Ex-offenders don’t have to go into detail – or even list – an offense on their job application after checking the box that states “yes, I’ve been convicted.”

If they are granted an interview, that’s where ex-offenders can explain their crime. Kansas Department of Corrections employees work with ex-offenders to prepare them for answering that question.

“Tell the truth. Put down that you do have a felony,” said Michelle Montgomery, program specialist with the DOC’s re-entry program. But once you get into the interview, you’re face-to-face with that person so that you can talk more about ‘yes, I made a mistake,’ but here’s what I’m doing right now to turn my life around. Here’s what I can do for your company.”

The re-entry program works with employers to help them understand the ex-offender’s situation and the accountability factor that’s built into the system.

Businesses can qualify for a $2,400 tax credit by hiring an ex-offender.