Interviewing For Ex-Offenders Use A Step-By Step Process To Build More Powerful Interview Answers 1

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Why’d You Commit The Crime… How Did You Get Into Trouble In The First Place? 1. Sample Answer Indicate the situation around the crime. “I was young, dumb, unemployed, and hanging around the wrong people.” Bring up only the last conviction. “I committed a burglary and received a 5 year sentence.” Indicate stupidity and accept responsibility. “I know it was a dumb thing to do, but I did it and I take full responsibility for my actions.” 2

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Why’d You Commit The Crime… How Did You Get Into Trouble In The First Place? 1. Sample Answer “I wake up regretting what I did every day and feel sorry for the grief I caused to the people who lived in the home.” Show remorse. “By committing the crime I lost my wife and kids, the trust of my family, my car, my home, and much of my self-respect.” State your losses. 3

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Why’d You Commit The Crime… How Did You Get Into Trouble In The First Place? 1. Sample Answer “If there’s any good from this situation it was that I had time to learn about myself. I gained a respect for other peoples’ rights. I learned how to follow directions and developed more self-control than I had before.” Talk about what you learned. “I guess the most important thing I learned is that you have to work hard for a decent living.” Focus on the most important thing you learned. 4

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Why’d You Commit The Crime… How Did You Get Into Trouble In The First Place? 1. Sample Answer “I made the best of my time and took classes in carpentry, electricity, plumbing, dry walling, and masonry so I’d be ready for the world of work when I left.” What did you do to improve yourself while in prison. “In fact, I was made the team leader of the crew that did most of the inside maintenance work.” Relate time in prison to work. 5

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Why’d You Commit The Crime… How Did You Get Into Trouble In The First Place? 1. Sample Answer “I know I’m going to have to earn my way back into society and I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to gain back peoples’ trust.” Indicated the need to earn your way back. “Please don’t hesitate asking questions about my prison experience. Even though it embarrasses me, you deserve to know as much about me as you want to know.” Indicate a willingness to talk about things but express embarrassment. 6

Common Reasons For Criminal Behavior Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Common Reasons For Criminal Behavior • Family: Family members who were the role models had been in trouble with the law. • Peer Pressure: People they hung around with “enticed” them into criminal activities. • School Problems: Not staying in school reduced job opportunities and forced them onto another path. • Loners: Since they had very few friends, they weren’t able to see that their behaviors weren’t acceptable. • Striking Back: Felt that society was “screwing them.” And crime was a way to strike back. 7

More Common Reasons For Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions More Common Reasons For Criminal Behavior • Excitement: Sometimes the thrill of being bad outweighs the fear of being caught. • Dumb As A Box Of Rocks: Little thought was given to the ramification of their actions. • Survival: There didn’t seem to be any other way to take care of themselves or their families than through crime. • Prestige: For some reason, some folks feel that committing a crime makes them “somebody.” 8

2. What’s It Like Being In Prison? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What’s It Like Being In Prison? 2. Sample Answer “I’m sure you realize that prison is meant for punishment and not someplace people want to be.” Indicate a lack of fun. I had to wake up at 5:30 each morning if I wanted to eat. I had to get ready for work. After that it was pretty much like any other job. We had to meet production and quality quotas, follow directions, and work as a team...or we’d be replaced. Relate your day in prison to the day in a person’s work life. 9

2. What’s It Like Being In Prison? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What’s It Like Being In Prison? 2. Sample Answer “After work I did what most folks do. I watched a little TV, listened to music, wrote letters, and took educational classes.” Talk about your leisure time. 10

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know You’re Going Straight...Will The Cops Be At My Front Door? 3. Sample Answer Show you understand the concern. “I can understand your concern. I’d be worried about that too.” “Aside from making a serious mistake, I’m not much different than your other employees.” Compare yourself to other workers. 11

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know You’re Going Straight...Will The Cops Be At My Front Door? 3. Sample Answer I’m sure that there have been times that you’ve hired someone who you thought would work out...and they didn’t or times you thought someone might not work out and they did just fine on the job. Point out there is no guarantee with any hire. 12

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know You’re Going Straight...Will The Cops Be At My Front Door? 3. Sample Answer If there’s any real difference between me and your other employees, it’s that I know what’s waiting for me if I don’t change my life. I have to be reliable, do quality work, and work harder to keep my job or I’ll pay a higher price for losing the job than anyone else. I don’t ever want to return to prison or hurt my family again.” Specify your need to do a good job. 13

