Everyone has skills and talents that would be valuable to the right employer. There are many employers looking for someone just like you. The challenge is finding the right employer. The key to staying free and enjoying an independent life is finding stable employment. Studies have shown that a former inmate with a full time job is less likely to go back to prison. Your results will depend on you mapping out a complete plan of action.

This information comes from my own experiences as both a job seeker and an interviewer. A criminal record may put you at a disadvantage, but not one that cannot be overcome with hard work.

Starting Your Job Search:

Have Proper Identification
You will need three forms of identification to legally work in the United States.

Social Security Card
If do not have your Social Security card, you can get a duplicate car at your local Social Security office. Below is a link to the application for a replacement cards along with instructions.

Click here for an Application for Social Security Card

Birth Certificate
To obtain a copy of your birth certificate, contact the office of vital statistics in the city where you were born. You can visit Hamilton County Public Health here or City of Cincinnati here

For financial assistance in obtaining a birth certificate please see the attached flyer from the FreeStore Foodbank

Valid Driver’s License
To obtain a copy of your driver’s license, contact your local motor vehicle agency. It is listed in your local telephone directory. The BMV offers “Identification Only” cards if you do not have a driver’s license.

For financial assistance in obtaining a birth certificate please see the attached flyer from the FreeStore Foodbank

Green Card (if necessary)
To obtain copies of your alien registration card contact the office of Immigration and Naturalization. You can information about the process of renewing or replacing your green card here:

Know your Record

You can obtain records checks for employment at the Hamilton County Justice Center south building located at 1000 Sycamore St., Room 100, Cincinnati, OH 45202. The Office is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. A parole or probation officer may be helpful in obtaining state and local records also.

For those who may qualify, the office of the Hamilton County Public Defender offers a Fresh Start Clinic, click here for more information and to see if you qualify

One-stop Career Centers

There are local agencies that provide a variety of free services that are available to the community that can help job seekers on their job searches.

Some services available are:

Career Counselors who can provided one-on-one job search assistance and career planning

Help with resume writing, interviewing skills, etc.

Computers with internet access for job search use

Thousands of local job listings

Phones, printers, phones, and copiers for job search use

Below are local workforce development programs. Also see the attached document for more local training and job readiness services. You can also click here for a national search

Cincinnati Works:
Ohio Means Jobs:
EasterSeals:

Proper Attire

These organizations help clients select professional attire and also provide support and encouragement as participants prepare for their upcoming interviews.

FreeStore Foodbank:
Dress for Success


Use Your Network to find Jobs
Most people get jobs through people they know. Who you know is often just as important as what you know. Finding open jobs from people you know is called networking and it is the single most powerful way that people get jobs.

Always be honest
Whether speaking face to face or on applications, ex-offenders and felons are encouraged to be totally honest when asked about their backgrounds. Some feel that being honest about having a criminal record, they won’t have a chance at getting hired. If asked about anything on your record, briefly talk about it and what you have done to put it behind you.