Employment

In these days of financial anguish, it's amazing to see the hope that continues to shine through debt, worry and tears. Families across the nation have been hit hard these last few months. Women and children continue to be the fastest growing section of homeless individuals. It's the little things that count.

When looking for a job,  just as important as the words we use is the message that our bodies are sending.

One of the most important elements of a successful job search and the subsequent interview is making the all important positive first impression.  You will never get a second chance to make a first impression. 

Recently I was reading a few articles about pending legislation on both the state a federal level that would make it illegal to discriminate against ex-offenders with regard to employment, housing and public services.  This legislation would be a seemingly powerful step in helping ex-offenders reintegrate into society.  It would great if the law dictated that legally no one could be denied employment for being an ex-offender.  Being a product of the Civil Rights movement, I hold little faith in legislation.  Laws do not change attitudes.

At times looking for a job as an ex-offender seems like one dead end after another.  There are things that can be done until that dream job comes along.

Temporary Agencies

Consider working as a temporary as a way of getting a permanent job.  Temporary agencies are a great way to quickly get back into the working world.  Many employers use agencies to try out new employees before hiring them.  Good workers are hard to find.  If an employer sees that you are hard working, punctual and fit in well, he may offer the job permanently.  Some other advantages to using a temporary employment service:

1 You can try different types of work and develop new skills which can be used later.

2 You can make new contacts.

You have been recently released and need a job to get on with the rest of your life.  Hopefully you have learned that life is all about choices.  The choices you continue to make will shape your life.  The job search is all about choices too. 
 

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