Do you need a job and are you looking for companies that hire criminals? It can be a difficult task to find a job that fits your needs. Normally, companies that hire criminals do not like to publicize the fact because it can cause image problems.

However, you can probably find a list of companies that hire criminals if you know where to look.

Correctional programs that help ex-offenders re-enter the workforce should be the first place you look for a list of local businesses that hire felons. Your probation officer will probably be able to help you as well.

You can also try calling your state employment office or department of labor. Businesses that hire criminals are eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, so contacting your local government office will provide you with more information on criminal-friendly jobs.

Non-profit and church-based organizations may also have programs that help ex-offenders find employment. Try calling your pastor and ask if he knows of any criminal programs in your area or if he knows of any local businesses that hire criminals.

Temp agencies and some employment agencies may also have a list of jobs for felons.

Sometimes a company may not be well known for hiring criminals, but you can try to apply. Many industries are known to contain many companies that hire ex-convicts. These include growing industries where new staff are always needed, such as trucking, delivery, food service, construction, and other similar industries.

Even the US Military hires ex-convicts through its criminal record waiver program. In fact, it has been reported that one in eight Army soldiers needed a waiver to enlist.

Nonprofit organizations, especially those already involved in work release programs, are also very likely to hire ex-offenders who have been rehabilitated.

One option you can explore is to work as a freelancer or independent contractor. That way you won’t even need to be regularly employed by one of the companies that hire criminals.

How does it work? If you learn a trade or profession that is in demand, then you can hire yourself for jobs instead of working for a single employer.

To give an example, most companies do not employ a videographer in their day-to-day work, but if the company is hosting a large event and needs professional-quality video, they will need to hire a freelance videographer. This example shows that all companies can provide jobs for criminals, even if only for a few days.

Examples of freelancers or independent contractors are photographers, journalists, web designers, graphic designers, programmers, computer technicians, personal chefs, personal trainers, etc.

Another alternative to searching for felony jobs is to start your own business. Entrepreneurship isn’t exactly easy, but it’s definitely something ex-criminals can try if they have a good business head.

In the end, what matters when it comes to finding a job at one of the companies that hire criminals is that you have to be proactive. It is true that the economic slowdown has made finding a job much more difficult than before, but there are still quite a few positions available. The companies that hire criminals are the ones that are growing and therefore are always hiring. Lastly, if none of the jobs that are available to you seem appealing, you may not need to find companies that hire criminals because you can always consider starting your own business or becoming self-employed.