One of the biggest reasons which keep jobs from ex-offenders is the bad job attitude. Most employers will simply label this as an 'attitude' and blanket most ex-offenders wanting jobs with this label. The problem is that not all ex-offenders wanting jobs have the bad job attitude, and must prove otherwise during the first meeting, first interview, or first day on the job.

• Wearing hairstyles, jewelry and clothing which is inappropriate for the job or environment.
• Having excuses for not getting the job done or not being on time.
• Unwilling to put in extra hours when needed.
• Treating other employees or the employer with disrespect.
• Use of bad or foul language
• Use of derogatory or hate speech
• Not keeping busy
• Badmouthing the employer, other employees, clients, or the company
• Being mean and unaccommodating
• Unwillingness to learn new tasks or methods
• Frequently complaining

There are many ways around the bad job attitudes that employers see on jobs and from ex-offenders. Here are a few ideas.

• Inquire about the dress code and be reasonably willing to follow the general guidelines of the job
• Before thinking of the excuse, think of five reasons to not have an excuse
• Overtime may not happen on a constant basis. If it does you have the ability to negotiate for a raise in pay.
• Consider what language you would use around your grandmother, minister or father; keep that language in public use
• Consider how you would treat your parents, or someone you respected; make an attempt to treat others with this attitude

Keep yourself moving and motivated at work so as not to appear lazy Learn new ways to do things so you are more capable to handle new challenges as they arrive If you find yourself constantly complaining, look inward then look for other work Treat co-workers with decency and respect; if they can not return the favor, consider yourself at a level beyond this and stay clear of the situation.

While it is true that bad attitudes on the job are not always contributed by ex-offenders, jobs which are held by ex-offenders are more often watched with a wary eye. Your main goal as an ex-offender with a new job is to show the employer your skill and ability while not becoming part of the stereotype.