Mission Statement

This is a blog about reentry into society for persons released from prison and the many difficulties and barriers they face. The writings contained in this blog come from personal experience and they are intended to put out information from the real life adventures I have come up against with navigating my reentry into society. The blog welcomes submissions from anyone who is or has gone through reentry after prison as well as from any authorities, organizations, etc. with information that would be help for prisoners with their reentry to society after incarceration.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Background checks

By Steve Gordon

Here is an ironic twist of things. I had a job interview with a company called Vertical Screen. It was to do Human Resource Research. VS is contracted by companies to do background checks of potential new employees where education and employment history is verified and criminal background checks are done.

I am sure in my cover letter I made mention of being an ex-offender but apparently someone did not read the second paragraph.

The interview was going good until we hit that speed bump. The interviewer said it would be a major problem but did not say it was insurmountable. The only other thing he had issue with is my computer skills as compared to the many others applying for the positions available. I rated myself above average but I guess others rated themselves higher. If there is a second interview I was told there would be testing. I have been taking free computer labs to get up to speed but even with that I do recognize that I am below the curve with other job seekers.

When I got home I took my one suit off and replaced it in the closet. After some quiet time I dressed casual and drove up to the local Applebees and walked in and put in an application for a Host position. I saw the job posted on their web site and I applied online. But on this day I thought making personal contact with the local managers would not be a bad thing.

It wasn't. They are hiring and the manager I spoke with was very pleasant even as we discussed my status of being an ex-offender. Perhaps Applebees is the company who will give this ex-offender a chance to prove himself?

Applebees hasn't called and it has been over a week. I think I will check in tomorrow after my interview with the Red Cross for a head cook at a nearby facility. People keep saying I have a lot to offer only in this very tough economy and job market an ex-offender isn't where employers are looking to pull people from.

I will keep trudging along and continue with the free computer labs. There is no other reasonable choice.