Is It The Pandemic, or Discrimination Because of My Past?

By David A Sanders Sr.

In these times of Covid-19, one often wonders why they cannot get a job. In most cases, the business isn’t hiring (or made cuts to employment) because of the pandemic, the job seeker doesn’t have enough experience, a vehicle, or in some cases…a criminal past.

Since the beginning of the “criminal background check”, thousands of potential employees have been turned away because of various reasons ranging from simple traffic violations, shoplifting, or worse.

I am in no way trying to empower those with “repeat” offenses. I’m only trying to inform the public, and ex-offenders about resources that can help them decide where to apply, and the research needed to successfully gain employment with a desirable employer.

Here are some tips for you to consider:

• There is a movement in the United States called “Ban the Box”, or the “Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act”, signed by Former President Donald Trump.
• Check to see if the employer is “Headquartered” in a state where the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act is enforced. From what I’ve been able to research, said company must abide by both states laws/statues.
• Check with your local EEOC about local hiring practices, and whether or not you have a case of “discriminatory” hiring practices.
• Most potential employers only do a five to seven (5-7) year background check. Others, such as US Federal jobs, do a “lifetime” check.
• Don’t be afraid to let the company you want to work for that you are educated about your state’s laws/statues.
• Get in touch with your state’s job counselors to assist with creating a resume, and application needs.
• Check web resources like; Facebook individual pages like: “Anchorage Second Chance Friendly Hiring Opportunities”, and others.

In an interview with Dimitrios Alexiadis (Administrator/Owner of Anchorage Second Chance Friendly Hiring Opportunities Facebook Page), his hopes for his page, and others like this, are that “the LARGELY IGNORED ex-felon population eventually are not turned away form jobs that are supposed to be “urgently hiring” for those that don’t have a criminal background, actually get hired because of their WORK EXPERIENCE instead.”

Currently, there are 13 (or more) states that have the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act on their books.

You can help get this on YOUR state’s laws by getting in touch with your local representative