How to get a job after being in prison? Divine intervention?

Scuffer · 9 March 2014 at 4:05PM

Just over 2 years ago i was sent to prison for 43 months whilst i was in my final year at university. I served 22 months of that sentence and now i'm out i am finding it impossible to get a job. I have applied for hundreds of jobs in the past 2 months and had i think about 47 interviews now and have not been successful in any. I cant even get a job as a bathroom attendant

I've applied for literally everything on the market and nobody will employ me because of just being released from prison.

I just feel like i have nothing any more, i lost my university degree and my family who are ashamed of me. My auntie is the only one who took me in and this is because she pities me. The probation service are useless and offer no help at all other than telling me to sign on which i'm not going to do as i feel i've cost the tax payer enough money by being in prison. There is just nothing for me and i'm just hoping someone who reads this can relate and give me some inspiration because right now i have given up hope.

tiger_eyes · 9 March 2014 at 4:17PM

I assume 47 interviews was hyperbole

but if you've had a lot of job interviews in the past two months, it sounds like you're actually pretty close to getting a job. The prison issue can't be discouraging employers too badly if they're still giving you interviews - they wouldn't interview you unless they were seriously interested. I failed 8-9 interviews in a row a couple of years back without any kind of criminal record.

worried_jim · 9 March 2014 at 4:22PM

You are certainly doing the right thing Scuffer and I wish you every success. Are there no prison charities that can offer help/support?
Good luck and all the best-please come back and let us us know (soon) when you get a job. it would be lovely to hear how you are getting on. Regards, Jim.

Scuffer · 9 March 2014 at 4:27PM

tiger_eyes wrote: »

I assume 47 interviews was hyperbole but if you've had a lot of job interviews in the past two months, it sounds like you're actually pretty close to getting a job. The prison issue can't be discouraging employers too badly if they're still giving you interviews - they wouldn't interview you unless they were seriously interested. I failed 8-9 interviews in a row a couple of years back without any kind of criminal record.

It's not hyperbole i wrote every interview in my diary and it is actually 49

my resume looks good and everything goes great in interview until i'm asked "what have you been doing for the last 2 years?" then that is it over and often told that i'll be called back which never happens.

Scuffer · 9 March 2014 at 4:29PM

worried_jim wrote: »

You are certainly doing the right thing Scuffer and I wish you every success. Are there no prison charities that can offer help/support?
Good luck and all the best-please come back and let us us know (soon) when you get a job. it would be lovely to hear how you are getting on. Regards, Jim.

Thanks Jim. I'll ask my probation officer about prison charities but she doesn't seem to be much help. If through the miracle of god i get a job i will post back letting you know.

Al1x · 9 March 2014 at 4:30PM

Have you thought about becoming self employed?

cashbackproblems · 9 March 2014 at 4:31PM

Hi as above you are being given interviews despite employers seeing your cv mentioning a prison sentence, maybe you need to improve your interview skills, if you sign on the job centre can offer you training and workshops…might be worth doing as it won't be forever. Was your crime one which needs declaring on CV, as i am aware some offences do not appear on criminal searches by employers.

Have you considered doing a tefl/CELTA qualification (very quick, easy and cheap) which guarantees you voluntary work experience in the UK then teaching english abroad, some countries like Japan will pay 2k per month plus lodgings. Might be a good idea to make a new start.

You say you were in your final year of university, the 2 years you did should get you a higher education certificate. Is there any chance of using those credits to finish your degree?

Takeaway_Addict · 9 March 2014 at 4:36PM

Surely its why you went to prison that counts the most?

Also, have you looked at Timpsons, they are very pro hiring ex prisoners.

Blue_Bird · 9 March 2014 at 4:38PM

I might be wrong, but I think it's important that you sign on anyway, so that your NI contributions are paid for you?

If it bothers you to think of dole as taking taxpayer's money, resolve to make a donation to a charity of your choice (maybe an ex-offenders one) once you're earning again

Good luck, I can only imagine how hard it is, but 49 interviews shows determination, prison or not, there are many people that would give up and you haven't, keep at it and you WILL find something!

Best Wishes,

Blue

bluenoseam · 9 March 2014 at 4:40PM

a tefl/CELTA qualification won't help OP when certain countries won't permit entry, which many agencies will use as a reason to refuse to take him on.

Unfortunately the nature of the current world is that when you have high unemployment you can be picky about the people you employ. A near 4 year punishment would suggest you were put away for something fairly bad though - that will red flag you to a LOT of employers. Ultimately what I will say is near 50 interviews in 2 months is actually a hell of a result, that's a lot more than most get & your CV is clearly attracting attention. Focus on the positive from that (you're getting interviews) rather than the negatives & build on it - you cannot do anything about peoples perceptions of you other than state fact, from there on out you're at their mercy. Not everyone will write off someone who's been to prison, but when unemployment's running as high as it currently is, a lot of people will because they can.

Jobseeeker · 9 March 2014 at 4:42PM

Will they not let you back in to Uni? Can you take your credits and finish it at the open university

How to get a job after being in prison? Divine intervention?

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