Person preparing to apply for a job after incarceration

How to Get a Job With a Criminal Record: 8 Practical Steps

by MyHarvestJob

Having a criminal record can make finding employment more complicated, but it does not make building a successful career impossible. Many employers are willing to consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, particularly when candidates can demonstrate reliability, preparation, relevant skills, and a commitment to moving forward.

If you are wondering how to get a job with a criminal record, start by creating a plan. Focus on opportunities that match your current qualifications while taking steps to strengthen your résumé, professional skills, and confidence.

1. Identify Your Skills and Strengths

Before applying for jobs, make a list of the skills you already possess. Consider experience gained through previous employment, education, volunteer work, training programs, or responsibilities you managed during incarceration.

Your strengths might include:

  • Construction or maintenance experience
  • Warehouse and manufacturing skills
  • Food preparation
  • Customer service
  • Computer skills
  • Leadership
  • Time management
  • Dependability
  • Problem-solving

Employers want to know what you can contribute. Your background is only one part of your story; your abilities, work ethic, and preparation also matter.

2. Create a Clear, Honest Résumé

Your résumé should focus on your experience, accomplishments, training, and job-related skills. It does not need to include information about your criminal history.

If there are gaps in your employment, consider using a skills-based résumé. This format emphasizes what you can do instead of organizing everything around a traditional employment timeline.

Include relevant courses, certificates, vocational training, volunteer work, and other accomplishments. These details demonstrate that you have continued learning and preparing for your next opportunity.

3. Look for Second-Chance Employers

Some employers have formal second-chance hiring programs, while others evaluate applicants individually. Industries commonly associated with second-chance employment include:

  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Warehousing and logistics
  • Food service
  • Automotive services
  • Landscaping
  • Transportation
  • Skilled trades
  • Customer support
  • Entrepreneurship

Do not automatically assume an employer will reject you. Read the job requirements carefully and apply when your experience is a reasonable match.

4. Prepare to Discuss Your Record Professionally

If an employer asks about your criminal history, answer honestly without providing unnecessary details. Keep your explanation brief, take responsibility when appropriate, and redirect the conversation toward what has changed.

A response might sound like this:

“I made a mistake in the past and took responsibility for it. Since then, I have focused on building my skills, making better decisions, and preparing for stable employment. I’m ready to bring that growth and commitment to this position.”

Practice your answer before an interview. You should be able to discuss the subject calmly and confidently without allowing it to define the entire conversation.

5. Build New, Job-Ready Skills

Completing a course or training program can help you become a stronger candidate. It also gives you something recent and positive to discuss during an interview.

Consider learning about:

  • Résumé writing
  • Interview preparation
  • Workplace communication
  • Financial literacy
  • Leadership
  • Digital skills
  • Conflict resolution
  • Time management

MyHarvest provides free, self-paced courses covering employment readiness, financial wellness, communication, leadership, and other practical areas. Users can learn on their own schedule and track their progress as they complete lessons.

6. Gather Reliable References

A strong reference can reassure an employer that you are dependable and prepared to work. References may come from:

  • Former supervisors
  • Instructors
  • Case managers
  • Volunteer coordinators
  • Mentors
  • Community leaders
  • Program administrators

Ask each person before listing them. Let them know what types of jobs you are pursuing so they can speak about the qualities most relevant to the position.

7. Prepare for Every Interview

Research the employer, review the job description, and prepare examples that demonstrate your abilities. Practice answering common questions such as:

  • Why do you want this position?
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • Tell me about a challenge you overcame.
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What have you done to prepare for this role?

Arrive on time, dress appropriately, bring copies of your résumé, and send a brief thank-you message afterward.

8. Keep Applying and Track Your Progress

Rejection is a normal part of almost every job search. It does not mean that you are incapable of finding meaningful employment.

Track where you apply, whom you contact, interview dates, and necessary follow-ups. Set a realistic weekly goal for applications and skill-building. Consistent action will help you recognize what is working and prevent missed opportunities.

