I gave some advice regarding finding employment recently but this bit is important enough to go in depth on. This package has been crucial in my employment efforts. When applying for a job as an rso, you need to give your prospective employer a reason to see you as something besides your conviction and a liability. This package is a way to do that in a manner that is prepared, succinct, and professional. This package is comprised of a few parts:

1. Character letters. Get letters of good character from your friends and family. You don't need to tell them about the conviction if they don't know, just tell them it's for a job. It is preferable if they do know however. A character letter should have the following key points. Information about how awesome you are. Stories about how you have made a positive impact and maybe how hardworking you are. Times you were there for people. If they know about your conviction, a statement about how out of character that is for you. Lastly if they know about your conviction, ways in which they see you trying to grow and be better.

2. A letter from your therapist. If you don't have one, GET ONE. You need one no matter how much you think you don't. This letter should detail the progress you have made in therapy and hopefully indicate a positive outlook. This letter is important and will add a measure of credence and authority to your claim to change for the better.

3. Employment history. This will be in your resume, but if you have had any employment since your conviction, highlight it here. If you do not, maybe employment since you were raided and/or arrested and waiting trial. If you have nothing to put here, don't worry and don't make stuff up. It's okay to leave it blank until you can put something of value.

4. Case Files. A case summary showing the conviction and punishment is a good starting place. He will usually want that information. If they need more detail they can ask. Don't over share here. Just the case summary, conviction/plea, and the punishment.

5. Personal statement. Here is where you make your case. The previous documents were just "here is evidence to take me seriously." Don't bs them, but don't overshare. Take responsibility for what you did, but don't dwell on it. Maybe one or two sentences is sufficient. The majority of your statement should focus on who you are becoming after the conviction. Talk about how you got into therapy and other positive decisions you have made for yourself and others. (Like focusing on family, charity work, or even restricting internet access for yourself) Make this a redemption story that you have already started. Then you want to go into how this conviction will not affect your ability to do your job. (No fraud or theft) and if you have a clean disciplinary record from employers highlight that. Reassure them you do not intend to be a liability. Then argue how much you want this chance. How hungry you are to work and show your employer that you as an employee are worth the risk. How much harder you are willing to work than everyone else.

This package recently got me past an adverse background check with a large financial institution and I was hired. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to me.