Putting the Bars Behind You Workbook Package

Putting the Bars Behind You Workbook Package

By Ronald Mendlin, Marc Polonsky, and J. Michael Farr, Jist Publishing, 2000

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Summary:

Published by Jist Publishing, a leader in the field of career development, job searching, and participant growth in positive, self-directed behaviors and attitudes, this five-workbook series is designed specifically to address the challenges and needs of ex-offenders.  Each workbook provides instruction about an important aspect of the job search:

1)    “The ‘Double You’:  The Person You Are and the Person You Want to Be,” helps ex-offenders to acknowledge and learn from past mistakes and set goals for a successful future.

2)    “Being ‘Job-Ready’:  Identify Your Skills, Strengths, and Career Goals,” assists ex-offenders to discern their natural strengths and weaknesses, prior skills and experiences and apply this information to determine appropriate career options.

3)    “Job Search Tools:  Resumes, Applications, and Cover Letters,” provides instruction about creating and effectively using these essential tools.

4)    “Networking and Interviewing for Jobs,” provides ex-offenders with the techniques they need to locate job openings and the interviewing skills they need to present themselves in a positive way and deal with difficult questions that may arise about their incarceration.

5)    “Keeping Your Job:  Survive and Succeed in a New Job” helps ex-offenders learn how to retain the jobs they have found by developing good attitudes and work habits.

A helpful instructor’s manual has been developed for use with these workbooks.  It covers information included in all five workbooks and provides guidance about how to effectively present the information included.

Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?

Although these workbooks were not specifically designed for faith-based job readiness programs, they are a good resource for any program interested in thoroughly preparing ex-offenders to successfully obtain and retain employment. One particularly valuable feature of them is that they include advice and encouragement from ex-offenders who have successfully made the transition from prison to employment.