What We Do
Provide Helpful Pieces of Information
Compile Information on Businesses That are Willing to Hire Those With Criminal Background
Interview advice, stories of other people striving to get work, and other pieces of information are hosted on this website.
Businesses that will consider hiring those with criminal backgrounds are listed on this website and can be sorted by which town that they are in.
Background Information
What is a "Fair Chance Job"
A Fair Chance employer will base their employment decisions on qualifications instead of an applicant's criminal record. There is no law mandating employers go by this in Arkansas, but businesses listed on this site are still willing to hire people with criminal records instead of automatically throwing out an application submitted by a potential employee with a criminal record.
Job Search Tips
Sealing Your Record
If you are struggling to get a job due to your convictions, look into sealing your criminal record. If this is successful, you will be able to state on your job application that you have never been convicted of a crime that you have had sealed. Learn more at Arkansas Law Help's website arlawhelp.org. You should know that some jobs, such as law enforcement or education will still be able to see your felonies.
Leave With Time To Spare
If you have to be at a business by a certain time, be sure to leave for it well before you need to be there. This will help you avoid stress about being late, the negative perception of being late by a potential employer, and means that you will not need to speed to get to your destination.
Know What's On Your Record
Sometimes employers can make errors with your background check, so it is worth it to keep a copy of your criminal record and a copy of your order to seal (If you have one). This way, you can send the correct record to background check businesses so that they can give your employers an accurate record. In addition, being familiar with what is on your background check will help you identify errors with background checks run on you.
Look on the Local Level
While many businesses do not want to openly advertise that they hire felons, plenty of businesses in the area will do so. Local businesses may not have the same standardized hiring policies as chains or national businesses, which could be an advantage for a job seeker.
Brush Up On Your Interview Questions
Doing well on your interview will be an advantage when applying for a job. In addition, job interviews can be very stressful. To help reduce the effect of stress on your interview, practice some of the more common interview questions ahead of time. You can find 60+ of these common interview questions here: "https://www.themuse.com/advice/interview-questions-and-answers". Finally, be prepared to talk about your record during the interview, as being open about it will allow you to have the first chance to discuss it, rather than having an employer find it without context.
Practice Mindfulness
This may be a difficult and frustrating time in your life, but practicing mindfulness, which is simply an attentive and judgment-free awareness of the current moment you are in, might help. While it may seem silly, the utilization of mindfulness in therapies can be highly effective at reducing anxiety symptoms and depression measures.