Where to Look for Jobs
One of the first things you’ll want to do when you’re released is look for employment so you can support yourself. Today, a lot of people search for jobs online. There are many great free resources, so be wary if a website requires you to pay or register in order to look for jobs.
Randstand
Randstand is a national website that allows you to search for jobs in a broad range of areas, including manufacturing, healthcare, IT, sales, office administration, accounting and finance, and more. The website enables you to search by state. Randstad also has an app that you can download on a smart phone for free. The website also includes career resources on how to write a resume and cover letter, and sample interview questions to help you practice.
This resource is not specifically for formerly incarcerated people, but is a great, reputable website. However, because it is not just for formerly incarcerated people, not all employers on the site may be willing to hire formerly incarcerated people.
Manpower is a national website that allows you to search for jobs by zip code. They primarily post jobs related manual labor and administrative or secretarial work. Once you make a free account with your email, you can either upload your resume or write your previous work experiences directly into an online form. This will allow you to apply for jobs on the website and quickly apply for multiple jobs at a time that you see on the site by clicking an “apply” button.
However, because this resource is not just for formerly incarcerated people, not all employers on the site may be willing to hire formerly incarcerated people.
St. Louis University Transformative Workforce Academy
The Saint Louis University Transformative Workforce Academy runs a job searching website specifically for formerly incarcerated people living in the St Louis area. To use the website tool, you need to make an account with an email address. You have the option of uploading your resume, as well. Once you make an account, you can view jobs that are open to formerly incarcerated people, primarily in restaurants, manufacturing, and construction. The website automatically lists available jobs, but there is also a search function if you are looking for a job in a specific field. The site lists the pay, contact information, and basic job responsibilities for each job. In order to apply, simply click the “apply” button next to the job listing. Then, employers will be sent your contact information and resume and will be alerted that you are formerly incarcerated and applying via the Transformative Workforce Academy website.
Indeed is an online free resource that includes job-search information from thousands of available websites, job listing boards, staffing companies, and company listings. It also provides information about constructing resumes and applying for jobs, including an “Essential Job Search Guide” which is full of tips and advice for job-seekers.
However, because this resource is not just for formerly incarcerated people, not all employers on the site may be willing to hire formerly incarcerated people.
Craigslist is a great website to search for jobs. You can also search for apartments, furniture, cars, and more. At the very top of the website, there are three buttons you should click: the first is the location (e.g. “St. Louis”), the second is the category that you are searching for (e.g. “jobs”), and the third is a sub-category within the main category (e.g. “customer service” or “security”). You can also click on the left-hand side of the website to indicate whether you are looking for full-time, part-time, or contract work. Each job description will give you information on how to contact the employer. Anyone can post on the website, so you should be wary of scams, and always double-check if an offer seems too good to be true.
Additionally, because this resource is not just for formerly incarcerated people, not all employers on the site may be willing to hire formerly incarcerated people.
Personal connections and word of mouth
Another great way to look for jobs is through word of mouth. Reach out to family members, friends, or ask your case manager or parole officer for suggestions on jobs they might know of.