Finding a job is difficult enough, but for felons, it is an even bigger challenge.
In looking for work, a felon who has experience in a pharmacy or a retail store may want to apply at CVS.
This blog post will cover whether or not CVS runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- CVS Application
- CVS Background Check
- Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
- Tips for Getting a Job at CVS
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Employers like CVS 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 skills they stated on an application
- Has attendance problems
- Is dishonest on the job
The last question is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem when applying at CVS even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer may view:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like CVS 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.
The criminal record review conducted of a background check includes examining criminal history files for any criminal offenses, which will reveal all convictions and non-convictions, including cases not prosecuted or ones dismissed.
Convictions can be reported with no time limit while a non-conviction will show up for seven years.
A crime will not show up on a background check, if a felon has his or her record expunged.
CVS Application
CVS is one of the largest pharmaceutical stores in the U.S., providing essential prescriptions as well as selling various medical supplies and supplements.
CVS was founded in 1963 as Customer Value Stores and focuses on customer health.
There are more than 9,967 stores in 49 states throughout the U.S. with more than 300,000 employees.
The minimum age to work at CVS is 16 years old. CVS looks to hire hard working, dependable, and honest people.
The company values customer service.
In order to apply for a job at CVS, an applicant will be asked to create an account on the CVS website.
The CVS application is simple and straightforward, requiring approximately 20 to 25 minutes to complete.
The majority of the application is focused on collecting personal information, including:
- Name, address, phone number, residences in the past seven years
- Work history
- Education information
- Military status
- Availability to work
- Shifts someone is willing to work
- References
Typical entry-level positions at CVS include:
- Cashier
- Beauty adviser
- Beauty consultant
- Photo lab technician
- Pharmacy technician
CVS Background Check
CVS does conduct a background check.
There is a question about criminal history at the beginning of a CVS job application.
An applicant must consent to a pre-employment background check, looking for any conviction the last seven years.
He or she will also need to consent to a pre-employment drug test.
Employment offers are contingent on passing this test.
CVS has signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge, based on the, “Ban the Box,” initiative agreeing to look at what a person can do first and then checking his or her background record.
The Fair Chance Business Pledge is an initiative for companies to remove the question about felonies until later in the interview process.
CVS will not deny an application because of a felony.
Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Important factors are:
- Length of time since completion of the sentence
- Type of felony conviction
- Whether it was a violent or nonviolent felony
- Hiring managers personal views and opinions
- Presenting oneself and explaining the past
- Being honest about any felony conviction
It is important for any felon applicant at CVS to:
- Know his or her criminal history
- Answer all questions
- Be honest
- Focus on the positive
All questions on the application regarding criminal history must be answered truthfully.
If a job is offered, an applicant will be asked to consent to a background check.
A routine background check at CVS takes approximately one week.
A background check is run for CVS to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at CVS by having his or her record expunged.
Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
Doing a background check on him or herself before applying at CVS will allow a felon to know exactly what will be discovered when CVS does their review.
A felon with any questions can contact an attorney.
It is essential to take action and not risk a chance on the results.
There are different kinds of personal background checks that a felon can run:
- From the court in which he or she was charged
- A credit report will help determine how financially responsible an individual is
- Driving records for any job involving driving, such as a truck driver
- An educational report through the National Student Clearing House
For someone wanting to do a background check on themselves, there are places that can help.
Tips for Getting a Job at CVS
A few tips at getting hired at CVS include:
- Be flexible in working different hours
- Consider working at various locations
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Arrive early for an interview
- Dress appropriately
- Be polite and respectful
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm
As a felon, don’t hide the fact that you have a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about that conviction without being emotional.
It is never a good idea to lie about your past on an application.
This could result in not being considered for a job if CVS finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify you 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 felon to know what CVS will see on your record.
Remember, you’re not defined by your crime.
We are not defined by our mistakes but in how we recover from them.
The best opportunity for success in a new life begins with having support from family and friends.
After all, felons do make good employees.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether CVS runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had CVS run a background check?
What was that like and were they successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
