The biggest challenge felons have after their release is finding a job.
A felon who has experience working in a restaurant may want to apply at International House of Pancakes (IHOP).
This blog post will cover whether or not IHOP runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- IHOP Application
- IHOP Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at IHOP
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Employers like IHOP review an applicant’s background because they don’t want someone who didn’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 when applying at IHOP even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer typically views:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like IHOP to determine a candidate’s:
- Past mistakes
- Character
- Financial fitness
This allows an employer to identify hiring risks for security and safety issues within 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.
IHOP Application
IHOP originated in 1958 as a restaurant specializing in pancakes but offering a full menu.
Currently, there are 1,500 franchised locations across the U.S.
IHOP is a customer-focused business requiring an applicant to be friendly and approachable.
It is important to smile and show enthusiasm throughout the interview process.
Frequently available positions at IHOP include:
- Dishwasher
- Busser
- Host/Hostess
- Server/wait staff
An application can be completed online or in the restaurant.
The minimum age to work at IHOP is 16.
An application begins with setting up a profile online, and a resume is requested as part of this process.
In addition, there is an employment history field as well as one for an educational background.
Common questions asked in an interview include:
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Why should we hire you?
International House of Pancakes’ job interviews typically involve several managers and hiring personnel.
A typical hiring interview may involve a store manager, assistant manager, and possibly a shift supervisor.
Entry-level job interviews require a one-on-one interview session.
An applicant needs to demonstrate competence and availability to work different shifts as most locations are open 24 hours a day.
Communication skills are important upon being hired.
IHOP Background Check
Working in the food industry is a common area for felons to find employment.
IHOP often hires felons.
This is especially true in a location that is short staffed or in an area of high employment needs.
During the application process, IHOP will ask for permission to perform a pre-employment criminal background check.
IHOP does conduct a background check on anyone who may receive a job offer, looking for any felony conviction.
The company may also conduct a drug test later in the hiring process.
IHOP considers all job-related aspects of each candidate’s background and experience.
There are no specific policies in place related to candidates with a criminal or felony conviction.
A routine background check at IHOP takes approximately one week.
Many IHOP locations are franchises.
As such, it may be easier to land a position with a felony depending on the store manager and the location.
It is important for any felon applying at IHOP 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, so not being honest will immediately disqualify him or her.
Tips for Getting a Job at IHOP
It is important to arrive on time for an interview, be yourself, and be honest.
A few specific tips for getting hired at IHOP include:
- Being flexible in work hours
- Having reliable references
- Being ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Being honest about all personal information and history
- Maintaining eye contact
- Speaking clearly
- Being polite and respectful
- Speaking up clearly and showing enthusiasm for the job
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at IHOP.
Remember, in franchises, the manager determines the hiring policy.
Don’t hide the fact that you have a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, take responsibility for past actions and explain the facts of the conviction, without emotion, and explain how you intend on putting your life in order.
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 IHOP finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify you for the job; focus on highlighting them during the interview.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether or not IHOP runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had IHOP run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
