Having a criminal record makes job searching stressful, but thousands of people with felony records find good jobs every day. In Illinois, the law protects you from immediate discrimination, and many companies actively hire returning citizens.
In Illinois, employers are forbidden by law from asking about your criminal background on the initial job application. They cannot ask the question "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?" until they have decided you are qualified and interviewed you.
When an employer eventually asks about your past during an interview or background check, use this simple formula:
"Several years ago, I made poor choices that led to my incarceration. I served my time and took full responsibility for my actions."
Do not make excuses or blame others.
"While incarcerated, I completed classes, worked in facility sanitation, earned certificates, and kept an unblemished conduct record."
Show positive use of your time.
"Today, my focus is showing up on time every day, working hard, and proving myself as your most dependable employee."
Bring the conversation back to the job.
Dedicated prisoner re-entry program in Sterling providing direct caseworker support, housing location assistance, job skills development, and substance counseling in Whiteside County.
A grassroots, peer-led reentry center run by formerly incarcerated community leaders in Champaign County. Provides a welcoming drop-in center, computer lab, job coaching, and transitional housing for returning citizens.
Holistic reentry organization providing tailored transition plans, peer mentorship, trauma recovery, and job readiness training specifically for justice-involved men in Jackson County.
Free 12-week tuition-free pre-apprenticeship program preparing women and justice-impacted individuals for high-wage, union careers in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and welding ($25 - $45+/hr).
Intensive 4-week professional transformation and job readiness boot camp. Places graduates into quality, permanent corporate, healthcare, logistics, and retail positions with high retention rates.
Over 50 years of experience connecting returning citizens with supportive employers in warehousing, manufacturing, green technology, culinary arts, and logistics. Offers paid training stipends in select programs.
Specialized reentry collaborative connecting returning residents with local job skills training, transitional housing case management, mental health services, and record sealing assistance.
Dedicated nonprofit in Vermilion County providing personalized reentry case plans, mentorship, clothing assistance, and connections to local manufacturing and warehouse employers.
Community agency offering comprehensive reentry programming, workforce development, computer lab access, and family reunification support in East St. Louis.
Provides professional interview attire, belts, dress shoes, and steel-toed construction boots for free so you look sharp and prepared for interviews and job sites.
State-funded centers in every county across Illinois. Walk in and use computers with high-speed internet, print resumes for free, and work with specialized veteran and reentry employment navigators.
Free 10-week pre-apprenticeship construction training program for underemployed and formerly incarcerated people. Includes free tools, financial stipends, OSHA-10 certification, and direct hiring partnerships.
The following companies regularly hire applicants with past criminal records or have signed fair-chance pledges:
UPS, FedEx Ground, Amazon, DHL, local moving companies.
The Home Depot, Goodwill Industries, Target, Menards.
Commercial roofing, drywall, carpentry, CDL truck driving.