The Confidentiality Approach Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender? 4. Sample Answer The Confidentiality Approach One tactic is to try to keep the information hidden from everyone, except those who need to know, for as long as you can. The problem with this approach is that you’ll have to isolate yourself from the rest of the workers. This might not do you much good and the other workers might see you as “standoffish” or “stuck up.” The boss might also hire someone who knows the scoop on you. “I guess I don’t see why anyone, other than the people who need to know, have to find out about my history…” Request confidentiality. 14

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know You’re Going Straight...Will The Cops Be At My Front Door? 4. Sample Answer Get interviewer to commit. “...do you?” I plan on keeping the work I do and my social and personal life completely apart. Show separation of job and your social life. This way I don’t think the problem should ever arise. Negate idea of a problem. 15

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know You’re Going Straight...Will The Cops Be At My Front Door? 4. Sample Answer Show preparation in case it does come up. But, I figure that if I do a good job, put in more than my fair share of effort, help others, keep my mouth shut and ears open, I’ll be accepted by the other workers... even if they do find out.” 16

4. What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender? 4. Sample Answer 2. Hard Work Breeds Acceptance Approach Another tactic is to assume that sooner or later someone is going to find out. So, you try to do good work and develop good working relationships. Even though we can’t determine how each coworker and supervisor will initially react, we do know that if you do good work and get along with your coworkers, you’ll be accepted...sooner or later. Show you understand the problem. “I understand why you think this might be a problem and…” 17

4. What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender? 4. Sample Answer State knowledge of need for time. “...I know that it will take time to build trust and friendship.” “I’m also convinced that doing good work and helping people in their jobs is one of the best ways to get people to like you...even if you’ve made a mistake.” Stress relationship between good work and friendships. “One thing you’ll get from me is a person who’s trying to do their best just to be accepted.” Stress hard work. 18

4. What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Will My Employees (Customers) Think If I Hire An Ex-offender? 4. Sample Answer 3. Learning Experience Approach A third tactic is to use the approach that your being hired will turn into a learning experience for all involved. We already know that people like to find out about the other side of life, so we try to use that as a way to answer the question about what the other workers will think. State you understand the problem. “I can understand your worry about how other people will accept me and I’d worry about it if I were in your shoes.” 19

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know You’re Going Straight...Will The Cops Be At My Front Door? 5. Sample Answer “But, I almost consider this an opportunity for everyone to learn about the ‘evils’ of crime and the price you have to pay for being on the other side of the law.” Turn into learning experience. “On the other hand, I know that I’ll be able to learn about the company and job from them.” Show what you’ll learn. 20

5. Do You Think You’ve Rehabilitated Yourself? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Do You Think You’ve Rehabilitated Yourself? 5. Sample Answer Give an emphatic “Yes.” “Yes, there’s no doubt about it.” “I did an actual financial profit and loss analysis of my life and found that crime just wasn’t profitable. I also made a list of things I gained in prison and what I lost...and the personal losses are almost too much to bear now. I also got involved with a ministry that helped me see that I needed to change my life and make amends for what I did.” List 2-4 things you did to make the decision that a criminal lifestyle is no longer for you. 21

Common Gains and Losses From A Felony Conviction Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Common Gains and Losses From A Felony Conviction Gains • Improved education which will help in your job • A healthy respect for authority and rules • A genuine respect for other people’s rights • A better understanding of why you do things • Increased ability to get along in tight situations • More patience handling problems • Job-related skills training • Counseling that helped you change your behavior • A desire to do what’s right so you don’t return • Improved self-discipline • Renewed respect for the value of hard work 22

Common Gains and Losses From A Felony Conviction Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Common Gains and Losses From A Felony Conviction Losses • Access to, and respect from, your children • Trust from your family and friends • Your own personal dignity and self-respect • Freedom to control your own life • Personal property (car, home, etc.) • Time you could have been advancing your career • Money you could have made working • Opportunity to enter certain types of careers • Ability to travel anywhere you want • Right to enter the job market on your own terms • Network of friends who could help you find work 23

What other gains and losses can you think of? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What other gains and losses can you think of? 24

6. What Did You Learn From Being In Prison? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Did You Learn From Being In Prison? 6. Sample Answer Use prison as a learning experience. “I wouldn’t recommend prison as the best place to learn a lesson, but I did.” “On the positive side I was able to improve my education. I developed a healthy respect for authority and rules, renewed my respect for hard work, and developed a desire do what’s right so I don’t return.” Define 2-4 of gains from your time in prison. 25

