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As our last segment examining the McKinsey American Opportunity Survey findings, this post will look at the employment challenges facing individuals who were formerly incarcerated. If you’d like to learn more, continue reading.
The Challenges
For many people reentering after incarceration, finding a job is one of the toughest challenges they face. Even when someone is motivated and ready to work, a myriad of barriers often stands in their way. Stigma and bias against individuals with criminal records remain widespread, making employers hesitant to offer opportunities. Background checks frequently lead to automatic disqualifications, and legal restrictions can block people from entire industries. These hurdles not only limit the chances of those trying to rebuild their lives but also reduce the available talent pool for businesses, especially during labor shortages.
Beyond bias, many returning citizens face practical challenges that affect their ability to get and keep a job. Gaps in work experience and education are common after time spent in prison, where access to career training and technical skills development is often limited. In addition, many struggle with unstable housing, transportation issues, legal obligations and childcare — factors that can make steady employment difficult.
How Workforce Development Helps
Despite these obstacles, workforce development programs can play a powerful role in helping individuals overcome challenges and reenter the job market. By providing short-term vocational training, career coaching and skill-building opportunities, these programs help people gain the qualifications needed for in-demand industries. Whether it’s learning digital literacy, earning certifications in construction or healthcare, or building soft skills like communication and teamwork, workforce development opens doors to stable employment and long-term success.
However, training alone isn’t enough. Many workforce programs now include wraparound services that address broader needs such as résumé assistance, interview coaching and support for housing or transportation. This comprehensive approach helps create the stability job seekers need to focus on their careers and avoid setbacks.
How Employers Can Help
Employers also have an essential role to play. Inclusive hiring practices that look beyond a criminal record to assess skills and experience benefit both workers and businesses. Research shows that people with records who are given a chance tend to be reliable, loyal and hardworking employees. Initiatives like “Ban the Box” encourage employers to delay questions about criminal history until later in the hiring process, giving applicants a fair shot to demonstrate their qualifications. Many workforce boards and nonprofits work closely with companies to promote second-chance hiring and support inclusive workplaces.
Bigger Changes Are Still Needed
On the policy side, removing unnecessary licensing restrictions, funding prison education programs and supporting transitional jobs can help reduce barriers before and after release. These investments not only help individuals build successful careers but also strengthen local economies and reduce recidivism.
Ultimately, a criminal record should not define a person’s future. With the right combination of training, support and fair hiring, returning citizens can show they are valuable contributors to the workforce and their communities. Opening more doors to employment is a win-win that benefits everyone.
All of this can be overwhelming, which is why it is important to have support. If you would like additional guidance during your job search or have questions about how to advance your career, look no further than the professionals across the country who staff the Goodwill® career centers.
Goodwill personnel can help you craft your résumé, find employment and provide access to resources and tailored support. This aid can help people improve their job prospects. Our career navigators to offering career guidance, skills certification, application help, continuing education assistance, interview preparation and financial aid that can help you throughout your journey to find work.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. If you need assistance or counseling regarding any of your employment needs or questions, we are here for you.
