The most widely used ex-offender job search and re-entry resource, this user-friendly workbook implements the latest edition of "The Ex-Offender's New Job Finding and Survival Guide." It's designed to assist the nearly 700,000 ex-offenders who are released into the Free World as well as over 11 million others who circulate in and out of prisons, jails, and detention centers each year. Make no mistake - life can be hard for offenders living inside or outside a cage. Re-entry is especially hard for those who have lost everything, including precious hope and optimism, and who lack job search smarts and digital skills. Without a decent job and support network to help meet immediate food, housing, transportation, and health care needs, and often saddled with onerous financial obligations (fines, restitution, child support payments, accumulated debts), many ex-offenders fall back on old dysfunctional habits, relationships, and temptations that lead them back to depressing correctional institutions. While many employers may not want to hire someone with a criminal record, others are willing to give ex-offenders a second chance. Knowing this, what should ex-offenders do in order to land a good job? Where can they best find a job they do well and enjoy doing? What job search strategies work best for them? This ground-breaking workbook provides important answers to many re-entry employment questions facing ex-offenders. Beginning with an assessment of one's job search information, skills, and strategies, users address such critical issues as asking questions, taking responsibility, telling the truth, and becoming trustworthy before examining each of 10 sequential steps to job and re-entry success: 1. Examine and change your attitudes 2. Seek assistance and become proactive 3. Select appropriate job search approaches 4. Assess your skills and identify your motivated skills and abilities (MAS) 5. State a powerful objective 6. Conduct research on jobs, employers, and communities 7. Write effective resumes and letters 8. Network for information, advice, and referrals 9. Develop winning job interview skills 10. Negotiate salary and benefits like a pro. The workbook also includes two special chapters - (1) developing an action plan for re-entry success, and (2) navigating today's new digital world. Rich in insights and filled with practical examples, exercises, self-tests, and resources, here's the workbook that can make a big difference in the lives of ex-offenders. It shows them how to contact employers who will want to hire them because of their unique talents, positive attitudes, and strong employer-centered motivations.
