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Lil Miss P continues her Knowing How series by checking out the things you need to do to get you in the right position to find a job.

One of the most important things you can do when trying to accomplish a goal or make a change is support. The right kind of mentors, guidance, etc. — and even the right employees and vendors when you own your own company or creating a project — can make all the difference. Not only can good people around you help you find your way, but they can also potentially benefit you in other areas. One of my biggest mentors helped me land some of my early positions that ended up opening up the right doors for my future career. Another made introductions and shared insight that helped catapult my work from there. Whether you’re job hunting to make ends meet or working on building the career of your dreams, the company you keep is important. Here’s how to find the right type of people to help move your goals and ideas.

1. Read. One of the most valuable tools during my entire career has been reading. I read the industry trades in the market I do work in, blogs, etc. Knowing what’s going on in the business you do, recent trends, news, and other happenings can help you edge out competition. There is nobody who is more successful than someone who knows their stuff. But also, reading can create the opportunity to find the right people to reach out to about jobs, doing business, etc. For example, I read Business Week cover to cover every year for years and often would contact those who were in the articles about doing business. It works!

2. Reach out. Once you’ve found a mentor or someone you’d like to connect with, the next step is to reach out to him or her and see if they’ll take a meeting or call with you. Even an exchange of emails where you’re able to get insight or develop a bond with a person can speak volumes in helping you get ahead. As you do, be quick and concise, stating who you are and what you’re up to in just a few short sentences. Get right to the point of what you’d like to connect with the person on. If its for mentorship, ask. If it’s just to gain information, see if he/she will do an informational interview over email, or answer a few questions.

3. Ready yourself. The key to effectively networking is to not just make it about what you want to accomplish, but what you have to bring to the table too. As I reach out to mentors, people I want to do business with, etc. I do make clear what I might be looking for but I also make very clear what kind of knowledge, insight and information I have that may benefit someone else — if you are a great writer and articulate speaker, say so. If you can give insight into a specific market, or have a special skill, let it be known. By stating your value and what you offer in quick, short form can make you valuable to whoever works with you and also enables them to understand where you may have skills or knowledge that may be able to help someone else.

4. Research. When it comes to mentors and advisors, or vendors and other support you might bring in, always make sure you’re researching who you are working with to ensure they’re the right fit for the job. A friend of mine constantly wants to have a certain business associate we know to advise on his company, but time and time again, I tell him that person is not really the right fit for what they need. When you’re looking into vendors, agencies, etc. to hire, always ask for client references and check out their work. Sometimes really great firms just aren’t a fit for something you may need to accomplish.

As you plan out what you want to do with your job/career, think about the kind of people that might help you along the way. It goes beyond just those who donate their time to mentorship — sometimes, reaching out to a TV exec, an author, etc. can put you under someone’s wing in other ways. Most of all, don’t be afraid to ask, and don’t be discouraged when someone takes time to respond (or doesn’t respond at all). It can take some of my advisors, mentors, etc. a long time to respond due to being busy. I try to remember that those who are helping me free of charge are doing so when they can. Just keep moving forward, reaching out to others, working towards your goals!

How to Get a Job with a Criminal Record

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Whether you’ve just been released from a lengthy incarceration or you had a minor scrape with the law when you were a kid, a criminal record can be an added source of anxiety in an already stressful job search. Depending on the severity of your offense(s), your criminal record may not affect your employment prospects at all, or it may make finding a job nearly impossible. Still, you have reason to be hopeful. While you may face some hurdles, you will eventually be able to find employment, regardless of your record.

