Creating a Resume for Someone Who Has Been In Prison

Writing a resume for someone who has been incarcerated involves addressing employment gaps while highlighting skills, experiences, and personal growth. The goal is to present the individual as a valuable candidate for employment, focusing on their abilities and the positive steps they’ve taken towards rehabilitation. Here’s a guide to crafting such a resume:

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

• Functional Resume: This format focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. It’s ideal for individuals with gaps in their employment history or those looking to change careers.
• Combination Resume: A mix of functional and chronological formats, this type highlights relevant skills at the top of the resume followed by a brief work history. This can be useful for someone who has some work experience before or during their incarceration.

2. Start with a Strong Summary Statement

• Begin with a summary statement that focuses on strengths, skills, and any relevant experience. This section should capture the employer’s interest and emphasize the candidate’s readiness to contribute positively to the workplace.

Example:

Dedicated and reliable individual with strong communication and teamwork skills. Adept at problem-solving and handling high-pressure situations. Eager to apply my abilities in [Industry/Role] to contribute to [Company's] success. Committed to continuous personal and professional growth.

3. Highlight Skills and Experiences

• Skills Section: List skills developed both before and during incarceration, including vocational training, certifications, educational courses, and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication, leadership).
• Projects or Volunteer Work: Include any projects, volunteer work, or roles assumed during incarceration that demonstrate skills and responsibilities. Use action verbs to describe your contributions and achievements.

Example:

Skills
- Certified in Carpentry from [Institution], skilled in blueprint reading, and woodworking
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer operations
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in team leadership and project coordination

Community Projects
- Led a team of five in a kitchen renovation project, coordinating tasks and ensuring timely completion
- Volunteered as a tutor in the education department, assisting in adult literacy and GED preparation

4. Include Work History (If Applicable)

• If there’s relevant work history before incarceration, include it in a concise format, focusing on roles and responsibilities relevant to the job being applied for.
• For work performed while incarcerated (such as jobs within the correctional facility), list these experiences using neutral language. Focus on the skills gained rather than the context of the employment.

Example:

Work Experience
Facilities Maintenance Worker, [Institution], 20XX-20XX
- Maintained facility cleanliness and conducted basic repairs and maintenance
- Managed inventory of cleaning supplies and tools, demonstrating attention to detail and organizational skills

5. Education and Training

• List any educational achievements, GED, vocational training, or certifications obtained before or during incarceration, including the institution and year of completion.

Example:

Education
General Educational Development (GED), 20XX
Vocational Training in Horticulture, [Institution], 20XX

6. References

• Include references who can speak to your character, work ethic, and skills. This might include educators, program coordinators, or former employers. Ensure you have their permission before listing them.

Final Tips

• Honesty is Key: Be prepared to discuss the circumstances of your incarceration openly in an interview, focusing on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application, highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your resume is well-organized, error-free, and easy to read.

---

How to Create Relevant Resumes Utilizing Institutional Jobs

1. Baker (Institutional Job)
   • Demonstrated proficiency in preparing baked goods and desserts for large-scale institutional settings.
   • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation standards in the kitchen area while adhering to safety protocols.
   • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely production and delivery of baked items for meals and special events.
2. Kitchen Staff (Institutional Job)
   • Contributed to meal preparation and serving operations in a fast-paced institutional kitchen environment.
   • Operated kitchen equipment, including ovens, stoves, and food processors, with a focus on safety and efficiency.
   • Assisted with inventory management, stocking supplies, and maintaining organization in the kitchen area.
3. Custodial/Janitorial Worker (Institutional Job)
   • Executed janitorial duties, including cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining facility cleanliness to high standards.
   • Utilized cleaning equipment and supplies effectively to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for staff and residents.
   • Responded promptly to maintenance requests and addressed facility upkeep needs with attention to detail and thoroughness.
4. Laundry Attendant (Institutional Job)
   • Managed laundry operations, including washing, drying, folding, and distributing linens and clothing items.
   • Operated industrial laundry equipment safely and efficiently while following established protocols.
   • Maintained inventory control and monitored laundry supplies to ensure adequate stock levels for ongoing operations.
5. Field Worker/Landscaper (Institutional Job)
   • Participated in outdoor maintenance tasks, such as landscaping, gardening, and groundskeeping, to enhance facility aesthetics.
   • Operated landscaping equipment, such as lawn mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers, to maintain outdoor areas.
   • Implemented landscaping designs and executed planting, watering, and pruning activities with attention to detail and precision.
6. Clerical Assistant (Institutional Job)
   • Provided administrative support to institutional staff, including data entry, filing, and document management tasks.
   • Assisted with recordkeeping, scheduling, and communication efforts to facilitate efficient operations.
   • Demonstrated proficiency in office software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, to create documents and presentations.
7. Peer Mentor/Peer Support Specialist (Institutional Job)
   • Served as a peer mentor to fellow inmates, offering guidance, support, and encouragement in personal and professional development.
   • Facilitated group discussions, workshops, and educational sessions on topics related to rehabilitation and reintegration.
   • Modeled positive behavior and served as a role model for individuals seeking to make positive changes in their lives.

---

How to Create Relevant Resumes Utilizing Institutional Skills

When listing skills learned in prison on a resume, it’s important to frame them in a way that highlights their relevance and applicability to the modern workforce. Here are some ways to present these skills effectively:

1. Transferable Skills: Emphasize transferable skills that are applicable across various industries and job roles. For example:
   • Communication Skills: Highlight your ability to effectively communicate with diverse individuals, whether it’s through written correspondence, verbal interactions, or group facilitation.
   • Problem-Solving Skills: Showcase your capacity to identify challenges, analyze situations, and develop creative solutions to overcome obstacles.
   • Time Management Skills: Demonstrate your proficiency in managing time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
   • Teamwork Skills: Illustrate your experience working collaboratively with others, contributing to team goals, and resolving conflicts constructively.
2. Technical Skills: Highlight any technical skills or certifications acquired during your time in prison that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This could include:
   • Computer Skills: Mention proficiency in using software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, or basic IT troubleshooting skills.
   • Vocational Training: Showcase any vocational training or certifications obtained in areas such as culinary arts, carpentry, welding, or automotive repair.
   • Equipment Operation: Highlight your ability to operate machinery, equipment, or tools relevant to the job, such as kitchen appliances, landscaping equipment, or industrial machinery.
3. Leadership and Mentorship: If you held leadership roles or served as a mentor to others during your incarceration, emphasize these experiences as evidence of your leadership and interpersonal skills. For example:
   • Leadership Skills: Describe your experience leading teams, delegating tasks, and motivating others to achieve common goals.
   • Mentorship Skills: Highlight your ability to provide guidance, support, and mentorship to peers, helping them navigate challenges and develop personal and professional skills.
4. Adaptability and Resilience: Showcase your ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and persevere in the face of adversity. Employers value candidates who demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the workplace. For example:
   • Adaptability: Describe how you successfully adapted to changes in the prison environment, learned new skills, and remained flexible in challenging situations.
   • Resilience: Highlight instances where you overcame setbacks, demonstrated perseverance, and maintained a positive attitude in difficult circumstances.
5. Emotional Intelligence: Emphasize your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, which are essential for building relationships and navigating professional environments. This could include:
   • Empathy: Showcase your ability to understand and empathize with the perspectives and experiences of others, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
   • Conflict Resolution: Highlight your skill in resolving conflicts peacefully, mediating disputes, and fostering positive relationships with colleagues and clients.
   • Self-Awareness: Describe your capacity for self-reflection, self-regulation, and personal growth, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and development.