Ameer had job offers rescinded because of his criminal history, in spite of his qualifications. With Honest Jobs, he got a job where he can work with people facing similar challenges, and can help them succeed. Learn more about his experience in the video below:
Read the full interview with Ameer here:
What experience do you have with the criminal justice system?
Ameer: "I was arrested back in 2015, went through the court processes, got a lawyer around that time. I was sentenced to five years of probation on a plea deal. During that time I was kicked out of school. I had lost my job at the time and picked up some other jobs. Then ended up going back to school. Later on, I got my Bachelor's degree. And that's when I found Honest Jobs on my next job search.”
What was your job searching experience like before and after you found Honest Jobs?
Ameer: “I didn't actually get all the way through any hiring processes when I initially started searching. But I got one interview for a job, got all the way through the interview process, got an offer. And then my offer was rescinded based on my background check. It was more of like a mental block, I guess: Being scared to apply for places, even though I felt like I was a good fit. Just because I knew, well, I thought that once the background check part came, it was going to be a denial. Even if I killed the interview, if I got the offer or anything like that. As soon as I created my Honest Jobs profile, I think the next day or two she [recruiter at Honest Jobs] called me and it was just so quick. It was insane.”
Tell us about your new job?
Ameer: “It’s with a company called Checkr. So basically they're a background check software company. They practice fair chance-hiring. I met a lot of amazing people there as well, who have dealt with very similar situations. My position with them is Candidate Experience Representative. So just really helping candidates, which is amazing because one thing I wanted to do is help people in my similar situation. The benefits were incredible. I couldn't believe it. Especially, with a criminal history you never expect to be with a company like that, so it's nice.”
Would you recommend Honest Jobs to other formerly incarcerated job seekers?
Ameer: “I think you guys were amazing. Your recruiters are incredible. I could tell I wasn't just a number, I could tell she [recruiter at Honest Jobs] genuinely wanted to help me. I felt genuinely cared for. Even to this day, she [recruiter at Honest Jobs] follows up with me and just checks in and it's awesome.”
Do you have any tips for justice involved job seekers?
Ameer: “Don’t do what I did. And don't be scared to apply to places. I mean, you're going to get a few “Nos” before you get a “Yes”. That's totally part of it, even if you don't have a criminal history. Don’t let your confidence be shot by it. I never thought I'd be working for a company like this and here I am.”