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Getting a job after prison is hard for most people. If you had a job before you went in, you may not be able to go back to it, or you might not want to. Your criminal record might also mean you won’t be able to work in the same industry as you had previously, or go into others. At times finding work can be easy.
Sometimes it is about asking the right person at the right time.
Your family or friends may be able to help. An old employer may have a vacancy. Normally, it takes time and persistence to find a job. You may get knockbacks along the way but the important thing is to keep trying. If you have a job it is easier to pay rent, meet new people and settle back into life outside of prison. So getting a job is worth the effort and former prisoners do find work. Everyone can increase their chances of getting work. Get as much advice as you can, prepare in advance and practice.
Any education or training you do in prison can be useful. You can prove what courses you have completed. These Certificates will be from the TAFE or University that provided the course, and they won’t mention the prison where you studied. Ask the Education Centre for all your Certificates and Statements of Attainment before you leave prison. You can get copies later but it might not be easy.
Prison work is a form of work experience but you may not want to put it down on a resume. You can talk about the skills you picked up through this work though. Think about what you’ve done and the skills you’ve learned through prison work, or any responsibility you took on whilst doing prison work. These are things that can be listed on a job application.
Think about all the skills that you will need for the job you’re applying for. Don’t just write down the ones the employer is asking for. Include all skills that might be useful without writing too much. There are some skills that all employers want. These are known as transferable or employability skills. Transferable skills include:
These skills can be learned in many areas, not just the workplace. They may be skills gained through family life, volunteering, or hobbies. For each skill you write in your resume, try to think of an example of a time that you used that skill. While you may have learnt or strengthened some of these skills in prison, you may not want to mention that. They may ask you to explain any skill you have listed in an interview, so think of more general ways to frame your skills.
To formally apply for a job, you usually need to send a resume and a cover letter or document that sets out how you meet the job criteria. Sometimes companies have their own application forms that they want people to fill out. You can always get help filling job applications out if you need to. You may also be called for an interview before a job is offered. Practise responses for basic questions for the interview, and remember to over-dress (think smart and appropriate for the role) and be on time (early even!). At every stage, try to be as polite, responsible and reliable as possible. Have a professional sounding email address (easiest is usually your first name.last name@gmail.com) and a working and available phone number. Being contactable is very important when applying for jobs.
Consider your resume. Make it look professional as possible, neat and easy to read. Don’t lie about your qualifications or experience. Many employers will ask for proof either for qualifications or through references. Some prisons run courses to help you to write resumes and cover letters. Ask the prison or education staff if there is a resume-writing course that you can do. There are also many organisations in the community that can help you with this once you’re out.
It can be risky to lie about your record. A lot of employers ask for a criminal record check before or after you start work. Employers may also search online for information about you. If they find out you have lied about your record, they are unlikely to give you the job. If they find out after giving you the job they may sack you. Make sure you understand the consequences of how you respond to questions about your record for the job you’re applying for, as some roles like government jobs have serious consequences for not being honest about your record.
It is not sensible to lie but you don’t always need to share everything with an employer. When you talk to a potential employer about your past, put it in the most positive way. You can’t always control who finds out about your criminal record but you may be able to control how and when people find out. If you have had long breaks between jobs you can hide this a bit by not putting dates on your resume. Telling a potential boss about prison time isn’t easy. Think about the benefits and problems of telling them early. Pick your words carefully and practise them.
If asked about your criminal record in a job application forms you can consider:
If asked about your criminal record in a job interview:
Centrelink will link you to a Workforce Australia provider in your local area. These employment services can help you with resumes and finding interviews. They can also help with further training and skill updates. There are employment services in each state and territory and a limited number who specialise with people who have left prison. You can request to go to these providers or any other provider that you have worked with previously. Services will only take you if they have a vacancy.
Finding work and staying in a job after prison can be a daunting task but with a clear mind and the right support, it’s very possible.
Getting a job after prison is hard for most people. If you had a job before you went in, you may not be able to go back to it, or you might not want to. Your criminal record might also mean you won’t be able to work in the same industry as you had previously, or go into others. At times finding work can be easy.
Sometimes it is about asking the right person at the right time.
Your family or friends may be able to help. An old employer may have a vacancy. Normally, it takes time and persistence to find a job. You may get knockbacks along the way but the important thing is to keep trying. If you have a job it is easier to pay rent, meet new people and settle back into life outside of prison. So getting a job is worth the effort and former prisoners do find work. Everyone can increase their chances of getting work. Get as much advice as you can, prepare in advance and practice.
