Austin was convicted of a violent offense and did not have luck finding a job for two months. He was rejected by employers because of his background. He began to believe that, with his criminal record, he will have to settle for jobs that he was overqualified for. With Honest Jobs, not only was he able to start working for a fair-chance employer only three weeks after applying, but he also loves the job and is excited to build a career within the company. Read the interview with Austin below:
What experience do you have with the criminal justice system?
Austin: "I was arrested in 2017. I ended up pleading guilty to second-degree assault. It was a plea deal for a sex offense. I completed three years in prison and I’m on the very early stages of parole and probation."
What job searching experience did you have before and after you found Honest Jobs?
Austin: "I was looking for jobs for two months and went on three job interviews before I found Honest Jobs. I received job offers in all of them until the background check came back and then they were all rescinded.
However, my experience with Honest Jobs was fantastic. Just having someone who understands where I was and the help that I needed towards the right direction. I am not a person who really cares for warehouse or construction types of jobs. So finding a company that said “You know what? It’s not a big deal, we will find something for you!” was fantastic."
Tell us about your new job!
Austin: "I work for Checkr on the Candidate Experience Representative team. The pay rate is $18 per hour and it has been fantastic. It’s really cool to see that there is a lot of retention and people are moving up, they are not just stagnant and staying in the jobs that they started in."
Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
Austin: "Absolutely, and I already have. Honest Jobs understands where people with criminal records are coming from, where they need help and where to direct them to. Honest Jobs knows exactly what you are going through. My experience was 100% real and the best I could possibly think of. I appreciate you guys very much."