Michael had his own company for 30 years. However, after being incarcerated, he couldn't find a job for 9 months. At Honest Jobs, he got hired at the first company he applied to from where he is planning to retire. Learn more about Michael's experience in the video below:
Read the interview with Michael here:
What experience do you have with the criminal justice system?
Michael: “I just got out of federal prison for an income tax evasion charge. I was supposed to get probation, but I got 27 months. I served a year. It was a wake up call for me. You know, being away from my family for a whole year, it was just really bad. I've never had a lapse in employment before I went to federal prison. But I even worked at an automotive shop in the federal prison. I've fixed all their vehicles, so I never stopped working.”
What was your job searching experience like before and after you found Honest Jobs?
Michael: “I was having a hard time finding work and I couldn't understand why. I had my own business for 30 years. It seemed like there was a stigma that I couldn't figure out. They weren't looking at me. They were looking at the criminal record. So I met my probation officer who was trying to help me, too. It just seemed like I was getting turned away. Honest Jobs got me the interview with Molex and then I got a job.”
Tell us about your new job!
Michael: “It’s a good job, a fast paced job. It pays $18.50 an hour, and $1.50 more for working the midnight shift. I'm just looking to work another 10 years and then finally retire.”
Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
Michael: “Oh yeah, because it worked great for me. And like I said, I don't think there should be a stigma on people. You know, you're having a problem, trying to find a job because of a conviction. Just go to Honest Jobs, that would be the first stop for me. I mean, you guys need to go there because they will work with you. They will find you something to work. That's kind of unheard of nowadays that people are that caring. As far as Honest Jobs, they go out of their way to get you a job. So like I said, I couldn't be any happier with them. Everything you guys have done, it’s been what you say you do. I'm happy with the company and I always will be.”