Second Chance Resources
Your past doesn't define your future. These resources help people with criminal records find meaningful employment.
Know Your Rights in California
- •Ban the Box: Employers can't ask about criminal history on the initial application.
- •Fair Chance Act: Background checks can only happen after a conditional job offer.
- •Individual Assessment: Employers must consider the nature of the offense, time passed, and job relevance.
- •Clean Slate: Many old convictions are automatically sealed. Check if you qualify for expungement.
Record Expungement & Legal Help
California's Clean Slate laws mean many records can be sealed or expunged. It's worth checking.
Fair Chance Employment
These organizations specialize in helping people with records find work.
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)
Immediate paid work, job training, and placement services for people with recent criminal histories.
70 Million Jobs
Job board specifically for people with criminal records. Companies that post here want to hire you.
Honest Jobs
Fair chance job board connecting people with records to employers who will give them a chance.
Dave's Killer Bread Foundation
Resources and advocacy for second chance employment. Find fair chance employers.
Reentry Council of California
State resources for people returning from incarceration. Housing, employment, healthcare info.
Industries That Hire
These industries are known for giving people second chances:
Construction
Physical work, good pay, strong demand. Many contractors focus on skills over background.
Examples: Laborers, electricians, welders, equipment operators
Warehouse & Logistics
High turnover means more opportunities. Many Amazon and logistics facilities hire fairly.
Examples: Forklift operators, pickers, packers, drivers (with clean driving record)
Food Service
Restaurants often care more about reliability than records. Start as prep cook, work up.
Examples: Line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, servers
Manufacturing
Factory work values showing up and working hard. Many have fair chance policies.
Examples: Machine operators, assemblers, quality control
Landscaping
Outdoor work, often small companies that judge you on work ethic.
Examples: Groundskeepers, lawn care, irrigation, tree service
Temp Agencies
Good way to get your foot in the door. Prove yourself on temp jobs, get hired permanently.
Examples: Various roles - ask agencies which clients are fair chance
Tips for Your Job Search
- •Don't volunteer information. Let them ask. In CA, they can't ask until after a conditional offer.
- •Be honest when asked. Lying is worse than the record. Prepare a brief, honest explanation.
- •Focus on what's changed. Talk about what you've learned, courses taken, and your goals.
- •Get references. Parole officers, program counselors, or anyone who can vouch for you.
- •Consider temp agencies. Prove yourself on temporary assignments to build trust and references.
You're Not Alone
Over 70 million Americans have a criminal record. Many successful people have overcome this challenge. The right employer will see your potential, not just your past. Keep applying.