Any education or training you do in prison can be useful. You can prove what courses you have completed. These Certificates will be from the TAFE or University that provided the course, and they won’t mention the prison where you studied. Ask the Education Centre for all your Certificates and Statements of Attainment before you leave prison. You can get copies later but it might not be easy.
Prison work is a form of work experience but you may not want to put it down on a resume. You can talk about the skills you picked up through this work though. Think about what you’ve done and the skills you’ve learned through prison work, or any responsibility you took on whilst doing prison work. These are things that can be listed on a job application.
Think about all the skills that you will need for the job you’re applying for. Don’t just write down the ones the employer is asking for. Include all skills that might be useful without writing too much. There are some skills that all employers want. These are known as transferable or employability skills. Transferable skills include:
These skills can be learned in many areas, not just the workplace. They may be skills gained through family life, volunteering, or hobbies. For each skill you write in your resume, try to think of an example of a time that you used that skill. While you may have learnt or strengthened some of these skills in prison, you may not want to mention that. They may ask you to explain any skill you have listed in an interview, so think of more general ways to frame your skills.
To formally apply for a job, you usually need to send a resume and a cover letter or document that sets out how you meet the job criteria. Sometimes companies have their own application forms that they want people to fill out. You can always get help filling job applications out if you need to. You may also be called for an interview before a job is offered. Practise responses for basic questions for the interview, and remember to over-dress (think smart and appropriate for the role) and be on time (early even!). At every stage, try to be as polite, responsible and reliable as possible. Have a professional sounding email address (easiest is usually your first name.last name@gmail.com) and a working and available phone number. Being contactable is very important when applying for jobs.
Consider your resume. Make it look professional as possible, neat and easy to read. Don’t lie about your qualifications or experience. Many employers will ask for proof either for qualifications or through references. Some prisons run courses to help you to write resumes and cover letters. Ask the prison or education staff if there is a resume-writing course that you can do. There are also many organisations in the community that can help you with this once you’re out.
It can be risky to lie about your record. A lot of employers ask for a criminal record check before or after you start work. Employers may also search online for information about you. If they find out you have lied about your record, they are unlikely to give you the job. If they find out after giving you the job they may sack you. Make sure you understand the consequences of how you respond to questions about your record for the job you’re applying for, as some roles like government jobs have serious consequences for not being honest about your record.
It is not sensible to lie but you don’t always need to share everything with an employer. When you talk to a potential employer about your past, put it in the most positive way. You can’t always control who finds out about your criminal record but you may be able to control how and when people find out. If you have had long breaks between jobs you can hide this a bit by not putting dates on your resume. Telling a potential boss about prison time isn’t easy. Think about the benefits and problems of telling them early. Pick your words carefully and practise them.
If asked about your criminal record in a job application forms you can consider:
If asked about your criminal record in a job interview:
Centrelink will link you to a Workforce Australia provider in your local area. These employment services can help you with resumes and finding interviews. They can also help with further training and skill updates. There are employment services in each state and territory and a limited number who specialise with people who have left prison. You can request to go to these providers or any other provider that you have worked with previously. Services will only take you if they have a vacancy.
Finding work and staying in a job after prison can be a daunting task but with a clear mind and the right support, it’s very possible.
If you’re returning to your partner, it’s normal to feel anxious about living together again. Talk about your hopes and plans before release and keep talking once you go home. Listen to them, and get help early if you’re having relationship problems.
We all need identification. Identification (or ID) is a document that proves who you are.
For many of us, the idea of re-entering society after incarceration can feel like standing at a crossroad, unsure of which way to go.
I was released about four weeks ago and I was quite stressed. To be completely honest, I didn't really want to leave. The truth is, I loved prison and it became part of my identity.
I was released about four weeks ago and I was quite stressed. To be completely honest, I didn't really want to leave. The truth is, I loved prison and it became part of my identity.
For many of us, the idea of re-entering society after incarceration can feel like standing at a crossroad, unsure of which way to go.
As well as feeling excited about your release, you may also be feeling fearful that something will go wrong so that your release will be delayed, or that you won’t be able to make it once you’re released.
Studying after you leave prison may be a good option to help you learn new skills and give you more options and opportunities for employment. Studying can also help keep you motivated after leaving prison.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
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