Find Employment and Build Your Next Chapter With MyHarvest

MyHarvest brings employment resources, free courses, housing guidance, and community support together in one platform. Whether you are returning to the workforce, rebuilding after incarceration, or simply preparing for a better opportunity, you can find tools designed to help you move forward.

Create a free MyHarvest account to explore job opportunities, strengthen your employment skills, and begin working toward your next goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a job with a criminal record?

Yes. A criminal record can create additional challenges, but many employers consider applicants individually or participate in second-chance hiring. Preparation, honesty, relevant skills, and persistence can improve your opportunities.

Should I put my criminal record on my résumé?

No. A résumé should focus on your qualifications, experience, education, and skills. If an employer asks about your record during the application or interview process, answer accurately and professionally.

What jobs hire people with criminal records?

Opportunities vary by employer and location, but second-chance candidates frequently find work in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, food service, landscaping, automotive services, transportation, skilled trades, and customer support.

How should I explain my criminal record during an interview?

Keep the explanation concise, accept responsibility when appropriate, explain the positive steps you have taken, and redirect the conversation toward your qualifications and readiness to work.

Family receiving guidance about housing assistance programs and affordable housing resources.

Housing Assistance Programs: What You Need to Know

by MyHarvest

Finding affordable housing can feel overwhelming, especially during periods of financial hardship.

Fortunately, many housing assistance programs exist to help individuals and families find stable places to live.

Types of Housing Assistance

Programs may include:

  • Emergency housing
  • Rental assistance
  • Transitional housing
  • Affordable housing communities
  • Utility assistance
  • Housing counseling

Availability varies by community, so checking local resources is essential.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility depends on factors like:

  • Household income
  • Family size
  • Veteran status
  • Disability status
  • Employment situation

Each program has different requirements.

Documents You’ll Usually Need

Before applying, gather:

  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of income
  • Lease agreement (if applicable)
  • Utility bills
  • Household information

Having documents ready can speed up the application process.

Where to Find Help

Instead of searching dozens of agencies individually, many communities now offer centralized platforms that connect residents with housing resources, employment opportunities, education, and support services all in one place.

Final Thoughts

Housing stability is one of the strongest foundations for long-term success. Connecting with the right resources early can make the process faster and less stressful.

Community members learning financial literacy and career skills to overcome generational poverty

How to Break the Cycle of Generational Poverty

by MyHarvest

Breaking the cycle of poverty doesn’t happen overnight.

It happens through consistent access to education, employment, stable housing, financial literacy, and community support.

While every person’s journey looks different, small steps create lasting change.

What Is Generational Poverty?

Generational poverty occurs when multiple generations of a family experience long-term financial hardship.

Often, limited access to education, employment opportunities, transportation, healthcare, or affordable housing creates barriers that are difficult to overcome alone.

Five Steps Toward Financial Stability

1. Build New Skills

Career training can increase earning potential and create new employment opportunities.

2. Find Stable Employment

A reliable income provides the foundation for future financial growth.

3. Secure Stable Housing

Having consistent housing improves employment, education, and overall well-being.

4. Continue Learning

Education doesn’t stop after school. Certifications and continuing education often lead to better-paying careers.

5. Build a Support Network

Community organizations, mentors, and local resources provide encouragement and practical assistance during difficult times.

Final Thoughts

No single resource solves every challenge.

The greatest progress often comes when education, employment, housing, and support services work together to help individuals create lasting change.

People participating in a free job training and workforce development program.

How to Find Free Job Training Near You?

by MyHarvest

People often assume quality career training is expensive.

The reality is that thousands of free workforce development programs exist throughout the United States.

These programs help individuals gain certifications, develop new skills, and connect directly with employers looking to hire.

Types of Free Job Training

  • Healthcare certifications
  • CDL training
  • Construction apprenticeships
  • Manufacturing programs
  • Technology certifications
  • Customer service training
  • Office administration

Many programs even provide assistance with transportation, books, or childcare.

