Felony Toughens Job Search
Q: I’ve had an excellent career spanning more than 14 years in information technology, but about 18 months ago, I made a mistake that put a smudge on that career. I was in my most recent job for five years. The first four were very productive and I received excellent performance appraisals, salary increases and a promotion. In my fifth year, I reported to a new manager. We did not share a compatible management philosophy or style. I now realize he was trying to force me out to bring in his own team.
After leaving the company, I dialed into their system and deleted a number of files I had created. I also posted several messages on the Internet asking persons to call or e-mail the manager. I was caught, prosecuted and pleaded guilty to a felony charge (unauthorized access). I received a one-year probation.
I wrote the manager of the company apologizing for my actions. I also voluntarily went through counseling. My resume is well-prepared; I have excellent communication and interview skills; a good work history and great references; and a wealth of experience in all areas of information technology. I used every way available to find a job and I have been up-front about my situation, but most employers backed off. Then I changed my tactics and waited to explain my record until being offered a job. In all instances, the companies rescinded their offers.
I am thinking of running a large ad in the local newspaper and posting my resume on the Internet as John Doe, explaining my situation; the second action is to “shotgun” my resume to hundreds of companies with the same message.
A: Getting a job with a felony on your record is always more difficult. Rather than resorting to a “shotgun” approach, you need to network daily and increase meaningful contacts.
“Even one person who believes in you can make all the difference by prequalifying their key contacts who would be receptive to overlooking your conviction and giving you a second chance,” says Melissa Giovagnoli, co-author of “Networlding: Building Relationships and Opportunities for Success,” (Jossey-Bass 2000 $25.95).
Don’t broadcast your resume with the ex-offender explanation. That information is private and listing yourself as John Doe won’t cover you when someone recalls your background and matches it to the resume on the Internet. Emphasize your experience to get the interviews as you’ve been doing and be patient. A company willing to give you a second chance is going to want the felony conviction to be kept under wraps. Your best bet may be at a smaller company that doesn’t have rigid hiring policies. One incident should not overshadow your many years of excellent work experience.
Experience without education may limit salary potential
Q: I have worked for a large company for three years. I started in an entry-level job at $18,500 a year and now make $42,000 as part of management. The only education I have is a GED. The problem is that my company is downsizing. My resume focuses on my current position and all the process improvements I’ve made, but I’m afraid my salary and lack of education will scare employers away. How will I explain my strengths to justify my salary to other companies?
A: You’ve experienced an unusual increase over the past three years, so you may have to give up some of the salary in a new position. Just as you focus on your accomplishments in your resume, let them speak for themselves when you interview. Companies may overlook the missing section on education in your resume, but if they require college degrees regardless of experience, you may have to start at a lower level again.