Trying to find a job with a criminal record is no easy feat, particularly if you have been in prison. However, there are some ways to overcome this.

Leaving prison wanting to go straight and hold down a job is an admirable thing. Everyone deserves a second chance; you’ve done your time and just want to get on with your life. However, not everyone sees things like that and when you apply for jobs, you find yourself automatically turned down, even though you are sure you have the correct qualifications. Here are some tips to ensure that you do manage to find work after leaving prison.

While still in prison

Provided that your sentence is not just a month or two, there are plenty of opportunities while still in prison to hone your skills. If your sentence is long-term, you may want to study something that interests you and you think you can use in the community. There are many long distance courses that you can do, or there may be classes within the prison that you can attend. Ask staff, who should be able to point you in the right direction, or check notice boards for news.

There are usually a number of options for jobs within prison. You won’t get paid much, if at all, but you will gain experience and hopefully some training, which will stand you in good stead for the outside world. Some prisons have work-shops and laundries, most have kitchens, which should enable you to find something that you enjoy, although you may have to fight for your place initially, depending on how many places there are, and how much interest.

You should also look out for other types of jobs. A number of prisons in the South of England, for example, have a peer advice scheme run by a charity. This involves prisoners, who have passed certain selection criteria, advising their fellow prisoners on housing issues. For example, if a prisoner has a home, the charity can help him or her to keep it while they are in prison, or can help them find somewhere to stay on release from prison. Once a prisoner has proved him or herself trustworthy, they may even be taken on at the charity after release from prison or, if the prison is a low category one, they could be allowed day release to work in the community.

After leaving prison

When applying for jobs, you should always include any work experience you have gathered in prison on your CV. If you have proved yourself to be trustworthy while in prison, you will almost certainly be able to reap the rewards. You should always be honest, even if you know that the job will not involve a background check – things have a way of coming out into the open and you may be caught out if you lie. Stress in your cover letter that you are reformed and that you just want a chance to start anew. Of course, some employers will immediately turn you down, but there are others that will be willing to give you the chance you need.

You will almost certainly have a contact with a probation service, who will be able to offer you advice on finding jobs and will probably have a list of employers who are willing to take on ex-prisoners. There are also a number of charities and other organisations that specialise in finding jobs for people in your position and will be able to offer you all sorts of advice. There is also the possibility that you may be able to find a job with them.

If you are still struggling, then you should consider offering your services for free for a short amount of time – perhaps a week or two, depending on your financial circumstances. The willingness to get ahead will stand you in good stead with a number of employers. If you are on benefits, however, you should always make it clear that you are going to be doing this for free so that you don’t get reported and denied benefits.

Once you leave prison, you may choose to lose contact with anyone you met on the inside. However, if you do stay in touch with some, then talk to them about their employment situation. They may be able to offer suggestions or even recommend you to their own employer. You should also ask friends and family for their help – jobs have a habit of coming along at odd moments and you may just hear of something through them.

Finding a job after a prison sentence can be difficult. However, it is not impossible and there are plenty of people out there who can help. Try to keep a positive attitude and don’t let any rejections bring you down. If you want it, you do deserve a second chance and eventually, you will get one.