Where to Look

Start with:

  • Local workforce development organizations
  • Community colleges
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • American Job Centers
  • Community resource platforms

Searching multiple websites can be overwhelming, which is why centralized resource platforms make finding opportunities much easier.

Before You Apply

Prepare:

  • A current resume
  • Identification
  • Previous work history
  • Educational records (if available)

Even if you don’t have previous experience, many programs are specifically designed for beginners.

Final Thoughts

Free job training can open doors to higher-paying careers without taking on student loan debt. The first step is knowing where to look—and taking advantage of the resources available in your community.

Workforce-Development

What Is Workforce Development? A Complete Guide for Job Seekers

by MyHarvest

What Is Workforce Development?

If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your career, you may have come across the term workforce development. But what exactly does it mean?

Workforce development refers to programs, education, training, and support services that help people gain the skills needed to find meaningful employment and advance their careers.

Instead of simply helping someone find their next job, workforce development focuses on building long-term career success.

Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or returning after time away, workforce development programs can provide the tools needed to move forward.

What Does Workforce Development Include?

Many people think workforce development is only job training, but it includes much more.

Programs often provide:

  • Career coaching
  • Resume assistance
  • Interview preparation
  • Technical certifications
  • GED and educational opportunities
  • Digital skills training
  • Financial literacy education
  • Connections to employers

Many organizations also help remove barriers like transportation, childcare, or housing so participants can focus on building their careers.

Why Workforce Development Matters

The job market changes constantly.

Industries adopt new technology, employers seek different skills, and many high-paying positions now require specialized training.

Workforce development helps people stay competitive while giving employers access to qualified workers.

Communities with strong workforce development programs also experience:

  • Lower unemployment
  • Higher household incomes
  • Greater economic growth
  • Stronger local businesses

Who Can Benefit?

Workforce development programs are designed for nearly everyone, including:

  • High school graduates
  • College students
  • Veterans
  • Individuals changing careers
  • Parents reentering the workforce
  • Individuals recovering from financial hardship
  • People looking to increase their income

Finding Workforce Development Resources

The best workforce development resources combine education, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and community support in one place.

Having everything connected makes it easier to focus on building a better future instead of searching dozens of different websites.

Final Thoughts

Workforce development is more than job training—it’s a pathway toward long-term career success. With the right education, support services, and employment opportunities, anyone can take meaningful steps toward a stronger future.

Tenant screening

The Tenant Screening Problem Nobody Talks About — and How Some Landlords AreSolving It

by MyHarvest

Every property manager knows the cycle.

A unit opens up. You post it. Applications flood in. You screen them — credit check, background check, rental history — and most of them don’t qualify. The ones that do qualify sometimes don’t work out. The unit sits vacant longer than it should, costing you money every week it stays empty.

The problem is not a shortage of people who need housing. The problem is a shortage of people who are prepared to be great tenants — and a screening process that often eliminates good candidates before they get a fair look.

What Landlords Actually Worry About

According to TransUnion’s Rental Screening Solutions data, the top concerns landlords cite about tenants are payment problems, prior eviction history, criminal record, and an inability to maintain the property.

These are legitimate concerns. But here is what most screening processes miss — they identify problems after the fact rather than addressing the root causes before move-in.

A tenant who struggles with budgeting will have payment problems. A tenant who has never been taught how to maintain a home will cause property damage. A tenant with no financial literacy will bounce checks and miss rent.

The question is not just who is applying. It is how prepared they are.

The Case for Tenant Preparation

The most reliable tenants are not necessarily the ones with the longest credit history or the cleanest record. They are the ones who understand their responsibilities, have the financial skills to meet them, and have a support system behind them when things get hard.

MyHarvest prepares renters before they ever apply. Participants complete verified coursework in credit repair, budgeting, savings strategies, home maintenance, and tenancy responsibilities. They arrive at the application process with certificates documenting what they have learned — not just a credit score and a hope.

