After returning from prison, the biggest challenge felons have is finding a job.
In looking for work, a felon who has experience in driving might want to apply for Lyft.
This blog post will cover whether or not Lyft runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- Lyft Application
- Lyft Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at Lyft
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Employers like Lyft 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 do good work
- Has a negative attitude
- Doesn’t work well with other employees
- Doesn’t deal well with customers
- Doesn’t have the indicated skills
- 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 Lyft 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 Lyft 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.
Lyft Application
Lyft is an on-demand ridesharing company that provides transportation to the public.
Lyft began operation in 2012 and is based in San Francisco, California.
Currently, the business operates in all 50 states and in more than 300 cities in the U.S., providing more than one million rides per day through use of its mobile app.
In order to become a driver for Lyft, an applicant must meet specific requirements in three categories:
Driver
A person must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid Social Security Number, pass an online DMV and background check, and have an iPhone or an Android smartphone.
Typically, an applicant must have at least one interview with current Lyft drivers in the area.
Vehicle
A vehicle must meet city vehicle age requirements, have at least four doors, and offer five to eight passenger seats.
The vehicle must have a current license plate with current registration.
Documents
An applicant must have a current driver’s license, valid for at least one year, provide proof of automobile insurance and a vehicle inspection, and provide a photo.
Lyft Background Check
A background check is run to become a driver for Lyft.
There will also be a check of an applicant’s driving record through the DMV.
The background check takes approximately three to 10 days.
Any applicant must consent to a background check when applying for a driving job with Lyft.
A background check looks at a criminal record for the past seven years through national and county databases for the following information:
- Violent crimes
- Sexual offenses
- Felons
- Drug-related offenses
- Theft and property damage
A background check will also examine the National Sex Offender Registry.
To become a driver for Lyft, an applicant’s driving record must meet the following standards:
- No more than three moving violations in the past three years
- No major violations in the past three years like driving on a suspended license or reckless driving
- No DUI or other drug-related driving violation in the last seven years
- No felonies involving a vehicle in the past seven years
The company will conduct a background check on all drivers on an annual basis.
This background check will look at a driver’s updated criminal history and current driving record.
When applying for a job at Lyft, it is important to be honest about any criminal background and felony convictions.
A background check is run for Lyft to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at Lyft by having his or her record expunged.
Tips for Getting a Job at Lyft
A few tips at getting hired at Lyft include:
- Be flexible in working different hours
- Have reliable references if requested
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Be polite and respectful to all Lyft drivers
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 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 Lyft 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 you to know what an employer will see on your record.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether Lyft runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Lyft run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.