6. What Did You Learn From Being In Prison? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Did You Learn From Being In Prison? 6. Sample Answer “On the downside, I lost access to my kids, the freedom to control my own life, the right to enter the labor market on my own terms, and a network of good and caring friends.” Define 2-4 of loses from your time in prison. “I’m 180º different than I was just a few years ago and I want to prove my value to any employer willing to give me an opportunity to restart my employment life.” State how you’re different and let them know you want to work. 26

7. Will I Have To Worry About Your Prison Friends Showing Up? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Will I Have To Worry About Your Prison Friends Showing Up? 7. Sample Answer An Emphatic “NO.” “No!, not a chance, never.” “Aside from the fact that I don’t want any link with my past, my probation doesn’t allow it. I’ve not talked with anyone from that past and I certainly don’t want any of those folks knowing where I live at or where I work.” Define 2-4 reasons why this won’t happen. 27

The Risk Comparison Approach Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Risk Comparison Approach This tactic has you questioning the employer about the risk they take hiring any worker. “I realize that I’ve lost the right to ask people to trust me because of my past and that I might be seen as a risk…” Show your understanding of the employer’s concern. Compare yourself to other workers. “...but doesn’t every employer take some risk whenever they hire anyone?” 28

The Risk Comparison Approach Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Risk Comparison Approach This tactic has you questioning the employer about the risk they take hiring any worker. Question about different indicators of trust and link the trust factors to the job. “Have you ever hired anyone who didn’t have a conviction and found out later that you couldn’t trust them to come back from breaks on time, you couldn’t trust them to keep their word, or you were afraid to trust them to get the job done right... and on time?” 29

The Risk Comparison Approach Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Risk Comparison Approach This tactic has you questioning the employer about the risk they take hiring any worker. Point out the ramifications of being an ex-offender in the labor market. “Unlike your other employees, if anything turns up missing I know that I’ll be the first person you look at. If I’m even accused of a crime my probation might be revoked and I understand that you can terminate me at any time... without cause.” 30

The Risk Comparison Approach Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Risk Comparison Approach This tactic has you questioning the employer about the risk they take hiring any worker. “I know it’s going to take some time to rebuild my “trust quotient,” but I’m willing to do everything possible to do that.” Stress your desire to prove your trustability. Give them something tangible as a way to begin building trust. “If you have an honesty test, polygraph test, or a drug test, I’m willing to take them right now.” 31

The Risk Comparison Approach Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Risk Comparison Approach This tactic has you questioning the employer about the risk they take hiring any worker. Find out if the past eliminates you? “Is my past going to knock me out of the running?” 32

Rebuilding Trust Requires... Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Rebuilding Trust Requires... keeping your word. not using company equipment for personal use. not stealing company time at breaks and when clocking in or out. not lying about reasons for not showing up for work. not taking anything that’s not yours. 33

8. How Do I Know I Can Trust You? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Example Approach This method requires a listing of activities and situations where you have exhibited a level of “trustability” from your life, work, or educational experiences? Stress that your penalty for the crime continues after leaving prison. “I’m beginning to understand that a big part of the penalty for what I did is having to deal with the trust issue…” 34

8. How Do I Know I Can Trust You? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Example Approach This method requires a listing of activities and situations where you have exhibited a level of “trustability” from your life, work, or educational experiences? “...but I think I have a few examples that will show you that I’m slowly rebuilding peoples’ trust in me and my work.” Let them know you can give reasons for trusting you. 35

8. How Do I Know I Can Trust You? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Example Approach This method requires a listing of activities and situations where you have exhibited a level of “trustability” from your life, work, or educational experiences? “My biggest critic, my ex-wife, has began letting me spend time with my kids because of the changes she sees in my life.” Give one example of when someone has trusted you. 36

8. How Do I Know I Can Trust You? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Example Approach This method requires a listing of activities and situations where you have exhibited a level of “trustability” from your life, work, or educational experiences? “Another instance is that my Sociology instructor has asked me to help him grade test papers for the class.” Give another example of when someone has trusted you. 37

8. How Do I Know I Can Trust You? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Example Approach This method requires a listing of activities and situations where you have exhibited a level of “trustability” from your life, work, or educational experiences? “I think the biggest indicator that I’m now a trustworthy person is that I’m responsible for counting the collection money at my church and then depositing it.” Point out your most powerful indicator of trust. 38