Verified Before They Apply

Through MyHarvest’s platform, housing partners can identify applicants who have confirmed current employment, completed housing and finance coursework, and demonstrated active engagement in ongoing life skills training.

Partners can also layer on fully custom screening criteria — pet policies, smoking restrictions, credit score minimums, eviction history considerations — and receive only pre-filtered applications from candidates who qualify.

The result is a dramatically shorter path from listing to lease.

The Community Impact

There is also something worth considering beyond the business case.

Stable housing is the foundation everything else is built on. When people have a safe, affordable place to live, they are more likely to maintain employment, stay healthy, and contribute positively to their community. When housing is unstable, everything else follows.

Property managers who partner with preparation-focused platforms are not just filling units faster. They are building more stable, invested tenant communities that take better care of their properties and stay longer.

How to Get Started

MyHarvest housing partnerships are free at the standard tier. You define your criteria, receive MyHarvest verified applicants who meet them, and fill your units with tenants who have actively prepared for this responsibility.

The tenant you have been looking for has been preparing for this opportunity. MyHarvest connects you.

[Link to MyHarvest Contact Us Form]

Reentry Programs

Why Smart Employers Are Hiring From Reentry Programs — and What They’re Finding

by MyHarvest

The entry-level hiring market is broken and most HR professionals know it.

The average cost per hire now sits at $5,475 according to SHRM’s 2025 Benchmarking Report. Employers receive an average of 180 applications per open position — and only 3% of those applicants ever make it to an interview. High turnover, low engagement, and a constant cycle of rehiring is costing companies not just money but momentum.

Some employers are solving this problem from an unexpected direction — by hiring from reentry
programs.

What the Research Actually Shows

The narrative around hiring people with criminal records is changing — and the data is leading the way.

A Johns Hopkins University study found that employees hired through fair chance programs had higher retention rates than their counterparts hired through traditional channels. The Dave’s Hot Chicken chain, which has a public fair chance hiring policy, reports that formerly incarcerated employees consistently rank among their highest performers.

The reason is not complicated. People who have fought hard to earn an opportunity treat that opportunity differently than someone who took it for granted.

The Motivation Factor

Traditional job boards deliver volume. What they cannot manufacture is motivation.

Candidates coming through reentry and life skills platforms like MyHarvest have made an active choice to invest in their own growth. They have completed courses. Earned certificates. Built habits. They are not applying for jobs because it was easy — they are applying because they have prepared themselves and they are ready.

That combination of preparation and drive is genuinely rare in the entry-level market.

How Fair Chance Hiring Works in Practice

Contrary to common concern, fair chance hiring does not mean abandoning your screening process. It means expanding who gets considered before the screen begins.

MyHarvest allows employer partners to set fully custom hiring criteria — including the specific courses and certificates candidates must have completed before their application reaches your inbox. You define what ready looks like. MyHarvest delivers candidates who meet it.

The Business Case Beyond Retention

There is also a brand and community case worth considering. Consumers increasingly choose companies that demonstrate social responsibility. Employees — particularly younger workers — want to work for organizations whose values align with their own. A fair chance hiring policy is a signal that your company believes in people.

Several states also offer tax incentives for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit — potentially reducing your hiring costs further.

How to Get Started

MyHarvest employer partnerships are free at the standard tier. You set your criteria, receive pre-screened and certified candidates, and fill positions faster with people who are genuinely motivated to succeed.

The entry-level hiring problem is not going away. But the pipeline is wider than most employers realize.

[Link to MyHarvest Contact Us Form]

Free Resources

7 Free Resources That Can Actually Help You Get Back on Your Feet

by MyHarvest

When money is tight, the advice to “invest in yourself” can feel tone-deaf. Courses cost money. Certifications cost money. Even the bus to get to a job interview costs money.

But there are genuinely free resources that can move the needle — if you know where to look. Here are seven that are worth your time.

