Successful re-entry into the free world requires strong job interview skills. Indeed, while ex-offenders face numerous barriers to employment, the key to getting a job is how well they handle different phases of the job interview, from landing the interview and answering questions to negotiating salary and terms of employment. What, for example, should they say when asked "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" or when employers notice other red flags in their background, such as time gaps, little work experience, no diploma, history of job hopping, or poor references? What about these two knee-benders frequently asked by interviews: "Tell me about yourself" and "Why should I hire you?"
Should the ex-offender respond by telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the untarnished truth, only to get knocked out of consideration for the job? Is it okay to parse the truth to get the job offer and then demonstrate they have changed their life once on the job? Just how much "truthiness" should they engage in during the job interview?
Addressing many employability issues facing ex-offenders, this popular book shows how to best respond to employers who are reluctant to hire ex-offenders who may have marginal workplace skills as well as pose risks to others. Focusing on how to identify and respond to red flags in one's background, the book demonstrates how ex-offenders can turn red flags into green lights by developing excellent communication skills. Examining the whole interview process from beginning to end, 13 hard-hitting chapters address:
- Job search mistakes ex-offenders make
- Telling the truth
- 40 key interview mistakes job seekers make
- Anticipated interview questions and appropriate responses
- Nonverbal interview behaviors
- Interview preparation issues
- Handling the interview situation
- Dealing with red-flag questions
- Closing and following up the interview
- Getting job offers and negotiating salary and benefits
The book also includes a handy list of 101 frequently asked job interview questions, examples of local salaries for 900+ occupations, and an extensive career resource section. No ex-offender, or re-entry professional, should prepare to tackle today's challenging job market without first acquainting themselves with the many inside secrets revealed in this essential re-entry employment guide!
