Jasmin had difficulties finding a job where they prioritized her qualifications and experience, rather than her criminal record. However, she quickly found a job in the Walgreens Pharmacy after she signed up on Honest Jobs. Learn more about Jasmin's experience in the video below:
Interview Transcript:
What experience do you have with the criminal justice system?
Jasmin: "Last October of 2022, I was locked up for 90 days and I had gotten two felony charges and a misdemeanor."
What was your experience looking for a job before you found Honest Jobs?
Jasmin: "I was using Indeed primarily. And that wasn't really going that well. I had a previous interview with a hotel. During the interview process, they said they're gonna do a background check and all of that. So I was upfront and honest with them, letting them know what's gonna be on the background check or what they might find. And then they gave me the job. But then after doing further investigation, they took the offer of employment away just due to my background. So that was frustrating because I feel like I was being honest. I think they just get this impression that I'm just a bad person or I'm not capable, or I'm not qualified. Even though, I have tons of skills that make me a qualified candidate for any job that I choose to apply to."
What was your experience looking for a job after you found Honest Jobs?
Jasmin: "It happened pretty fast. I started applying on the website, created my profile, applied to a few places. I literally heard back from the job the next day, and then within a week time I did the interviewing process. And then they called me back for a second interview when they said I had the job."
Tell us about your new job!
Jasmin: "I am working at Walgreens as a pharmacy technician. I'm full-time there, I work 40 hours a week. I haven't signed up for benefits yet, so that probably will kick in in 90 days, I think. My starting pay is $18.25 an hour, and once I get certified or do my certification for the role within like three to four months down the line, it'll bump up to a dollar more."
Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
Jasmin: "I would definitely recommend to anyone who has felony charges or any type of criminal background that would prevent them, or they think that would prevent them, from getting employment. It's a great resource and it's a great tool. There's still hope at the end of the day for people who have been in similar situations that I have been in. I was lucky to be directed into this route and it honestly worked out. I just think that Honest Jobs is an amazing resource and I thank you for the opportunity."
Do you have a message to job seekers?
Jasmin: "My advice would be not to give up. There's a lot of jobs out there and there are a lot of places hiring who will accept you for having a background. Don't let that deter you, or make you not want to work or be discouraged. I mean, it can be discouraging and it's understandable to be discouraged at first, thinking about the process of “Oh, will they accept me or is this gonna be another dead end?” But there is hope."
Do you have a message to employers?
Jasmin: "Basically don't judge the book by its cover. Take a chance to go through their credentials and interview them. Let them speak for themselves because our records don't."
Join Honest Jobs
We have fair-chance jobs across the country. Employers doing second chance hiring and job seekers with criminal records can head to www.honestjobs.com to get started.
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