1. 211 — Your Local Resource Directory

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone or visit 211.org to access a searchable database of thousands of local and national support services. Need help with rent? Utility bills? Food? Mental health support? Transportation? 211 connects you to programs in your area that most people never know exist.

It is completely free and available 24 hours a day.

2. MyHarvest — Life Skills, Jobs, and Housing in One Place

MyHarvest is a free platform designed specifically for people navigating hardship. It offers short, engaging courses on job readiness, budgeting, credit repair, healthy relationships, and more — all taught by real mentors who have been where you are. The platform also connects users to job opportunities and affordable housing resources in their area.

Unlike most training programs, MyHarvest courses are built to be engaging — short videos you can watch on your phone, not hours-long lectures. You can start right now, wherever you are.

3. Your Local Library

Libraries are dramatically underused as career resources. Most offer free computer access, resume printing, notary services, and Wi-Fi. Many also offer free workshops on job searching, Microsoft Office skills, and even coding basics. Call your local branch and ask what workforce programs they offer — you may be surprised.

4. SNAP Employment and Training (E&T)

If you are currently receiving SNAP benefits, you may be eligible for free job training, education, and even transportation and childcare assistance through SNAP E&T. Programs vary by state but can include vocational training, GED preparation, and job placement assistance.

Contact your local SNAP office or visit benefits.gov to find out what is available in your state.

5. Credit Karma and Credit Sesame

Both platforms are completely free and let you check your credit score, see what is on your credit report, and get personalized recommendations for improving your score. Understanding your credit is the first step to repairing it — and you do not need to pay anyone to help you do that.

6. LinkedIn — Free Profile and Job Search

LinkedIn is not just for corporate professionals. A free LinkedIn profile gives you access to millions of job postings, lets you connect with hiring managers directly, and signals to employers that you are serious about your career. Many companies now allow you to apply directly through LinkedIn with one click

MyHarvest’s job readiness courses include a module specifically on building a LinkedIn profile that gets noticed.

7. Khan Academy

Completely free, Khan Academy offers courses in math, reading, science, computer programming, and even personal finance. If you want to brush up on skills before applying for jobs or going back to school, this is one of the best free tools available anywhere.

The Bottom Line

Getting back on your feet does not require money. It requires knowing where to look and taking one step at a time. Start with the resources on this list, and give yourself credit for every small move forward.

MyHarvest is free to download and built for exactly where you are right now.

[Link to Download MyHarvest Free]

Jial

Just Got Out? Here’s Everything You Need to Do in Your First 30 Days

by MyHarvest

The day you walk out is supposed to feel like freedom. But for most people, it feels overwhelming. No job lined up. Maybe no place to stay. A phone that needs setting up and a world that moved on without you.

You are not alone in that feeling — and you are not behind. You just need a roadmap. Here is what to focus on in your first 30 days.

Days 1–3: Handle the Basics

Before anything else, you need the foundational documents that make everything else possible. If you don’t have them already, start working on getting your state ID or driver’s license, your Social Security card, and your birth certificate. Without these, applying for jobs, housing, or benefits becomes nearly impossible.

If you were released with a case manager or parole officer, contact them immediately and get clarity on your check-in requirements. Missing these early appointments can set everything else back

Days 4–7: Find Stable Housing

Temporary or unstable housing is one of the biggest predictors of reincarceration. If you don’t have a safe place to stay, this becomes your most urgent priority.

Start by contacting your local 211 service — either by dialing 2-1-1 or searching online. This connects you to thousands of local resources, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental assistance, and more. Many communities also have reentry-specific housing programs
that reserve units for people leaving incarceration.

MyHarvest also connects users to affordable housing opportunities filtered specifically for people with criminal records — including landlords who participate in fair chance housing programs.

Days 8–14: Start Building Income

You don’t need the perfect job on day one. You need income while you work toward the right opportunity.

Many employers are actively hiring people with records — particularly in construction, manufacturing, logistics, food service, and customer service. Companies like Dave’s Hot
Chicken, Greyston Bakery, and many local employers have public fair chance hiring policies.

