Survival Guide
Choose ex-cons over young drug-offendersYou're considering hiring someone with a criminal record. Risky enough. AP |
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So which is likely more problematic: An older man who committed a violent crime and then served a 20-year sentence, or the 20-something drug offender?
Go for the older man, according to Episcopal Social Services, a New York nonprofit providing services to those convicted of crimes.
"Violent offenders tends to be the better risk for an employer, because he's done his one big sentence. He's not going to do it again," said Anne Williams, a director at the agency.
She also said the formerly incarcerated generally make excellent employees.
"Individuals who have been imprisoned are highly motivated," Williams said. "The work ethic they get in prison is very strong. Employers can save on training costs."
Prisons often provide vocational training and many prisoners earn advanced degrees while doing their time.
But sex offenders and arsonists are off-limits to ESS' employment services. Many jobs, including those dealing with "vulnerable populations" such as the elderly and young children, are also not permitted for those with criminal records.
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