Adjusting to life after serving time behind bars in Indiana can take time and patience. Getting a job is one way you can take back control of your life and start working toward your long-term goals.
Given your time away from the workforce, you may feel unsure of where to begin as you prepare to interview for jobs. Focusing on boosting your interview skills may improve your confidence and your chances of making a memorable first impression.
Know what to say
You may feel uncomfortable talking about your criminal record. That is not unusual. However, there are ways to discuss your past without unnecessarily incriminating yourself. Career Trend recommends having a personal copy of your record to verify its accuracy. Mistakes on your record could complicate your efforts to get a job. Prior to your interview, come up with answers to common questions about your past. Find creative ways to address your past while also highlighting the lessons you learned along the way.
After providing a satisfactory answer, you can transition into how your experiences have aided in your development of key characteristics. For example, you may have had opportunities to learn and use skills including problem-solving, conflict management and teamwork while incarcerated. These are all excellent skills that transition into the workplace as well.
Show enthusiasm
Going into your interview, exude confidence. Show your enthusiasm for getting a job. Pay particular attention to the way you dress and how you carry yourself. Greet the interviewers with professionalism Make eye contact and avoid interrupting. The way you present yourself says a great deal about your work ethic and integrity.
Contrary to what people would have you believe, getting a job after a criminal conviction is possible. Your proactive approach to achieving your goals can open countless opportunities for a better future.