Days 15–21: Address Your Wellbeing

The stress of reentry is real and it is physical. Many people leaving incarceration are carrying
unprocessed trauma, and the pressure of rebuilding can make that heavier.

You don’t have to push through alone. Peer support groups, counseling services, and community mental health resources are available in most areas — many at no cost. MyHarvest
connects users to local and digital wellness resources including counselors, peer support
groups, and spiritual communities.

Days 22–30: Build Your Plan

By the end of your first month you should have a clearer picture of where you are and what you
need next. Now is the time to start setting short-term goals — not just surviving, but building.

What skills do you want to develop? What kind of work do you want to do long-term? What does
stable housing look like for you in six months?

MyHarvest’s life skills courses cover goal setting, financial planning, and building the confidence
to go after the life you actually want — not just the one that feels possible right now.

The Bottom Line

The first 30 days are hard. But they are also the most important window you have to set the foundation for everything that comes next. Take it one step at a time, use every resource available to you, and remember — your past does not determine your future.

MyHarvest is a free platform built specifically for this moment. Download it today and start where
you are. [Link to Download MyHarvest Free]

 

Family & Child Support

Free Help for Families: Childcare Assistance, WIC, After-School Programs & More

by MyHarvest

Raising children is one of the most rewarding — and most demanding — responsibilities a person can take on. When money is tight or support is limited, even the most dedicated parents can feel overwhelmed. The truth is, there are dozens of programs designed specifically to support families and caregivers, and many of them are free. This guide breaks down the most helpful family support resources and explains how MyHarvest walks alongside parents and caregivers on their journey.

Childcare Assistance Programs

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
The federal CCDF program provides childcare subsidies to low-income families, allowing parents to work, attend school, or participate in job training while their children receive quality care. Contact your state’s childcare agency or visit childcare.gov to apply.

Head Start & Early Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded program offering free early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services to children from birth to age 5 from low-income families. Find a local program at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov.

WIC: Nutrition Support for Mothers and Young Children

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides nutritional support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Benefits include monthly food packages, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health services.

WIC is available to families that meet income guidelines, and enrollment is simple. Visit your local health department or wicprogram.net to apply. Eligible families often qualify for more support than they realize.

Free and Low-Cost Items for Families

Free Diapers & Baby Supplies
Several programs provide free diapers to low-income families, including the National Diaper Bank Network (nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org). Local churches, nonprofits, and community groups also frequently run diaper drives and baby supply programs.

Free Baby Formula
WIC covers baby formula for eligible families. Additionally, many hospitals and pediatricians can connect families with formula assistance programs.

After-School and Summer Programs

After-school programs are vital for working parents and beneficial for children’s development. Many are offered free or at low cost through:

  • Local YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs — often offer income-based sliding scale fees
  • Public school extended learning programs — check with your child’s school
  • Library programs — many public libraries offer free after-school and summer programming
  • Faith-based youth programs — churches and community organizations often run free youth activities

Family Counseling and Parenting Support

Parenting is hard — and having support makes it better. Many communities offer free parenting classes, family counseling, and support groups. Check with your local Family Resource Center, community health center, or faith community for options.

How MyHarvest Supports Families

At MyHarvest, we know that when parents thrive, children thrive. Our platform offers free life skills courses that are highly relevant to families — including budgeting, communication, co-parenting, and personal development. We also create a positive social community where parents and caregivers can connect, share encouragement, and support one another.

Through our faith-based approach, we believe every family has the potential to flourish — and we work to connect families with the housing resources, job opportunities, and community relationships that make that possible.

👉 Explore family resources and free courses at myharvest.org.

Final Thoughts

No parent should feel alone in raising their children. From childcare subsidies to WIC to after-school programs, there is a wide network of support available to families at every income level. MyHarvest is here to help you find it — and to walk with you as you build the strong, stable family life you and your children deserve.

Visit myharvest.org — because every family deserves a harvest of good things.