8. How Do I Know I Can Trust You? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions How Do I Know I Can Trust You? 8. Sample Answer The Example Approach This method requires a listing of activities and situations where you have exhibited a level of “trustability” from your life, work, or educational experiences? “I don’t know how else to prove that I’ve changed my life and have become someone you can trust. Is there anything else I can do to convince you that I’m a trustworthy person now?” Give the question back to the interviewer. 39

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Do You Have To Make Restitution...are Your Wages Going To Be Garnished? 9. Sample Answer The tactic here is to show that your situation won’t steal time from employers, cause them undue hardships, or affect your ability to be a reliable employee. “I’m responsible for paying $57.56 / week.” Specify the amount you owe. 40

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Do You Have To Make Restitution...are Your Wages Going To Be Garnished? 9. Sample Answer “I have what little paperwork that’s needed ready to go for your payroll people so they don’t need to do much except for entering me into the computer as a new employee.” Show preparation and concern about time use by the employer. Counter any concern that this will cause a problem getting to work. “I’ve budgeted the restitution amount so it won’t affect my ability to get to the job or do the job.” 41

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Do You Have Any Working Restrictions (Shift, Job Function Limitations, Travel Restrictions)? 10. Sample Answer In order to answer this question, you should have done some research on the demands of the job and talk this question over with your P.O. You need to see how much support he or she will give you, should your job demands change. “No! From our conversation so far, I have absolutely no restrictions that would affect my ability to be a reliable worker and on the job every day.” Start with a vehement no. “If my shift changes, or I have to travel, I’ll clear it with my Probation Officer. He’s really supportive when it comes to my employment.” Bring up a supportive P.O., should the job demands change. 42

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions I See That Your Conviction Was For A Violent Crime. How Will You Handle Supervision And Being Critiqued For Your Work? 11. Sample Answer “That situation was a one-time situation (or if you’ve had multiple problems with violence...‘That was a bad part of my life that’s been eliminated and a long time in my past).” Make it a one-of-a time instance or put it in your past. “I successfully completed anger management, attend counseling, I’m continuing with a reentry support group and have eliminated the factors that caused that behavior.” Define the actions you’ve taken to ensure that this behavior is stifled. 43

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions I See That Your Conviction Was For A Violent Crime. How Will You Handle Supervision And Being Critiqued For Your Work? 11. Sample Answer “One example of my handling supervision and critique was when I worked on the food service line... serving hundreds of meals in a really fast paced environment. I had to follow instructions from the cooks and kitchen supervisor and never once had a problem with my boss or coworkers.” Give an example of when you’ve been supervised or critiqued without blowing up. 44

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions I See That Your Conviction Was For A Violent Crime. How Will You Handle Supervision And Being Critiqued For Your Work? 11. Sample Answer “In my math classes, I had to be open to instructive criticism. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t learn anything and wouldn’t have passed the class.” Give another example of when you’ve been supervised or critiqued without blowing up. “I came to terms early with the fact that I would be tightly supervised and critiqued in prison, so coping with directions and critique are nothing new. I was never written up for anything violent in the 4 years I spent.” Give another example of when you’ve been supervised or critiqued without blowing up. 45

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions I See That Your Conviction Was For A Violent Crime. How Will You Handle Supervision And Being Critiqued For Your Work? 11. Sample Answer “Is there anything else you’d like to know and can you let me know if I’m still in the running for the job?” Check your standing with the interviewer. 46

12. Are You Bondable (This Is An Easy One)? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Are You Bondable (This Is An Easy One)? 12. Sample Answer “Yes I am. In fact there’s a Federal Bonding Program that protects you against economic loss, reduces your risk of hiring me, and costs you nothing. Would you like to know more about the program?” An adamant “yes” is in order and find out if they want to know more. 47

13. Will I Have To Worry About Your P.o. Showing Up All The Time? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions 13. Will I Have To Worry About Your P.o. Showing Up All The Time? Sample Answer A forceful “no” is the only answer. “No!” Once they confirm that I’m working here and what my hours are they might show up once to confirm what I’ve told them. They have so many people on their case load that most of their time is spent in the office and someone like me isn’t a very high priority.” Give a rationale for your answer. 48

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions You Were Convicted Of A Drug & Alcohol Charge. How Do I Know You’ve Kicked Your Habit And Can You Pass A Drug/alcohol Test...right Now? 14. Sample Answer An immediate “yes” is your answer. “Yes. I’m willing to take it right now…” “...and I won’t have any trouble with random drug tests once I start working here.” Project into the future. 49

