Phase Two — Community Reentry · Module 11 of 24 · 90 minutes
Building the resume, references, and mindset to apply with confidence.
What you will be able to do
- Build or refine a one-page resume.
- Identify fair-chance employers and staffing agencies in your area.
- Practice a short, steady way to talk about your background.
Why this matters
Employment is the fastest path to stability and independence. Employers move fast — the people who are ready when the opportunity shows up are the ones who get it.
Reality check: Rejection is part of this process for everyone, not just people with a record. The goal isn’t zero rejection — it’s staying in motion through it.
Activity
Resume Build — draft a one-page resume using Renewed Ambition’s template; peer-review in pairs.
Scenario
A resident walks into a staffing agency ready to work, but shows up without a resume or a way to be reached. The opportunity is gone by the time they’re prepared.
What would you do first?
Reflection
- What’s one strength you have that doesn’t show up on paper?
- What’s one job or field you want to research this week?
My action plan (pick at least one)
- Finish a one-page resume.
- Identify three fair-chance employers or staffing agencies to apply to.
- Practice your background-question answer until it feels steady.
Resources
- CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org) — Job Search for People with Criminal Records
- California Employment Development Department (edd.ca.gov)
- Appendix D — Employment Readiness Assessment
Completion checklist
- ☐ I have a finished resume.
- ☐ I have a list of employers or agencies to apply to.
- ☐ I can answer the background question in one or two steady sentences.
Milestone: A completed resume and at least one job application submitted.
Tip: use your browser’s Print button to print this page or save it as a PDF. Your answers are private — bring this sheet to class or share only what you choose.
Mark this module complete
Submit this short check-in so Renewed Ambition can track your progress toward your certificate.