Frequently asked questions
The Steel Man figure moving a bell curve
RESUME BASICS
01How do I write a resume with a felony conviction?
Lead with your strongest qualifications, not your record. Use a functional or combination format that highlights skills and certifications. Address the gap honestly but briefly. We specialize in framing criminal records so employers focus on what you bring to the table.
02How do I explain employment gaps from incarceration?
Frame the gap around growth and preparation. Mention certifications earned, skills developed, volunteer work, or programs completed during that time. We create specific scripts for addressing incarceration gaps in interviews.
03Do I need to disclose my criminal record to employers?
It depends on the job and jurisdiction. Many states have ban the box laws that prevent employers from asking on the initial application. Some jobs require disclosure. We provide word-for-word scripts for when and how to disclose, turning the conversation from a liability into a demonstration of growth.
OUR SERVICES
01Is The Forge really free?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no credit card. Upload your resume and get a Career Intelligence Report in about 10 minutes. The Refinery career toolkit is also free -- just create an account. Human resume services are also available -- text or call Troy for pricing.
02What is The Refinery?
The Refinery is a free career toolkit you unlock by creating an account. It includes a resume builder with guided scaffolding, a disclosure planner for criminal record conversations, AI interview practice, a fair-chance job board, and a resource hub. Your progress is saved so you can keep building over time.
03How much does a professional resume cost?
All AI tools are free -- The Forge report and The Refinery toolkit cost nothing. Human-crafted resumes by Troy are also available -- text or call for current pricing. The tools are free because they scale. Troy's time is what costs money.
04What does Steel Man Resumes specialize in?
Justice-impacted employment. People with felony convictions, incarceration gaps, addiction recovery, trauma histories, homelessness, job hopping, career changes, and no-degree candidates. A decade of direct service.
FAIR CHANCE EMPLOYMENT
01What are ban the box laws?
Ban the Box laws prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. Fair chance hiring policies delay background checks until after a conditional offer. Laws vary by state. We maintain a detailed guide.
02What industries hire people with criminal records?
Warehouse, manufacturing, trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding), construction, food service, logistics, transportation, landscaping, and many tech companies with fair chance hiring policies.
03Who is Troy Richard Carr?
Troy Richard Carr is the founder of Steel Man Resumes and The Midnight Garden, based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Formerly incarcerated and formerly homeless, he began this work as a halfway-house alum and spent a decade helping justice-impacted people through sober living homes, treatment centers, jails, and prisons across Wisconsin. His current work spans career platforms, case-management systems, community resource hubs, research tools, and digital infrastructure. He is Six Sigma Black Belt-trained, an FICGN Narrative Change Fellow, P2P Scholar (Cohort 49), published researcher, and Reentry United 2026 breakout presenter.
Still have questions?
Call Troy directly or start with a free Career Intelligence Report.
Or explore our free guides covering felony resumes, employment gaps, interview scripts, and more.