The U.S. unemployment rate has fallen the lowest it has ever been in a decade, giving citizens a better chance to find a job after prison. With 5.7 million vacant jobs, people with blemishes on their resumes can get a second chance.
According to a Crain’s Detroit Business article, the Michigan Department of Corrections has helped connect employers and ex-offenders. The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) has estimated that there are 14 to 15.8 million people of working-age with a felony conviction and 70 million have an arrest or conviction record. With the hiring market low on applicants, ex-offenders are able to get another shot in the workforce.
Recently, the labor market has shown more interest in groups of people who have high rates of unemployment, including those with little education or training and those with gaps in their work history.
Returning citizens are told to focus on their “soft skills,” such as showing up on time for work, dressing appropriately, communicating well and working hard. With a steady job, ex-offenders get a fresh start. Check out this website to see more resources for returning citizens.