Steps

1. Prepare while you are in prison. While serving time take advantage of the many opportunities to get your G.E.D., start or complete your college education, or get vocational training. Good preparation is especially important if you have been away from the outside world for an extended time, if you have limited job skills and experience, or if you will not be able to return to your previous area of employment (for example, if you were a bank teller and were convicted of theft, you probably will no longer be able to work in banking).
2. Take advantage of education or job training programs that may be available to you. Government agencies and non-profit organizations provide a host of opportunities for all job seekers to get more training or education. The experience and skills you develop in these programs can make a big difference in the success of your job search. There are also such programs targeted specifically to people who have recently been released from prison. These programs usually also help you find a job during the program and after completion.
3. Eliminate jobs for which your record will automatically disqualify you. Your record may automatically disqualify you for some positions, especially government jobs requiring security clearances, military jobs, positions with fiduciary responsibility (e.g., insurance or banking), and jobs working with children. If you avoid wasting time on jobs you cannot possibly get, you’ll be able to focus on real opportunities and you’ll be less likely to get discouraged. Most importantly, though, do your research. Don’t just assume that your record will disqualify you from a certain job.
4. Be realistic. Honestly evaluating your qualifications is important for all job seekers. You need to find something that fits you and your skill level, and if you consistently apply for jobs for which you don’t have the right skills, you’ll quickly become discouraged.
5. Start small and work your way up. Understand that when a person sees your record, he or she may be reluctant to hire you for a position with a lot of responsibility. That same person, however, may be more than willing to give you a chance in another (usually lower-paid) position. In addition, it’s important to understand that the biggest obstacle may be the gap in your employment history, not simply your conviction. If you want to return to your previous career, it’s likely that business processes and tools may have changed substantially since you left your last position, so you’ll probably need to take a step down to gain more training. Get your foot in the door, especially with a company or in a field that can lead to better opportunities in the future.
6. Learn about the employment laws in your state and/or country. In some countries (including the U.S.), employers generally cannot automatically disqualify you based solely on an arrest or even a conviction (if the nature of the crime is relevant to the job, however, they may lawfully base an adverse hiring decision on this). This is why applications that ask if you’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime usually have a disclaimer stating that a “yes” answer may not necessarily prevent you from being hired. Know your rights, and consult an attorney or make an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint if an employer unlawfully discriminates against you.
7. Be honest about your history. It can be tempting to lie when an application asks if you’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime. Avoid the temptation: not only is this dishonest, chances are the lie will be discovered. Most employers now conduct some sort of background check, and if they find that you have been dishonest on the application you will almost certainly not be hired. If you’ve already been hired and the lie is discovered later, you can be fired for it. In addition, lying on some applications (such as for military enlistment) is a criminal offense.
8. Know what to answer on applications. Some states and countries now prohibit employers from asking about certain offenses, offenses that are over a certain number of years old, or arrests that did not result in a conviction. Your research on employment laws should help you know what questions you have to answer. In addition, be sure to answer only the specific question that is asked. For example, if the application asks if you’ve been convicted of a crime, you don’t need to put down an arrest that did not result in a conviction. If a conviction has been sealed or expunged from your record, or if you pled guilty to an offense and completed a pre-trial diversion program (i.e. deferred adjudication) that resulted in no conviction, you may not need to report these either. Be aware, however, that when enlisting in the military or certain federal government positions, you must report all offenses, even those that have been expunged or sealed.
9. Explain your answer if asked about convictions or arrests. Job applications and interviewers will give you an opportunity to explain the circumstances behind the offense or alleged offense. Be sure to take this opportunity if giving more information about the offense may be helpful.
10. Try to get an offense sealed or expunged from your record. Ask your attorney, public defender, or parole / probation officer whether you may be able to get the offense removed from your record so that you can legally and ethically answer “no” to conviction questions.
11. Employ yourself. If you’re willing to work extra hard and you have marketable skills or abilities you may be able to make your own opportunities. You could start a yard maintenance business or provide contract IT services to companies, for example. You are limited only by your imagination. Think about what you’re good at and what you like doing, and go for it. You’ll probably need to have another job while you’re getting your business on its feet, but if your record has you stuck in dead-end jobs, you might as well take a chance.
12. Consider joining the military. Some people think that the military will take just about anyone, while some think that you can’t get in at all with a criminal record. In the U.S., they’re both wrong. The military is selective, but depending on the type and number of offenses and the length of time since an offense, you may be able to get a waiver that will allow you to enlist. If you don’t live in the U.S., your country’s military may have more or less stringent policies. Before you enlist, consider the potential dangers of joining the military, but also consider the benefits. The military can provide job training and instill discipline if you have trouble motivating yourself.

