PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
Getting an interview is a big step in the application process. Now you have the opportunity to meet prospective employers and let them know how and why you are the right person for the job.
Employers run background checks to confirm qualifications. It’s better to be honest upfront and possibly lose some opportunities than lose someone’s trust after you are hired.
Focus
Keep it simple and emphasize the positive
If asked to give information about your past (convictions, incarceration, drug and/or alcohol abuse), avoid telling “your side of the story”; even if you were wrongly convicted, you will leave a negative impression
Keep focused on what you have to offer the employer, not your personal story
Offer details about your work history that highlight your strengths
Demonstrate how you plan to or have turned your life around
Focus the interview on the current activities and future plans
List your goals and plans for the future
Highlight the changes you have made along with your new lifestyle
Acknowledge
Be honest – never lie to an interviewer or put false information on your resume or application. This will disqualify you when the employer does a background check or checks your references
Assure the interviewer that you have learned from your past mistakes
Talk about your commitment to being a success and that you are not a risky hire
Understand the concerns or hesitations of hiring you and offer reassurance
Timing
Arrive 15 minutes early
Make a good first and last impression; avoid talking about negative issues
Appear confident and open to answering any questions they may have
If possible, try to address your criminal history in the middle of the interview, and end with a summary of your qualifications and interest in the job; bring up your past early in the interview process before you are asked by the interviewer.
Interview Questions
There are a number of questions that may be asked of you by Human Resources, the hiring manager, and other interviewers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Work Experience
Tell me about the position(s) listed on your application/resume.
What were your duties, responsibilities, expectations for the position(s)?
What was your favorite job? What did you like/dislike about this job?
Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved that goal.
What life skills or job experiences make you a good fit for this company?
Have you handled a difficult situation with an employee and/or supervisor? How did you handle it?
Have you ever gone above and beyond in a position? Explain.
I’ve noticed gaps in your work history. Can you explain those gaps?
Incarceration
Why were you incarcerated?
What did you learn from your experience?
Do you have challenges or limitations that could affect your work schedule?
What have you been doing to prepare for employment since you were released?
Were you employed or in school when you were incarcerated? If so, tell me about your work and education.
About You
“Tell me about yourself”, this is an invitation to share why you are qualified for the position.
Why do you want to work for our company?
What are your greatest strengths?
What are you passionate about?
Do you prefer to work independently or with others?
What is your ideal work environment?
How do you evaluate success?
What motivates you to succeed?
How do you handle stress and pressure?
What is your worst quality?
Describe a challenge where you succeeded.
If the people that know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
What life skills or job experience do you have that would make you a good fit for our company.
Do you have any concerns about making the transition from incarceration to the workforce?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What have you been doing since you were released?
How much money are you looking to make?
COntact us
We want to hear from you. You can reach out to us using the info below or you can use the form to send us your questions, ideas, or input.
Phone: (909) 241-0178
Email: info@pvreentry.org
Address: 383 N Main Street Pomona, CA, 91768
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
We are a network of public agencies, community and faith-based organizations, advocates, and other stakeholders with an interest in the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated people.
USEFUL LINKS
CONTACT INFO
Phone: (909) 241-0178
Email: info@pvreentry.org
Address: 383 N Main Street Pomona, CA, 91768
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
All Rights Reserved | The Pomona Valley Regional Reentry Partnership