Yes, there are pretty substantial tax breaks for hiring ex-cons. The catch is that the tax breaks go up the longer the person is employed, and most ex-cons are not known for their work ethic and reliability. The one time we tried (a one-time, non-violent offender), he did not last enough hours for us to qualify for any tax breaks. We would never even consider someone with violent or multiple offenses/arrests. We employ manual laborers, but there is still exposure to clients. I would think the best shot would be something with minimal exposure to customers. Maybe overnight grocery stocking? He also needs to show consistency and longevity in employment, so he should stick with his current employer and do a great job, even if he finds additional work to supplement. And not getting arrested again would help to show that he has moved past those mistakes and turned over a new leaf. THe PP's advice to seek specific career counseling and job training is also good. Maybe there are some mentorship/supervisory type programs that could help him out and would also know which companies try to utilize the tax credits.

I think it's entirely possible that he's applying for jobs and no one is calling him back. On paper, a criminal history doesn't help get your foot in the door.

Sorry OP but I know several recent college grads with no criminal history who can't even get jobs waiting tables - its a tough job market. He is going to need to look for groups that help place excons in manual labor jobs (janitors, landscaping, construction)

There are places that don't ask for background checks. If he hunts around online for excon forums in his area you may find shared lists of who is hiring. Construction crews might be a good option

Are the crimes violent?
Then yes, he will have a hard time. Maybe he can eventually get more hours through the people who hired him to clean the laundromats?

What kinds of jobs is he applying for?

Anonymous wrote:Defense attorney here. Curious about the current restraining order. Does that mean he has a criminal case pending?

OP Here.

Our mother has one on his because she doesn't want him seeing his four yr old daughter she has adopted.

The protective order is for his daughter.

He got his GED in prison.

No college or skills.

I think with his criminal record it will be very very hard for him to find a better job than he has now unless he has some very rare and specialized skill. Sorry, but many ex-offenders have a hard time finding work; this is a national problem.

We know nothing about him. Does he have a GED? High school diploma? Went to college? Has he ever worked before, besides cleaning landromats? If so, what?

Defense attorney here. Curious about the current restraining order. Does that mean he has a criminal case pending?

Anonymous wrote:I can't I imagine why anyone would hire someone with a record like that when there are non-criminals willing to accept the job.

IF the economy were in better shape OP, he would probably stand a better chance at getting called for interviews.

But it's slim pickings out there and jobs are hard to come by despite the news saying today that the unemployment rate has dropped to seven percent something.

His best bet is to find a resource out there that specifically works with ex-convicts to help them re-enter the job force. Perhaps he can get help writing a resume, interviewing tips, and even job leads, etc.

Has he considered going back to school?
If he doesn't have his GED, I strongly suggest he obtains it ASAP. While in prison, he must have had a lot of free time and the opportunity to finish H.S. While it may not bode well that he graduated from prison, it at least shows he was willing to make a positive change in his life which may at least make a good impression on any potential employer out there.
Also, I am not sure if he qualifies for a Pell Grant from the Federal Govt. due to his rap sheet, but if possible tell him to apply for his FAFSA and possibly go to a Community college and either obtain a vocational certificate or his Associate's Degree.

It will be a very tough road, but with perseverance and determination, he should be just fine.......

Unfortunately he could be very truthful in saying that he is getting no calls back. Frankly a lot of us aren't getting calls back for jobs and don't have any criminal records to speak of. I believe there are certain companies that are friendlier to people with prior convictions, but I agree with PPs that his best bet is to find a group/org that assists ex-cons in finding jobs. Best of luck to him.

Sorry OP but he will have a very, very hard time finding a job. I don't know where you live, but DC had a program to help ex-convicts find jobs - mostly because certain neighborhoods would be flooded with ex-convicts coming back home with no prospect of a job.

Maybe there a particular industries that are more lenient to hiring? But he may want to check into programs specifically that help ex-convicts re-enter the workforce.

I can't I imagine why anyone would hire someone with a record like that when there are non-criminals willing to accept the job.

My brother has been out of prison for 2.5 yrs. He has two felony convictions and many arrests as well as a current restraining order on him. However he is not on probation or parole.

He is having a hard time getting a job. A real hard time. I heard employers get tax breaks for hiring ex-convicts....is that true?
Also, he complains and complains that he applies for jobs and never gets calls back. I sometimes have a hard time believing he is trying hard enough. He currently cleans laundromats at night, but is only clocking in ten hrs a week. He also gets Food Stamps.

Do you think he is just making excuses or is it possible for him to secure employment....is he just not trying hard enough?

TIA.