Video

Tips

• Do not get discouraged. You will find work eventually. And remember, when hunting for a job, batting average isn’t important. All you have to do is to find one decent job. If you get that job on the 51st try, the 50 previous rejections will not matter. Remember, also, that the person who won’t consider anything beyond your record probably isn’t a person you’d want to work for, anyway.
• One tactic that works surprisingly well–try to delay disclosing your offense until as far down the interviewing process as possible. For example, if you have a serious offense on your record, write “ask” or “will discuss in interview” on the job application. This way you won’t get automatically screened out. The more people have an opportunity to get to know you, the greater your chances that they will like you and will consider hiring you as a person rather than blocking you out based on some preconceived notion.
• Especially if you’ve been incarcerated, there is nothing more important than a positive attitude. If you focus on your resentment of the system and feel upset or cheated by the system, this will serve to “keep you down.” If, however, you focus on the future and decide that you really want to succeed in the outside world, you will find that you have a lot of opportunity to get free or reduced-cost education, training, and career services to help you on your way.
• Your parole officer (P.O.) may be a great person, or he or she may be a jerk. Remember that your P.O. can be a great resource in your job hunt, and even if he or she isn’t as helpful as you’d like, it’s still a whole lot easier to deal with the P.O. a few times a month than to deal with correctional officers around the clock.
• Your Criminal Defense Lawyer is also a good reference and a good person to network with. Often he or she will have friends who can help you with forcing doors to open for you. They can also be helpful with job and career advice. Use them.
• Build your resume and get good professional references. Work hard and conscientiously in just about any position, and you can build experience and references that will make your criminal record less important to future employers. If you have to take an undesirable job, try to keep it in perspective. Do well in whatever job you take, and get education and training to help you move on.
• One way to put yourself on target for a job worth winning is to search for job descriptions from specific jobs you feel qualified for, from organizations you would like to work for. Review the job descriptions for the activities and functions of the job. Then review your background against each activity and function individually: Specifically assess your education, training, and work experience related to the jobs needs as you see them. This will offer you a good start toward reviewing your skills and work strengths against a typical employers needs. And, you’ll be developing language worth using in your interviews.

Warnings

• Do not resort to illegal activities, no matter how dire your circumstances are. Work hard and take whatever job is available if you have to, but don’t risk getting sent back to prison.
• If you have recently been released from prison, your job hunt may be particularly difficult, but you cannot afford to get discouraged. One of the conditions of your parole will likely be that you find a job. What’s more, studies show that people who find full-time employment in the year after release from prison are far more likely to stay out of prison than those who remain unemployed.
• One of the saddest things in the world is seeing someone get sent back to prison on a TPV (Technical Parole Violation). The fact is that there are a lot of things that other people can do without raising an eyebrow that will get you sent back. It’s not fair, but it’s reality. So, don’t cut corners. Don’t even get close to violating your terms of parole or probation. You can’t get back to living like a normal human being when you’re dead.
• Unfortunately, some unscrupulous employers try to take advantage of people with a criminal record (particularly those on parole or probation). They know that you are likely to need a job more than most people, and that you may need to fulfill legal requirements. If an employer unfairly threatens to fire you or report you to your parole officer in order to get you to work for less money or to perform sexual favors, for example, you should report the behavior to your case supervisor.
• Lying to a military recruiter about your criminal history is a felony—don’t do it.

