In addition to on-the-job training in our various operations, CI has instituted special training programs to help offenders find and keep employment upon release. One example of this effort is a program based on the Federal Prison model that brings community organizations and employers inside prison walls to help offenders practice

their interviewing skills. It is our goal to organize and conduct quarterly mock job fairs at designated institutions. These events provide a realistic job application and interview experience to offenders who will be released into the job market in the near future.

“9 to 5” beats “10 to Life”
During a recent mock interviewing event at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, local businesses had an opportunity to step inside the walls of a prison and scout potential new employees. Nineteen local employers, including Comcast, Puget Sound Energy, Kitsap Credit Union, Fred Meyer and Olympic College, ran through mock-interview situations with 56 offenders. Each offender participated in three different interviews throughout the day. After each interview, employers offered feedback on how the applicant could improve, including tips on researching a companies' profile prior to an interview and how to best answer questions about a felony record.

At the end of the day long event, each employer was given a plaque in appreciation of their participation. As the plaques were handed out it became apparent that not only was this event beneficial to the offenders, but each and every employer walked away feeling good about how they spent their day and overwhelmed by how prepared, articulate and motivated each of the offenders were. Here are just a few of the comments from participating businesses: