If you have served time for drug-related charges in Georgia, one of the challenges you may face when you are released is finding a job. Working toward developing your skills and presenting yourself as a likable candidate are tasks that you can begin working on immediately to help you effectively prepare for a job interview.
Contrary to how you may be feeling or what you may have been told, it is not impossible to find employment after you have served time for a criminal conviction. While you may have to work a little harder than some to rebuild your reputation and demonstrate how you have changed, your commitment to showing integrity and marketing your skills in a persuasive manner can definitely help you to catch the attention of employers looking to hire.
According to Career Trend, employment laws provide a clear description of your rights as a job candidate including if you have previously been charged with a crime. Researching these laws and understanding your rights can help you to make professional and knowledgeable decisions regarding your candidacy so you can identify if you are being discriminated against unfairly. Chances are, you have some job experience from before your conviction and perhaps you have even learned or strengthened valuable skills while you were serving time. Strategically marketing these promising competencies is an excellent way to establish a reputation and help interested employers look beyond your past.
One of the most important things you can do is to maintain integrity throughout the interview process. If questions about your conviction come up, answer them honestly and with confidence. Focus on how your experience has strengthened you as a person and share some of the lessons you have learned. Never give in to the temptation to fabricate your story or place blame with someone else. Your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and own up to your behavior may be just what it takes to convince an employer that you are a person of your word.
