NIJ-funded research explores impact of race, gender and prison record on job prospects

In a three-year project funded by the National Institute of Justice, Scott Decker, Foundation Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a team of ASU researchers furthered study into the negative impact of a prison record on future employment by examining the roles of race, gender and education. The team also factored in the growing use of online job applications and how that process influences interview prospects.

More than 6,000 online applications were sent for entry-level positions. The team used 12 different types of resumes reflecting race (black, white, Hispanic), gender (male, female) and two prison categories (record and no record). Resumes in each pair were identical other than the prison category so results for a Hispanic female with a prison record could be compared to a Hispanic female with no record.

Findings indicate a stronger race effect for employment than prison effect. Decker notes that the differences for gender were not as pronounced, with the exception of in-person interviews for white women, who saw a 20 percent positive response.

Decker says that "getting [ex-offenders] up to speed should be an important condition for release from prison and successful re-entry." He cites technology aptitude such as online search skills, email access and knowledge and the ability to rebound from rejection as critical skills.

Employers surveyed in the study said that the most important thing is job-relevant experience. An applicant needs to know how to tailor a resume to highlight experience that fits directly with the job requirements.

Decker presented results from the study at the National Institute of Justice Research for the Real World seminar in February. Watch the recording from the session, or learn more in this interview.