Well, Well, seems I finally got my license back, after a full year. I have paid the price dearly and am no longer a slave to the judicial system.
I wasted no time getting resumes out for job that required a car. I landed a position at a great company making more than I did before, how?
If I can make one suggestion, never give up.
I would also add, I had more than one offer. I was being screened by company A at the she time company B made me an offer after just 2 interviews. I took the position. Three weeks later, company A contacted me about a 4th interview, I graciously declined.
See, I believe it is all a matter of not letting B.S.in interviewing take your emotions and make you feel as if people are going to judge you for poor decisions you have made in your career. We all learn by our mistakes. Even if you are fired, quit, got a dui, you can still be an asset to someone else. My company exploits my car's use to get back and forth to client sites. I do not mind. All they require is I have a car and a valid Driver's License.
They never asked me to take a drug test, check my background extensively, run my credit score, or ask me to take a psychological battery. They simply want me for my technical skills. I keep my head straight. I stay focused on my tasks, and I never complain.
In the meantime, I'm heading back to finish a BS degree. Studying my certifications, and thanking God for a second chance.
And many thanks to the webmaster for the great advice, and I wish the best for everyone who is in the fight for the right position.
Mike's comments: Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I can feel your positive energy and confidence after I'm sure, many sleepless nights and prayers to overcome this. All the best to you and your family.
Aug 10, 2011 Rating
Idiot w DUI and others' stupid post by: Anonymous
I'm sorry I don't reply or post to comments or post made by others usually but I had to in his case....
If you get a DUI, I'm sorry but you're screwed.
Companies run background checks on almost everyone, including $7/hr employees. This background will include your credit and criminal background.
If you ask if this job requires driving, what would you do if you were the hiring manager?! You would ask why is he/she asking this weird question?
"I don't have a car"? Not a good response. "Don't have a license." Not a good response.
It is better to be upfront and tell them that you have a DUI.
The reason I know this is because I have a DUI and was one of the top sales reps for a fortune 100 company....and lost my job because of it because I was guilty as hell.
This is a nasty and tough question when it comes up in an interview and smaller companies and HR managers wont believe you when you tell them the reason.....and larger companies wont bother, they have too many other applicants to take a "RISK".
Bottom line, you are better off owning up to your DUI rather than waiting until the end of interview process...because they will find out. Be honest if nothing else, that will go a long way.
Mike's Comments: I see your point about owning up to a DUI, but it would be much better to do this at the end of an interview because you can at least build value with the hiring manager. If s/he is impressed with you and likes you, they may be able to relax the DUI policy depending on a lot of things (difficulty in filling the position, length of time the position has been open, the value of your contacts, etc.)
If you are applying for a position and the first words out of your mouth is, "I have a DUI", you make it too easy for them to just eliminate you.
The advice I gave this job seeker about asking about driving is only because he lives in NYC. Lots of people in NYC don't drive or own a car. Also, I suggested he ask these questions to his network, not the hiring manager. So, in this context it makes more sense. I should have made this more clear.
Yes...it is very tough to get around a DUI and most companies won't hire you, BUT not every company does background checks. So, you must keep trying.
At some point along the way, some loving soul will give you a second chance. I actually know a Class D felon who was recently hired by a $1 billion company after a friend called the president and asked him to relax the policy. It worked.
Best advice: Don't give up. Don't assume "no one will ever hire me". Handle each job opportunity on a case by case basis. Exceptions to company policy are made every day. But if you don't try, nothing will happen.
Aug 29, 2010 Rating
thanks for the responses by: Anonymous
I appreciate your advice. I feel so close. I had a good face to face last week, otherwise I'm still looking. I just need to hang in there. I'll have my DL back in 6 months. Funny thing is I don't think I'll be driving to work if I get a job in the city close by. It's too much of a hassle to park.
Mike's Comments: Ok...thanks. I'm sure you've thought of this, but make sure you contact Temp Agencies. Lot's of companies are putting people on contract for 3-6 months, then converting them over to a permanent position. I wrote a detailed article about how to go about this in one of my recent monthly newsletters. All the best.
Aug 16, 2010 Rating
Another Job Lead Suggestion by: Karen F.
Great response to the reader's problem. :-)
There are companies out there who look for telecommuters, such as eLance, GetAFreelancer.com and oDesk. Problem is most of the jobs undergo a bidding process and you would need to sustain a number of jobs to get you to that comfort level you are accustomed to.
There is a company called Alpine Access that hires customer care professionals with previous experience in technical support, banking/financial, cell phones OR billing required. (http://www.alpineaccess.com/en/apply/current-opportunities/)
Best part is, you can work from home.
Perhaps this is worth a shot?
Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter for questions, comments or violent reactions)
