A felon encounters many challenges after being released from prison, the biggest of which is finding a job.
In looking for work, a felon who has experience working in a retail game store might want to apply at GameStop.
This blog post will cover whether or not GameStop runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- GameStop Application
- Does GameStop Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at GameStop
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
GameStop, like many other companies, reviews an applicant’s background to avoid hiring 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 issue is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer like GameStop may view at least some of the following in making a hiring decision:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer 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 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.
GameStop Application
GameStop is one of the largest gaming retail chains in the world. It has more than 6,600 locations and employs approximately 17,000 individuals with its headquarters in Grapevine, Texas.
GameStop looks for individuals with excellent communication skills, helpful attitudes, and flexible availability.
An applicant must have significant knowledge of gaming systems, software, and accessories.
An applicant must also have abilities and experience in customer service and sales.
The minimum age to work at GameStop is 16 years old.
The GameStop application is easy to complete, requiring basic information about education and work experience.
There will also be a section regarding video games and software knowledge.
The hiring process begins with an online or in-store application.
A candidate may have between one and three job interviews, depending on the position.
Typical entry-level positions include:
- Game adviser
- Accessory associate
- Maintenance associate
- Hardware technician
- Customer service associate
- Process improvement technician
The company wants an applicant to have knowledge of the company, job responsibilities, and qualifications to perform those responsibilities.
The hiring manager will ask questions about favorite video game series and console along with trends in game play and graphics.
Typical interview questions include:
- Why would you like to work at GameStop?
- Tell us about a situation where you dealt with a difficult customer and how you found a solution.
- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
- If you’re unsure about a question from a customer, how do you handle that?
- If you’re with a customer and a manager needs you, how do you divide your attention?
About the GameStop Background Check
During the application process, GameStop will request permission to perform a pre-employment background check. Not consenting to the background check will terminate the application.
A background check is run at GameStop to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
There is no stated company policy regarding hiring felons. In cases like these, it may mean that being hired for a position with that company with a criminal conviction may be difficult.
Nevertheless, a company such as GameStop cannot simply refuse to hire someone because of a felony conviction.
This would constitute discrimination.
An applicant can be turned down if there is a position-related reason for doing so or if hiring someone would affect safety or security within the company.
A background check at GameStop may vary from one location to another.
This is because states have somewhat different laws about how long ago a background check can investigate.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at GameStop by having his or her record expunged.
Tips for Getting a Job at GameStop
In addition to having his or her criminal record expunged, suggestions for a felon to increase his or her chances to be hired at GameStop are:
- Be flexible and willing to work various hours
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a current resume outlining job skills
- 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
Don’t hide the fact that he or she has a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about the conviction without being emotional.
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 GameStop 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 are putting your life in order.
Doing your own background check allows you, as a felon, to know what an employer will see on your record.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether GameStop runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had GameStop run a background check?
What was that like and were they successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
