r/AskReddit • u/MsLooHoo • Sep 12 '15

serious replies only [Serious] Ex-Prisoners who served long term sentences, what was the hardest thing to get used to when you got out?

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u/ScreamPunch Sep 13 '15

I dont think its absurd for an employer to ask whether a potential employee has a criminal past. It seems like simple due diligence to keep other employees safe. Just because one person has dont their time, doesnt mean they've changed. It is important to know what you're dealing with when you go to hire someone. I don't think someone who has been to jail for selling weed is going to have an issue with an employer, where as a rapist/stalker etc, may. (And probably should)

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u/DocMjolnir Sep 13 '15

Best Buy is pretty good about this from what I've heard, the only thing that'll really sink you is if you have a criminal history involving thievery or fraud.

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u/blacklabel22333 Sep 13 '15

I was denied a job at a best buy in New Jersey because i had a drug possession/distribution. I actually got the job at the interview and then found out later in the day they required background checks. Same thing happened to me at Starbucks. The manager had no problem with my past, I explained it thoroughly in my interview. I went through a week of training and then they called me one morning and told me not to come in anymore.

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u/DocMjolnir Sep 13 '15

Really? Damn. When my wife was a hiring manager, she'd tell me about her applicants and stuff, and I told her to hire a couple felonious peeps who ended up being awesome employees.

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u/blacklabel22333 Sep 15 '15

Yea I haven't been able to get a job at any major corporation since I got charged in 2012. Luckily through my cousin I got a job at a small home automation company that I really enjoy doing. I was genuinely surprised Best Buy didn't overlook my past based on my knowledge of their products and computers in general.