Reasons to Choose ReEntry Candidates large

Reasons to Choose Formerly Incarcerated Candidates

March 14, 2022

Hiring new employees is an exciting time for your business because it means that your business is growing. When determining who would be the best fit for the job, there are several factors that you need to consider. One of the main factors that tend to knock many interviewees out of the running is if they have a criminal background.  This is an area that can lead to a great candidate being overlooked. 

The re-entry process for former offenders helps them return to living a productive life by connecting them to their families and neighborhoods through employment, education, health, and social services. Programs are often offered by Federal Prison Industries (FPI), also known as UNICOR, which involves a variety of aspects that help inmates prepare for their transition back into society. A few examples are education, vocational training, GED, and mock job fairs. These programs are conducted while a person is still incarcerated, so they can leave prison prepared.

Employers are typically cautious about hiring an employee with a criminal record because of the legal obligation that they must practice due diligence in the hiring process. As an employer, you should take the time to look into the interviewee's resume and re-entry program. The following are factors and benefits of hiring formerly incarcerated candidates many employers may be unaware of.

They are ready to work.

Those who have participated in a re-entry program have spent months preparing to start work again, which is a lot of preparation for job searching and work readiness. They are eager and willing to work and are usually grateful to be given a second chance. Hiring them will also help them become productive members of society. 

They have skills.

Most ex-offenders build up their vocational training and/or education while they are incarcerated. This may give them special skills and qualifications valuable to your company. 

You could be eligible for special incentives.

A few examples are programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), the UNICOR Bonding Program, and the Federal Bonding Program. These federal incentives offer employers significant tax breaks or insurance for hiring formerly incarcerated workers. Learn
more about tax credits on the Employer Hiring
Credits
page or search DCEO's Programs and Services Guide.

You may also be able to train formerly incarcerated workers at a low cost through the Job Training Partnership Act.

It helps your community.

When ex-offenders are released back into society, they are expected to be law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. However, unless they have a job, there is no way they can accomplish both things. By hiring employees with criminal backgrounds, you are giving them a chance to become a positive part of the community. By hiring an ex-offender, you are helping to direct them to constructive, reliable work and giving them a second chance to have a great life.

Everyone deserves a second chance.

Many ex-offenders are judged for the rest of their lives based on their past mistakes. Ex-offenders whose crimes are in the past are fully capable of redeeming themselves and changing their lives. They're deserving of a second chance and employment opportunities.

Next Steps

To read more about recruiting and hiring in general, check out Illinois workNet's Hiring for Employers page. For even more recruiting and hiring resources, head over to Tips, Tools, & Resources.

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