Jobs for the formerly incarcerated rises again, this time with AI help
2 comments
I included your website in one of my articles years ago, reflecting on my time working at the Safer Foundation and getting introduced to The Last Mile. Doesn't seem that website is active anymore.
https://confessionsoftheprofessions.com/opportunities-for-in...
https://confessionsoftheprofessions.com/opportunities-for-in...
"they only know this after getting a background check,"
Many ask on the application for any criminal history. So they should know upfront. But it does suck for the applicants since the standards are hidden.
Many ask on the application for any criminal history. So they should know upfront. But it does suck for the applicants since the standards are hidden.
Actually, "Ban the Box" legislation has been enacted almost everywhere. But you're right: it does suck.
Hopefully they repeal these laws because they're bad for blacks and bad for employers.
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1086/705880
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1086/705880
Fewer than half of states have ban the box laws.
Several months ago I announced with great sadness that I was ceasing operations. Both the HN and Y Comb. (I was in S17) were incredibly supportive. I'll never forget that.
But I'm not done with my work. Like most, I'm amazed at the potential of AI. I know that employing it to help people with records land jobs would be enormously effective, so I am planning to launch a new company, SecondChance AI.
Most of the people coming out of prison have no clue on how to land a job; how to create a resume and cover letter, where to look, how to apply, etc. And that's assuming they have the most basic of tech skills--which many don't.
If that wasn't challenging enough, nearly all employer HR departments have internal parameters for who they can and cannot consider, based on criminal records. Unfortunately, they generally don't share this information, so we have job seekers applying to jobs they can never land, and HR departments assessing candidates that they can never hire (they only know this after getting a background check, which happens at the very end of the assessment process).
What if jobseekers (and there are 70 million Americans--1 in 3 adults) with records could access an app powered by AI that would create the resume, cover letter, search for available jots (most importantly, those that would accommodate their record) and apply on their behalf?
Obviously a great service to job seekers, but to employers as well--saving them time and money.
I think this would be very fundable and would scale very well.
I'm considered a national expert on reentry, and I certainly know how both sides of this marketplace work. I'm seeking a co-founder and/or CTO/tech lead to work with me on this.
I can't begin to describe how gratifying this work is. If interested in learning more, contact me at [email protected].