminal records can head to www.honestjobs.com to get started.