Catherwood LibraryILR School

Labor shortages all over the country - to the tune of 11.3 million open jobs - should, theoretically, give a generally ignored demographic a better opportunity at finding jobs. In the past, ex-prisoners would have a difficult time trying to find reliable employment as they re-enter society, because employers were often reluctant to pursue hiring the formerly incarcerated, at giving them a "second chance". Those wanting a stable routine and paycheck would often only find only temporary positions; studies have shown that regular employment reduces the likelihood they'll repeat criminal behavior. A 2021 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management indicated that 53% of human resource professionals would be willing to hire ex-prisoners, an increase from 37% in 2018. Workforce re-entry programs help parolees to re-enter society by teaching them how to be better candidates for jobs, often by helping them train into possible positions and helping them find jobs that match their skills and interests.