In looking for a job, a felon faces many obstacles.
Any felon who has experience working in a restaurant might want to apply at Applebee’s.
This blog post will cover whether or not Applebee’s runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- Applebee’s Application
- Applebee’s Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at Applebee’s
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Employer,s like Applebee’s, review an applicant’s background because they don’t want someone who doesn’t succeed after starting a job.
This is considered to be a, “bad hire,” which is someone who:
- Doesn’t produce quality work
- Has a negative attitude
- Doesn’t work well with other employees
- Doesn’t deal well with customers
- Doesn’t have the necessary skills
- Has attendance problems
- Is dishonest on the job
The last issue is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem when applying at Applebee’s even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer typically views at least some of the following:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like Applebee’s to determine a candidate’s:
- Past mistakes
- Character
- Financial fitness
This allows an employer to identify hiring risks for security and safety issues for the company.
Applebee’s Application
Applebee’s is a sit-down restaurant, founded in the 1980s and is currently owned by the Applebee’s Corporation with more than 3,200 locations across the U.S. in 49 states.
Applebee’s calls itself a neighborhood restaurant.
Interviewers may focus on personality and hiring workers who are:
- Courteous
- Friendly
- Energetic outgoing
The hiring process begins by submitting required information for employment.
An application can be submitted online or at a restaurant.
The first part of the application is for personal information, including:
- Full legal name
- Address
- Citi
- State
- Zip code
- Country
- Whether or not someone is legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Employment history
- Education history
- Social Security Number
- Contact details
- Availability
- Desired wage
- References
The hiring manager typically interviews prospective employees individually.
A candidate for an entry-level job like server or cook may be interviewed by the front-end manager or a kitchen manager.
The hiring manager will review an applicant’s availability, work experience, and general background.
Typical interview questions include:
- What sets you apart?
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- What is your favorite meal had at Applebee’s, and how would you describe it to a guest?
- How would you handle a customer complaint?
- What would you do to solve another employee stealing food?
- What are three words to describe yourself? How would you handle a customer that was tired of waiting?
It would be helpful to emphasize customer service skills during the hiring process.
Each location is somewhat different because each Applebee’s restaurant is part of a franchise system.
An applicant must be at least 18 years old to work at most Applebee’s locations.
Some locations do allow 16 year olds.
Typical entry-level positions available at Applebee’s include:
- Server
- General utility
- Host, hostess
- Line cook, food prep
Entry positions focus on attitude and customer interaction.
There is also an emphasis on working quickly and working well under pressure.
Applebee’s Background Check
Working in the food industry is a common area for felons to find employment.
Applebee’s often does hire felons. During the application process, Applebee’s will ask for permission to perform a pre-employment criminal background check.
Applebee’s does conduct a background check on anyone who may receive a job offer, looking for any felony conviction.
The company also may conduct a drug test later in the hiring process.
Applebee’s considers all job-related aspects of each candidate’s background and experience.
Since Applebee’s restaurants are franchises, there are no specific company policies in place related to candidates with a criminal or felony conviction.
A routine background check at Applebee’s takes approximately one week.
With Applebee’s locations being franchises, it may be easier to land a position with a felony depending on the store manager and the location.
Any felon applying at Applebee’s needs to:
- Know his or her criminal history
- Answer all questions
- Be honest
- Focus on the positive
Tips for Getting a Job at Applebee’s
An applicant needs to dress and behave professionally in an appropriate manner for a job position.
A few specific tips for getting hired at Applebee’s include:
- Be flexible in working different hours
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Maintain eye contact
- Speak clearly
- Be polite and respectful
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm for the job
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at Applebee’s.
Remember that most Applebee’s restaurants are franchises in which the manager determines the hiring policy.
Don’t hide the fact that he or she has a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about that conviction without emotion.
It is never a good idea to lie about one’s past on an application.
This could result in not being considered for a job if Applebee’s finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify him or her for the job; focus on highlighting them during the interview.
Take responsibility for past actions and explain how you’re putting your life in order.
Doing your own background check allows a you to know what an employer will see on his or her record.
So what do you think about this blog post, about whether or not Applebee’s runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Applebee’s run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
