Finding a job is difficult enough, but for felons it is an even larger challenge.
In looking for work, a felon who has experience with nutritional supplements or working in a retail store may want to apply at GNC.
This blog post will cover whether or not GNC runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- GNC Application
- GNC Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at GNC
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Employers like GNC 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 GNC 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 GNC 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.
GNC Application
In 1935, General Nutrition Center (GNC) opened business as Lackzoom in Pittsburgh and is currently one of the world’s largest, leading retailers in health and wellness products.
GNC sells a wide range of products, including:
- Weight loss
- Bodybuilding
- Nutritional supplements
- Vitamins
- Natural remedies
- Health and beauty products
GNC has more than 6,000 stores in the United States as well as in 49 other countries.
Their stores are a combination of corporate owned and franchises.
Approximately 950 of the 5,000 U.S. stores are franchises. GNC employs more than 13,000 workers throughout the country.
The minimum age to work at GNC is 18 years old with a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED. GNC takes pride in being a friendly and casual environment, emphasizing professionalism and courtesy.
Most entry-level applicants go through a one-on-one job interview with a store manager.
While some may be interviewed at the time, it typically takes approximately three to five days to set up an interview.
Questions included in the interview relate to customer service and retail-related information, and they may include:
- What kind of experience do you have in dealing with customers?
- What would you do if a customer came in angry about a product?
- How would you handle a frustrated customer?
- Why do you want to work for GNC?
- Have you ever used GNC products before?
The company tends to hire active and enthusiastic applicants who can create a positive environment for customers and coworkers. Available entry positions at GNC include:
- Sales associate
- Production associate
- Product maintenance technician
- Quality assurance monitor
There is a company policy that all applicants and employees must be free from alcohol and drugs.
This means that the company can test applicants during the hiring process and can test current employees at any time.
GNC Background Check
GNC does conduct a background check.
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.
GNC will not deny an application because of a felony.
Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
There is no exact policy regarding a felony conviction because of the range of store types, corporate and franchise.
Some important factors may be:
- Length of time since completion of the sentence
- Type of felony conviction
- Whether it was a violent or nonviolent felony
- Hiring manager’s personal views and opinions
- Presenting oneself and explaining the past
- Being honest about any felony conviction
It is important for any felon applicant at GNC 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 consent to a background check.
A routine background check at GNC takes approximately one week.
A background check is run for GNC to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at GNC by having his or her record expunged.
It may be easier to get a job at GNC, depending on the location.
Many of the stores are franchises, meaning that being hired will depend on the location and the store manager.
Tips for Getting a Job at GNC
A few tips for getting hired at GNC 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 clearly and use active language
- Maintain proper posture
- Keep eye contact
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm
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 GNC finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify him or her for the job; focus on 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 you to know what GNC will see on your record.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether GNC runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had GNC run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
