FAQ

• The Centre de placement spécialisé du Portage
• Criminal Records and Job Search
• Interview
• Résumé
• Record Suspension Request
• Going Back to School

The Centre de placement spécialisé du Portage

I live outside of the province of Quebec. Can I obtain services that are provided by the CPSP?

No. The CPSP offers its services only to Quebec residents.

What is the minimum age required to obtain services provided by the CPSP?

The CPSP’s services are offered to adult clients. One must therefore be at least 18 years of age to be a CPSP client. However, the CPSP’s management may exceptionally authorize that services be provided to someone under the age of 18.

Do I have to have a criminal record to obtain the CPSP’s services?

No. The CPSP’s services are offered to clients involved with the criminal justice system. Having been involved with the criminal justice system and having a hard time finding a job or going back to school is sufficient to be a client.

Is it truly beneficial to take job searching steps with the CPSP?

Yes, it is beneficial to take job searching step with the CPSP. For more than 40 years, the CPSP has been offering specialized employability services to more than 325 clients every year. About 6 clients out of 10 find a job.

The "hidden job market", in other words job offers that are never posted (newspapers or Internet), accounts for 80%.

How can I apply for these jobs?

The CPSP’s counsellors are well trained to help you with various methods, techniques, and tools likely to help you find the hidden job market and apply for the job offers it provides.

Does the CPSP have a comprehensive knowledge of the region’s employers?

Yes. Our counsellors have a lot of information about the region’s employers that will help you looking for a job. A business service is even available to educate employers about hiring our clients.

Criminal Records and Job Search

Can a criminal record affect me during my job search?

Yes. Finding a job when having a criminal record is a hard, but surmountable challenge. The CPSP’s staff is there to help you overcome that barrier and provide you with the tools to maximize your chances of finding a suitable job.

Interview

During an interview, is it legal for an employer to ask "Do you have a criminal record"?

No. This question is illegal, and cannot be used by an employer to dismiss your application. The legal question would be "Do you have a criminal record related to the job?".

When asked "Do you have a criminal record related to the job", should I be honest and tell the whole truth?

Yes, you should tell the whole truth, even if a pardon has been granted. However, the choice of words and the information provided is on a case-by-case basis. It is very important to have your file reviewed by one of our counsellors, who will help you better promote your case during a job interview.

Do I need to prepare myself when going to a job interview, or should I only trust my instincts?

It is necessary to prepare to an interview in order to better promote yourself. We can have a simulated interview with you and provide you with a great advice to be successful with the interview.

Résumé

Do I have to have a résumé to look for jobs?

Yes, most of employers ask their potential candidates for a résumé. A job counsellor at the CPSP will help your with drafting a résumé that is tailored to your criminal situation and will reflect your strengths and abilities.

Record Suspension Request

Is it worth requesting a record suspension despite the process’s cost and length?

Yes. A record suspension makes your criminal record unavailable to employers. The CPSP will review your eligibility to submit that request, and will help you throughout every step of this process, free of charge.

Going Back to School

I am 30 years old. I feel like there is no job for me. I wish to go back to school, but am I too old to do so?

No. It is never too late to have a wonderful career. A guidance counsellor is available to inform you of the opportunities for training sought after in the region, and help you with your registration process.

Do I need a high school diploma to get a job?

No. It is possible to find a job without having a high school diploma. However, several jobs require a high school diploma or an equivalent. If you don’t have one, our guidance counsellor is available to help you achieve this goal by guiding you through your decision to go back to school.

Is there a risk in undertaking studies without considering my criminal record’s nature?

Yes. There’s a high risk associated with studying without considering one’s criminal record. Indeed, some trainings or jobs are unavailable, or difficult to access, to people with a criminal record. It is important to consult a CPSP counsellor in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.