The first lesson is to avoid training job seekers for careers they cannot legally enter or sending them to jobs from which they are barred. The second lesson is to prepare job-seekers to speak accurately, reassuringly, and positively with prospective employers about their convictions. A third lesson is to identify employers willing to hire qualified individuals with criminal records based on employer responses to marketing efforts by the job-placement organization. A fourth lesson is to consider alternative pathways into the labor market. Although permanent full-time employment is the goal, transitional or temporary jobs can be a first step toward steady employment for those returning to the community from prison who may have little work experience and/or few marketable skills. A fifth lesson is to make friends with parole officers/agencies who supervise job-seekers and nurture a cooperative interaction of information and resources sharing. The sixth lesson is to learn to navigate the child support system. Since some potential job-seekers have concerns about taking legitimate jobs knowing their wages will be withheld for child support or to pay child-support arrearages, employment organizations should assist clients in confronting these concerns, even accompanying them to court for the negotiation of arrearage payments. The seventh lesson is for employment organizations to engage in self-analysis, so as to ensure that preconceived ideas or negative attitudes do not impede the type and quality of services provided to formerly incarcerated participants. Eight tools are provided as resources in the development of effective services for job seekers with criminal records.