A Job Hunting Story

Despite a prison record, Gary got the job he wanted because of his employer-focused "customer service" attitude. Here's how it happened.

Gary responded to an ad for an office assistant by calling the company and asking some questions. Later he wrote a short thank you note to Rachel, the woman who had helped him over the phone. She was so friendly — unlike some people he'd encountered. That's why he wrote the note.

It turned out that the company was a small one. Rachel's delight in the thank you note, which she passed around to everyone in the office, sparked a special interest in Gary. In fact, Rachel's good opinion of him strongly influenced the decision of her supervisor, Elaine, to interview him.

Normally, Elaine probably would not have invited Gary for an interview because his application form indicated that he had been convicted of a felony. With so many other qualified applicants, why bother with a criminal?, Elaine thought. Fortunately, she gave Gary a chance. He had noted that his crime was nonviolent and that he was eager to discuss the situation and how he had remedied it. "At least he is honest and has a good attitude," Elaine told Rachel.

Gary had a history of abusing alcohol and drugs and had spent a couple of years in a
Huntsville prison as a result. He felt very

nervous about explaining his prison record to Elaine. He planned and practiced his responses with his girlfriend so he'd be ready.

During the interview, Gary explained his situation briefly and openly, taking full responsibility for his crime, which impressed Elaine. He said that he had undergone treatment and had made many positive changes since then. He stressed that he was clean and sober now. He also mentioned that he had a support network to help keep him on the right path.

He quickly moved on to describe his computer knowledge and how it would benefit Elaine's company. He made it clear that he wanted to work — that helping her would demonstrate his commitment to living a clean life.

Gary's honesty, enthusiasm and focus on how he could help convinced Elaine to give him a chance. As soon as he left, she began checking his references. Each person stressed that Gary was a good worker when he was clean and sober and that he was doing everything he could to remain that way.

Elaine knew that she was taking a risk by hiring Gary. What if he relapsed? Still, his honest and responsible behavior won her over. "Everyone deserves a second chance," she thought. She gave him the job on a six-month probationary basis. Gary was ecstatic and went out of his way to prove to Elaine that she'd made the right choice.