Fresh Start!
This workshop will help jobseekers develop
effective responses to both typical and
difficult job interview questions; project a
professional image that always makes a
good first impression; speak more
confidently about themselves and about
their past.
Labels
Discussion:
Perceptions, judgements, and attitudes.
How the “public” view ex-offenders.
SKILLS
“Who am I What am I”
Handout
List your attributes/natural abilities
List skills
Explaining Your Conviction
Application – Under the felony section
write “I will explain my conviction in a
personal interview.”
Write it out – state the facts, take
responsibility for your actions, and
emphasize desire to make a Fresh Start
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…
1.) Introduction Statement:
Thanks for the opportunity to explain:
 I am not proud of what I did
 I am nervous talking about it, but I want to
be honest.
 I am glad you asked, because I want to be
up front.
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…
2.) Take accountability!
What is accountability?
 I was young and made a mistake.
 I made a poor choice.
 I made a mistake.
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…
3.) Conviction: Talk about it
 I got into an altercation where someone got hurt
and I was wrong.
 I took something that did not belong to me and I
was wrong.
 I was somewhere I should not have been and I
was wrong.
Note: Don’t use hostile words (assault, armed
robbery, terrorist threats)
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…
4.) Learn: What did you learn?
(Talk about what they learned while incarcerated)
During my rehabilitation I:
 Attended AA/NA
 Used my time wisely to…
 Got my GED
 Worked as a janitor, on the yard crew, as a clerk etc
 Took a vocational education class.
Explaining Your Conviction Cont’d…
5.) Here and now:
(Talk about what you are doing positively, now)
I am here today to bring my skills…
1-Minute Commercial
Conviction Explanation Example #1:
“I am glad you asked me, because I want to be
up front with you. When I was younger I got involved
with some people who were transporting drugs. I
made some bad decisions in the past. During my
incarceration I was chosen to work in the optical
department where I got my certificate and I found I
really enjoyed it. Now I am ready to get to work and
prove that I can do a good job. That’s why I am
applying with you. In fact, you qualify for the Work
Opportunity Tax Credit and you may receive
subsidized wages.” List skills & attributes
Conviction Explanation Example #2:
“I’m a little nervous talking about it, but, I
want to be honest with you. Three years ago I was
involved in an altercation in which the person was
hurt. I am sorry it happened and I am paying
restitution for it. While I was incarcerated, I
attended anger management, took an education
course to get my GED and worked as a clerk. I am
a hard worker and have skills in (list skills) In fact,
you may qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit
and you can receive subsidized wages.”
 Complete Explanation Exercises
More Interview Tips
Grooming
Attire for an Interview
Body Language
Researching Companies
Follow up with a Thank You Letter
Available/Additional Resources
 Expunging criminal records
Handout
 Limited experience: Draw from skills you gained
from classes, volunteering, extracurricular
activities, internships, and other experiences to
highlight skills identified in the job posting.
Available/Additional Resources Cont’d...
 Criminal record: Include work experience you
had while incarcerated to close employment gaps.
Highlight any experience or training you received
that's related to your career goal. A functional
resume style may work best.
 Gaps in Employment: Highlight your
qualifications in the top portion of your resume
and de-emphasize employment dates.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Comments?
Career Counselor
(559) 713-5001
www.employmentconnect.org