- 1. Create a strong resume
- 2. Pursue education and certification
- 3. Be persistent
- 4. Leverage available resources
- 5. Seek out second-chance employers
- 6. Network for support
- 7. Prepare for tough conversations
- Sample Resumes for Returning Citizens
- Frequently Asked Questions: Building a Career After Incarceration
- More Resources
Reentering the workforce after incarceration can feel overwhelming—but it is absolutely possible to build a stable, meaningful career with the right approach. Many returning citizens face gaps in employment, limited professional networks, and uncertainty about how to address their past during the job search. This guide is designed to help.
In this article, you’ll find practical strategies for rebuilding your career after incarceration, including resume guidance, education and certification options, interview preparation tips, and real-world resume examples. Whether you’re seeking your first job after release or working toward long-term career growth, these steps can help you move forward with confidence, honesty, and purpose.
1. Create a strong resume
Honesty is crucial when creating your resume, but you can present your experience in ways that highlight skills, growth, and reliability. Use the combination resume format to feature your relevant transferable skills at the top of the document.
You don’t need to label time spent incarcerated on your resume, but you should never falsify dates, credentials, or experience. If gaps appear, prepare a truthful and professional explanation for interviews.
2. Pursue education and certification
Furthering your education or earning certificates can boost your skills and employability. It can also help you fill or offset any gaps in your work history.
Consider applying for scholarships for formerly incarcerated individuals.
3. Be persistent
Rejection is a normal part of this process, no matter your background. Keep applying and learning from each experience. Clarify the role you want and are qualified for, and focus on those job postings or opportunities. As career expert Richard N. Bolles pointed out, “Persistence is the essence of a successful job hunt, and persistence becomes your middle name, once you’ve identified a prize worth fighting for.”
4. Leverage available resources
Many communities have organizations dedicated to supporting reentry. These groups can provide job training, resume assistance, interview coaching, and sometimes direct job placement. Mentor programs can provide guidance and encouragement from people who have faced similar challenges. You may also find valuable support through national organizations like America Works or the National H.I.R.E. Network.
5. Seek out second-chance employers
Some companies actively recruit and support returning citizens. Research local businesses with inclusive hiring practices.
6. Network for support
Attend job fairs, join community groups, and try using LinkedIn to ask for introductions to potential employers. Also, think about who might serve as a professional or personal reference for you, since references can make a big difference for returning citizens.
7. Prepare for tough conversations
Be ready to discuss your background honestly during a job interview, but focus on what you’ve learned and how you’ve changed. Practice answers to common interview questions, and emphasize your readiness and commitment to a new path.
Sample Resumes for Returning Citizens
Below are examples of resumes for job seekers reentering the workforce after incarceration. These templates demonstrate how to showcase transferable skills and training.
Avery Harris
Dublin, OH | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | LinkedIn
Key Skills
- Basic carpentry and assembly
- Construction site safety and tool handling
- Efficiency improvement
- Inventory management
- Team collaboration
- Time management
Work Experience
Production Assistant, XYZ Manufacturing, June 2023 to July 2024, Columbus, OH
- Helped assemble products on the line, maintaining quality and safety standards
- Managed tools and materials inventory, ensuring supplies were available for daily tasks
- Collaborated with team members to meet production deadlines
Professional Development
10-Hour Safety Training, OSHA, May 2023
Volunteer Experience
Community Kitchen Volunteer, January 2023 to May 2023, Columbus, OH
- Prepared and served meals for local residents
- Organized food donations and supplies
- Developed strong customer service skills
Frequently Asked Questions: Building a Career After Incarceration
Laws around disclosure vary by location and employer. When in doubt, consider speaking with a legal aid clinic or reentry counselor before submitting applications.
Some states and cities have “Ban the Box” laws that remove the question about convictions from initial applications. Research local rules to know what you are required to disclose to a potential employer.
Be honest but brief. Emphasize any skills, education, or experience you gained during incarceration. For example, you might mention how you completed your GED and participated in a vocational training program that improved your teamwork skills.
More Resources
- Career Planning for People with a Criminal Conviction
- Jails to Jobs – A how-to guide to becoming employed
- Jobs For Felons – Real Jobs That You Can Get!
- Justice-Impacted | CareerOneStop
- Reentry and Employment Resources for Justice-Involved Individuals – Library of Congress
- The Redemption Project — Connecting Inmates to Mentor/Employers
Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.