Related wikiHows

• How to Deal With Being in Prison
• How to Switch Careers
• How to Get a Job After You’ve Been Fired
• How to Write a Resume
• How to Help a Friend Who Gets Arrested in the Middle of the Night

Sources and Citations

• HIRE Network A great source of information and assistance for people with criminal records who are trying to re-enter the workforce
• Reentry Net An online library on the consequences of criminal convictions
• PrivacyRights.org Article on getting back into the workforce after incarceration
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Information on federal employment laws and how to file a discrimination complaint
• U.S. Army Article on joining the military with a criminal conviction
• http://www.ehow.com/how_5417025_job-record.html

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get a Job with a Criminal Record. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Continuing her “Knowing How” series on how to find work,  Lil Miss P drops wisdom about…

Continuing her “Knowing How” series on how to find work,  Lil Miss P deals with interviews and more particularly…

“How To Ace Any Interview”

One of the biggest things I do before everything major in my life, be it a first date to a major business meeting, is take a little time and think about how I want to handle that situation. When it’s something fun or personal, it could be remembering to put work behind me. For a major business meeting, however, it can be as elaborate as jotting down points I want to make to rehearsing what I want to say to prepare. You would be surprised at how much this helps. Not only do I go into situations more confident, but also, if things get a little sidetracked in a meeting it helps me stay focused. If you’re getting ready to interview for a job, take a business meeting, etc. here are the five best ways to prepare:

1.     Know your value. You can’t sell a product without knowing what it is and why people may want to have it, and the same goes for your skills. Before you head to your meeting or interview, be sure to take a little time and ask yourself “What do I bring to the table? What skills, experience, etc. do I have that makes me a fit for this position? Once you have this established, write it down into short, simple points. These are your “message points,” and by having them set in your mind will help you communicate them better.

2.     Be the part. Another strategy I’ve used that has worked is focusing on not just looking the part, but being it – in what I wear, how I style my hair, what I do, how I carry myself, etc. It doesn’t mean I’m not being myself by any means – I’m just pulling out the qualities and elements that I know can set me apart in business.  A good suit is of course a starting point but don’t forget the whole package. Take confidence in yourself and your work, remember to keep your presentation of yourself tight and pulled together from what you wear to how you walk into the room.

3.     Practice, Practice. No matter what  I do, I always practice and “pregame” before any big meeting or interview. Once I’ve got my message points about myself pulled together and know what I want to say or get across, I practice, practice, practice – in the car, in the mirror, as I’m on my way to the meeting location. If it’s a really big meeting, I’ll even talk it out with friends and/or business partners. It’s just another way to making sure I am confident, ready and prepared.

4.     Do research. I always, always make sure that I take a look at the companies I’m meeting with and even the executives, if I can, to ensure I’m well prepared and versed in who they are, what they offer, etc. It can be as simple as a quick Google search or just taking a good look at the company description in a job listing. Not only will it help you feel more confident, prepared and comfortable going into a meeting or interview, but an effort to get to know the company, etc. can also show your attention to detail and hard work – and impress prospective employers.

5.     Be prepared with a few questions. During your interview, it’s more than likely prospective employers, business associates, etc. will ask if you have any questions. This can be an awkward time because you might feel put on the spot, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s always a great opportunity to find out if the job, relationship, etc. is the right fit. To be prepared, think of a few questions you’d like to know before you go in. Great things to ask include “What would you consider the ideal candidate?” and “Is there opportunity for advancement?”

A little pregame and preparation can go a long way to make an impact no matter what you’re doing. When it comes to job hunting or work, it can help edge you above other candidates and help you get the gig.

Also in this series:

Identifying your talents

Well God’s at work. I have been planning a piece on how to find a job etc for a while and never got to it. Last weekend I get a message from Lil Miss P who wants to write stuff for this blog about jobs and careers, so I’d like to welcome her and thank her for stepping in.

This is the first in a series of columns that we’re going to call Knowing How

A good future is in you

I’m new here. I had a troubled life full of hurt and sadness that I know was very similar to a lot of people that visit this site. But that’s not what I’m going to write about today. That’s because like you, I wanted to move on and those days are behind me. I didn’t get to choose what I was born into or what the past I was given during my childhood but everyday I wake up and I choose what happens next. A long time ago, I vowed to do this and my life has never been the way since. A big part of how I was able to do this was having a vision of what I wanted to do and that didn’t come easily. When you’re not exposed to a lot of options growing up, it’s hard to know what option might be for you. The good news is that the number one clue to finding this is closer than you think. It’s in you.