For people coming home from prison, the second sentence often begins after release.
Finding a job isn’t just about a paycheck — it’s about rebuilding life, restoring dignity, and breaking the cycle of recidivism. But despite what we say about second chances, the system is still stacked against those who’ve paid their debt to society.
Here are six reasons employment after incarceration remains one of the biggest hurdles to successful reentry:
- Employer Discrimination Still Cuts Opportunities in Half: Applicants with a criminal record receive 50% fewer callbacks than those without, even when their resumes are identical. This isn’t just data — it’s real bias that continues to keep qualified individuals from meaningful work.
- Legal Restrictions Are Less Rigid in Illinois — But Still Complicated: In Illinois, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) does not automatically deny professional licenses based on past convictions. In fact, 99% of applicants with records (not statutorily barred) who disclosed their histories in 2018 were granted licenses.
Still, individuals with serious offenses (e.g., violent crimes or sexual offenses) may undergo additional review, which can be intimidating or discouraging — especially for those unfamiliar with the process. That’s why felon-friendly trades like carpentry, which require no state license, remain such a vital pathway for returning citizens to rebuild their lives.
- Background Checks Screen People Out Before They’re Heard: Many employers use background checks as filters, not tools. Even a decades-old nonviolent offense can trigger disqualification without a conversation. This “one-click no” eliminates the opportunity for explanation, growth, or grace.
- Work History Gaps Create a Catch-22: Incarceration often leaves a long gap on a resume. Even when someone worked inside, those jobs are rarely viewed as “real experience.” And without professional references, many can’t even get in the door to prove their ability.
- No Network Means No Foot in the Door: Most jobs are found through connections — friends, mentors, or referrals. But people reentering society often return to neighborhoods with high unemployment and limited opportunity. No network means fewer leads, fewer interviews, and fewer chances to build a career.
- Transportation Challenges Limit Job Access: Even when a job is available, getting there can be a challenge. Public transportation often doesn’t reach industrial areas or early shift sites. And for many returning citizens, car ownership can be out of reach. This isn’t about willingness to work — it’s about access.
What Can Be Done?
At Chicagoland Prison Outreach, we’re doing more than talk. We offer:
- Free vocational training in carpentry and trades
- Mentorship and community support
- Life skills and spiritual formation
We’ve seen firsthand that with the right training, trust, and opportunity, our students don’t just survive — they thrive.
Let’s Stop Wasting Talent
People leaving prison don’t need pity — they need a pathway. They need employers who will consider more than a checkbox. They need policies that focus on who a person is today.
And they need communities willing to say, “You matter. We see your future.”
We all benefit when we build an economy that believes in second chances.
Learn more about how CPO is creating pathways to employment for returning citizens:
