Review - From Prison to Paycheck

From Prison to Paycheck: What No One Ever Tellsinstance, "no phone calls" or "apply in person," then
You About Getting a Job, Pam Hogan, 2007, ISBNfollow it. If your qualifications don't exactly match the
9780979429491requirements, apply and go for an interview, anyway.
Among the many challenges faced by those justThe more job interview experience you can get, the
released from prison is that of getting a job. Thosebetter off you will be. You need to be out there
with a job are much more likely to stay out of prisonevery day, filling out applications and leaving off
than those without one. This book attempts to makeresumes.
that challenge less challenging.The book goes through the job interview process,
Think of a resume as equivalent to a business card.including a list of questions the interviewer will ask.
It's required; the book exactly how to write it. ForPractice the answers to these questions ahead of
those whose work history is spotty or non-existent,time, so that you will sound confident and "with it,"
register with a temporary employment agency. Goinginstead of hesitating and unsure of yourself.
on a variety of jobs will help to narrow down theAt some point, the question will be asked: Have you
type of jobs that you do (or do not) want, they willever been convicted of a felony? Do not lie, because
provide experience to put on a resume, and thethe truth will eventually be discovered, but there is
paycheck does not hurt. Volunteering is another wayno need to include every detail. If that part of your
to get experience to put on a resume. Target yourlife is, honestly, never to return, find a way to say
resume for different types of positions. A resumeso. The book gives some suggested responses.
that highlights your experience as a landscapeThis book does a fine job at making the job search
gardener will be of little help in applying for a securityprocess as painless as possible. It is not just good for
guard position.those just out of prison, but also for those whose
Treat your job search as a full-time job. Carefullywork history is less than stellar.
read the on-line or newspaper ads. If it says, for