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Writer's pictureHarley Blakeman

"It was nice that I could give them my side of the story. It’s because of you guys." - Juan

Updated: Apr 25, 2023

Juan has great work experience. His felony record was the only reason he was searching for a job for about 8 months without success. Once he used Honest Jobs, he found a fair-chance employer within days, who would give him a chance and provide opportunities for future growth. Hear him tell his story in the video below:



Interview Transcript:


What was your experience looking for a job before you found Honest Jobs?

Juan: “It’s a lot more frustrating when you're getting a bunch of callbacks, but right towards the end of the interview they say that the felony just gets in the way. It's frustrating. I even went as far as actually being hired, they started me through the process. I think it was a couple days before I was about to start, then they said, “No, we can’t.” It got to the point where before the interview got started, I would tell them up front: “I have a record, it's a felony. Is it gonna be a problem? And if it was, I'd rather just end it right there.” I don't wanna waste their time or mine. And I don't wanna get my hopes up. It's a harsh, harsh reality."


What was your experience looking for a job after you found Honest Jobs?

Juan: “I googled second-chance companies and Honest Jobs came up. I think it took no more than three or four days before I got a call back. Within a couple days of applying, I had received the first interview for one of those jobs and they hired me. I know that just looking at the charge, it makes it seem like I'm violent, but I really am not. So it was nice that I could give them my side of the story. It’s because of you guys, honestly."


Tell us about your new job!

Juan: “I work for a Polymicro, a Molex company which is subsidiary of Koch Industries. My official job title is a Tower Operator. The pay is $16/hr with a shift differential. I know that there are always opportunities within the company for different positions. The job is not physically heavy for me, which is good. It's good pay, good environment, helpful people, good benefits. It's a company with a future, which is what I like and I'm holding onto very tightly."


Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?

Juan: “Totally. Definitely. No questions asked. It’s a hassle. It was the most promising thing I had going in relation to a job search. If it was working for me, then I was definitely going to share it.”


Do you have a message to employers?

Juan: “Hear them out. I know that's not always possible, depending on time or the effort they wanna put in, or because of the company policy. It’d be nice to ask and to hear your side of the things. So just hear them out and decide on that.”


Do you have a message to job seekers?

Juan: “Don’t give up. You can’t. That shouldn't even be an option. Sooner or later, you’ll find something. It might not be what you want in the moment, but you can work there until you find something better. But you'll get there. It's a steep road sometimes, depending on the situation, but just be patient. It will come.”


Join Honest Jobs

Employer and job seekers can head to www.honestjobs.com to get started.

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