If you’ve ever had to search for a job, you know how hard it can be. Now imagine you’re looking for a job but have the added weight of a criminal record hurting your chances. For many in the U.S. this isn’t a hypothetical situation. It can be extremely difficult to land a job when an employer doesn’t want to take a chance on someone who has a less than reputable past. But I believe in giving people second chances and I’m not alone. That’s where this week’s spotlight comes in: 70 Million Jobs.

What is 70 Million Jobs and What Does it Do?

Imagine being released from prison with no money, no home, and no job. Sounds pretty scary, right? Reentering society is no easy task and without the stability of employment, recidivism rates for those who have served prison time is high. That’s where Richard Bronson comes in.

Bronson, who founded 70 Million Jobs, served two years in prison and experienced the difficulty of reentering society first-hand. The name of the company comes from the fact that 70 million Americans have a criminal record making it difficult to find a job. Bronson wanted to change that, so he created an employment platform that helps connect job-seekers with criminal records to companies that need help.

This is a very innovative idea and allows those with a checkered past to turn over a new leaf and gives employers the talent they are looking for.

Why Choose 70 Million Jobs

Besides being an economical and societal benefit, the two parties involved (the job-seeker and employer) both benefit. Here’s how:

Benefits for job-seekers:

• Professional help with resume building

• Interview coaching

• Job opportunity notification

• Ability to refer a friend

Benefits for employers:

• Access to a resource of potential talent

• Ability to advertise employment opportunities to target audience

• Candidate vetting

• 70 Million Jobs acts as hirer of record

• Higher retention rates

• Reduced federal income tax

These are just the surface level benefits too. 70 Million Jobs helps millions join the workforce and contribute to their communities faster which ultimately helps the country as a whole.

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I feel 70 Million Jobs is a great opportunity for those looking to move forward with their lives and for companies looking for a new source of talent. If you’re interested in learning more or getting started with 70 Million Jobs, click here.

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