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Finding meaningful employment is a key part of reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. Yet, a criminal record can pose major challenges in job search. These curated resources including articles, guides and organizations– offer practical support for career professionals working with criminal justice system- involved clients.
Toolkits, guides & more
Can an employer ask me if I have a police record? (Steps to Justice)
This resource offers information on when employers can ask about an employee or candidate’s criminal record, what record checks they can get, a jobseeker’s rights when an employer asks for a record check and how to apply for a record suspension.
Criminal Records and Employment (National Pardon Centre)
This article lists career choices that require criminal record searches for all potential candidates, such as physiotherapy, insurance, taxi driving, and banking. It also explains the process of starting a pardon application and the typical results/impact on employment prospects.
Employment support for young clients with criminal records (CERIC)
This Careering magazine article offers strategies for career professionals working with youth with a criminal record. It explains the need for wrap-around support, a long-term commitment to clients, and labour market knowledge to properly support this population in finding employment.
Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit (John Howard Society)
This toolkit and the information and resources contained within aim to better help job developers advocate on behalf of their clients with criminal records. It includes an employer pitch deck, wraparound support services checklist, client questionnaire and stories of jobseekers with criminal records.
Fair Chance Policies and Career Development for Ex-offenders
This NCDA article explores the impact of Fair Chance hiring policies, which delay criminal background checks until after candidacy is established, helping reduce stigma for justice-involved jobseekers. It outlines practical strategies for career professionals: encouraging volunteer work, crafting strength-based resumes, securing credible references, preparing character-focused interviews, and assisting with professional attire. The article reinforces that employment stability supports reintegration, benefits communities, and is aligned with evidence-based policy approaches.
I’ve got a criminal record. How can I get a job? (The Globe and Mail)
In this article, the Director of Human Resources for Randstad Canada and the President of BlueSky Personnel Solutions offer their advice for a person with a criminal record seeking employment.
Job Hunting With A Criminal Record (Monster)
This article from the job search website Monster outlines the difference between background checks and reference checks, what candidates are required to disclose about their criminal background, the process of applying for a criminal pardon and more.
Keeping hope alive for clients in criminal justice system
This article shares insights from teaching career development in a women’s prison, highlighting how fostering hope and reframing skills can empower incarcerated individuals. It emphasizes adapting tools like mock interviews and focusing on strengths to support reintegration and reduce recidivism.
The Social Reintegration of Offenders and Crime Prevention (Public Safety Canada)
This document outlines the need for a holistic approach to offender reintegration to prevent reoffending. Some of the information included will not be directly relevant to career professionals but could provide meaningful context for working with this population. There is also a section on “Employment/Job Market Re-entry Assistance” that explains the challenges ex-offenders can face in obtaining employment upon release as well as the impact of community-based employment interventions.
What Works: Career-Building Strategies for People From Diverse Groups (Government of Alberta)
What Works is a career resource with client-focused, strength-based approaches for those who counsel or work with diverse groups. The resource sheet on ex-offenders covers many topics including strategies for career building, dealing with employers and helping clients with job search.
The Government of Alberta’s Alis website also has a page on “Finding Work With a Criminal Record,” which offers strategies for jobseekers on how to answer questions about their criminal record without hurting their chances of getting a job offer.
Organizations
Elizabeth Fry Society
The Elizabeth Fry Society is a non-profit organization with locations across Canada that aims to “support criminalized and marginalized women, girls and children in achieving their potential.” While specific offerings vary depending on location, services include employment and educational support for women who are involved in the justice system or are in recovery and transition.
L.I.N.C.
L.I.N.C. is a British Columbia-based organization that works with people affected by the criminal justice system. Its Central Fraser Valley Employment Programme helps people on conditional release in the Fraser Valley find work, including helping with resume writing, job retention skills, career action plans, skills and abilities assessment, labour market information and work experience placement.
PACT Urban Peace Program
This Toronto-based organization works with, supports and empowers underserved, marginalized and at-risk young people, as well as youth already in conflict with the law. It offers a LifePlan Coaching Program for higher-risk repeat offenders (ages 14-18), Life & Job Skills Community Service Projects for youth, ages 13-21, and the opportunity to get involved with its urban farming initiatives.
Pardons Canada
Pardons Canada is a national non-profit organization that helps individuals remove a past criminal offence from public record. It provides support and information over the phone, online as well as in-person at its Toronto office.
The Bridge Prison Ministry
The Bridge, a Brampton, ON-based organization, aims to help adult and youth offenders successfully reintegrate into the community. It offers multiple programs, including its “BRIDGE-TO-Work Employment Readiness” program.
The John Howard Society of Canada
John Howard Society, which has branches across Canada, is committed to “effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime.” It provides rehabilitative and reintegrative services to released prisoners, including training in basic job search skills and life skills and helping clients find affordable housing.
