What Should I Include in My Letter of Explanation About My Criminal History?
Telling the truth about your criminal convictions is critical because this honesty gives you the best opportunity to demonstrate your honesty to an employer. If you are applying for work, have a criminal record, and know the employer is going to run a background check, you should have a letter of explanation (LOE) prepared.
How Do I Explain My Job Gap to an Employer?
Job gaps on a resume can be a red flag to an employer, and if you are recovering from a life of addiction, homelessness, and/or criminal justice involvement, it is likely that there will have been long periods where you did not have traditional employment.
What Is An Employment Portfolio?
An Employment Portfolio is a tool that will help you tell your story to an employer. It gathers all the documentation you need to show an employer who you are as a potential employee. It will contain some standard items for your job search and a couple of additional pieces that will be very useful if you have a long job gap or criminal convictions.
Concept: The 3 P’s of an Employment Comeback
For those recovering from addiction and past criminal justice involvement, the challenge is often not finding employment in general - there are many entry-level minimum wage jobs available. The bigger hurdle is finding a good job that pays well and has opportunities for advancement.