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions You Were Convicted Of A Drug & Alcohol Charge. How Do I Know You’ve Kicked Your Habit And Can You Pass A Drug/alcohol Test...right Now? 14. Sample Answer I’ve been clean and sober for over 3 years and can’t even envision my going back to that type of destructive lifestyle. Put drug/alcohol use in your past. I’ve joined a church self-help group, attend A.A,, do volunteer work, attend G.E.D. classes, and I’m tested regularly by my P.O.” Describe what you’ve done to counter your drug/alcohol problem. 50

15. Are You Willing To Start At The Bottom? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions 15. Are You Willing To Start At The Bottom? Sample Answer “You can’t get any lower than being in prison so anything from that point looks good to me.” Compare where you came from to where you are. Indicate your understanding that you need to earn your way back. “I realize that I’m going to have to pay some dues to restart a career and that I need to do a great job to be considered for advancement.” 51

15. Are You Willing To Start At The Bottom? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions 15. Are You Willing To Start At The Bottom? Sample Answer “I’m willing to take on jobs that some folks might not like or work undesirable shifts to prove that I’m a good worker.” Show your flexibility and willingness to solve employer problems. “But, I’m not planning on being at the bottom forever. What is the next job up from this one and what skills and education level are needed for advancement?” Show ambition and ask about upward mobility. 52

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Is Your Current Living And Transportation Situation?(Work Release, Living With Wife/husband/friend)? 16. Sample Answer Are you reliable? Can you be counted on to show up? Can you cover when someone else doesn’t show up? Attendance and punctuality are still two of the most important concerns of most employers. Let the employer off the hook. Show you understand them. “I guess what you’re really asking is if I’m going to be reliable and get to work every day.” 53

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions What Is Your Current Living And Transportation Situation?(Work Release, Living With Wife/husband/friend)? 16. Sample Answer Eliminate the employer’s fear. “I have stable housing, a phone, and reliable transportation; so you can count on me being here when I’m needed? Offer more. “I’m also available for overtime. I want as many hours as I can get.” 54

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Are You Able To Acquire Needed Licenses (Driving, Professional Certifications, Etc.)? 17. Sample Answer Show that you’re ready to work. “I already have all of the necessary licenses and certifications to do the job. The only thing I’ll need is an employee I.D. and whatever paperwork you need to collect from me.” Act like you’re going to be hired. 55

Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Have You Ever Been Arrested? (this is probably an illegal question in your state, but how you handle it can put you in either a positive or negative light.) 18. Sample Answer Option #1 “I don’t know if you realize it, but asking about arrests is an illegal interview question.” Point out it’s an illegal question. Option #2 “Yes, I was arrested for drug possession but I was never convicted. That arrest scared me straight and made me realize that I had to stop acting like a dumb kid and take on adult responsibilities.” Be truthful, put it in your past, and stress what you learned from the experience. 56

19. Are There Any Incentives For Hiring An Ex-offender? Sample Answer Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Are There Any Incentives For Hiring An Ex-offender? 19. Sample Answer “There sure is. I’m a money maker for you...based on the amount of hours I get to work and the number of tax credit categories I fit into. Would you like to know more about the Work Opportunities Tax Credit for employers hiring ex-offenders, how simple is to have the Workforce Development Board sign you up, and how big of a tax break you’ll receive?” Let the interviewer know that there are financial incentives. 57

20. Why Should I Hire You Over Someone Who Didn’t Commit A Crime? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Why Should I Hire You Over Someone Who Didn’t Commit A Crime? 20. Sample Answer “I’d like to think that you’re a fair-minded person who is looking to hire people who would be the best fit for your company and give you the best return on your hiring investment? I think I’m the best candidate for 5 reasons.” 1.____________________________________ 2.____________________________________ 3.____________________________________ 4.____________________________________ 5.____________________________________ Use the “fair minded” card and make the conversation about skills, abilities, and your willingness to be a loyal and hard worker. 58

20. Why Should I Hire You Over Someone Who Didn’t Commit A Crime? Steps To Building Comprehensive Answers To Tough Ex-Offender Interview Questions Why Should I Hire You Over Someone Who Didn’t Commit A Crime? 20. Sample Answer Bring up incentives if it feels right. “I’m also one of the few candidates that can offer tax incentives for hiring me.” “I hope my reasons keep me in contention for the job. Do they?” See if you’re still being considered. 59