Sarah got rejected for jobs because of the assault charge on her criminal background. Using Honest Jobs, she found a job where she is not being judged for her past and she can support her five children financially. Her future goal is to give back to her community. Hear her tell her story in the video below:
Interview Transcript:
What was your experience looking for a job before you found Honest Jobs?
Sarah: “It was a third degree assault. It was a big mistake that I made, but it is what it is and I just wanna move forward. I applied for two jobs and I got denied because of my background."
What was your experience looking for a job after you found Honest Jobs?
Sarah: “I started [to apply for jobs] in the morning around 10 am. I got a call around 2 pm. We set up an interview for the following Monday. It was very fast. Right off the bat they give people with record a second chance. So that was really cool. It was reassuring.”
Tell us about your job!
Sarah: “I’m at Goodwill in Englewood and I'm making $14.50/hr. There is possibility of more pay, I will just put in some time or be patient. They also offer daily pay. That helps out so much, since I'm a mother of five children. So it'll help so much. I started part-time and now I'm full-time. Once you start working full-time, there will be benefits. It's a lot of work. I like the physicality of it. And I'm learning new things. I can get certified for forklift or electric pallet pull.”
What are your career goals?
Sarah: “I really enjoy anything to give back to my community. Maybe, I would like to be a dental hygienist assistant or something with kids."
Sarah: “Definitely. Definitely. It puts some assurety into [the process] while you’re looking. Like I can get hired. They know I've made mistakes and that's okay. They're gonna help you move forward. You guys are amazing. I really appreciate it.”
Do you have a message to employers?
Sarah: “I just thank them. We are willing to work hard. Possibly just keep offering stuff to get certified in. I mean, people make mistakes. It's just inevitable, you know? And the main thing is that a lot of people want to do better. They want to learn from that mistake. They just need that second chance.”
Do you have a message to job seekers?
Sarah: “Don’t give up. There are people who do need help, a lot of employers. Just stay on the path. You’ll get through it.”