When it comes time to look for work, it is difficult to know where to turn.
You might have just gotten out of prison or may have been out for some time.
Either way, the challenge of getting a job remains and can seem overwhelming.
Your work history may have been in a number of different areas.
While you might not have experience in working at a fast food restaurant, there are some possibilities.
It is worth considering applying at McDonald’s.
Before you submit that application, you may want to know if McDonald’s runs background checks.
In this article, we will cover the following:
- Does McDonald’s Actually Hire Felons?
- Understanding the Application Process
- What to Know About the McDonald’s Background Check
- What Does the McDonald’s Background Check Show?
- Does the Type of Felony Matter?
- McDonald’s Hiring Process
- What to do if You Fail the McDonald’s Background Check
Contents
Does McDonald’s Actually Hire Felons?
Yes. You read that correctly.
According to our research, McDonald’s does hire felons.
In saying that, they may not hire all felons, but will consider them based on criteria, such as the type of felony and when it occurred.
McDonald’s is the largest fast food chain in the world.
They have more than 37,000 locations and over 1.7 million employees.
While most of these stores are in the U.S., a number of them can be found in other countries.
Here are some factors McDonald’s may consider in making a hiring decision.
Because it is a busy fast food restaurant, most positions will involve direct contact with the public.
This can be an issue for felons with certain types of felony convictions and may restrict the position they will be considered for.
Felons might not be considered for a position working the counter or as a cashier if their felony involved theft, violence, or sexual assault.
However, they might be considered for a job working as a cook, in delivery, or in a warehouse for McDonald’s.
Another factor in whether McDonald’s will hire felons depends on the specific store and if it is operated as an independent franchise or as one of their corporate locations.
Approximately 80% of all McDonald’s locations are run as a franchise.
In these, the owner of that store makes all the hiring decisions and establishes the hiring policy there.
Therefore, the specific criteria for hiring will be different according to who the franchise owner is, their beliefs about felons’ ability to rehabilitate, and their willingness to give them a second chance.
Understanding the Application Process
Let’s take a look at the application process to understand exactly what is involved
Most individuals who are hired at McDonald’s begin in entry-level positions, including cooks and cashiers.
McDonald’s wants employees who are hardworking, dedicated, honest, and dependable.
Applying for most jobs will involve several steps, and McDonald’s is no exception.
First, an application must be completed online for a specific location.
There are two parts to the application, the first of which involves personal background information.
If there is a question on the application regarding criminal convictions, it would be wise to report a felony and what it was for so that it does not appear that you are trying to withhold that information later on.
The second section is an assessment of personal characteristics to help McDonald’s determine whether an applicant would fit with the McDonald’s team.
In addition to the application, there will also be an interview, which is often with the owner of that location if it is a franchise store.
If it is a corporate location, the interview will typically be conducted by the manager of that store.
It is important to be honest regarding all information.
If you are successful in getting a job at McDonald’s expect an orientation to the company and the position.
There will also be training that will take place.
These will help felons be prepared for the job.
What to Know About the McDonald’s Background Check
Here comes that dreaded background check again. Let’s take a look at essential information to know.
Many small business owners, including franchises like McDonald’s, don’t always run background checks because of the time and expense involved.
However, McDonald’s typically does run a background check, though it may not be as involved as those conducted by other companies.
A franchise owner may choose not to run a background check
Here are some facts to know about background checks.
Actually, a background check is completed to verify the information that has been reported on the application.
McDonald’s will request an applicant’s consent to run a background check at the time of the job interview.
An applicant must provide proof of identity such as a driver’s license, passport, or other national ID card.
A background check at McDonald’s typically takes one to three days.
The background check will look at information regarding criminal history over the past five to ten years.
A background check at McDonald’s typically uses a national database.
A county or state database may also be used.
All information must be accurately reported, so honesty is very important.
What Does the McDonald’s Background Check Show?
McDonald’s background check typically includes information such as your criminal history.
This will indicate any felonies, misdemeanors, or arrests.
It will look at how long ago the conviction occurred.
Anyone convicted of a violent crime, sexual offense, or a drug-related crime may be denied employment at McDonald’s.
It will also show your educational level, including whether you are a high school graduate or have any college or trade school background
A driving record check will be done for any position where driving is included as part of the job.
For those wanting to know, McDonald’s does not conduct a credit check.
Does the Type of Felony Matter?
Just as with most other companies, the type of felony does make a difference.
An employer usually wants to know about any criminal offenses that relate directly to the position or type of work an employee might do.
For example, McDonald’s will be unlikely to hire someone with a driving felony as a driver.
Likewise, someone with a theft charge or other financial crime will probably not be considered for a cashier job or other position involving money.
McDonald’s Hiring Process
When applying at McDonald’s, the interview is often with the owner of that location if it is a franchise.
This will give a felon a chance to explain their history and how they can benefit that McDonald’s location.
In selecting a particular store to apply to, it can be an advantage to consider a location that is a franchise.
The owner of that franchise may be more willing to give a chance to a felon, based on the strength of the interview.
It is essential to be completely honest about all information, especially if it has a direct relationship to the felony conviction.
In going into an interview, felons would give themselves the best chance by disclosing the felony during the interview.
That would help defuse any unexpected surprise during the interview.
When calling to schedule an interview all applicants, especially those with a felony need to be flexible in setting up the appointment.
While in the interview, it is important to be positive and confident, telling the interviewer what you can contribute to the McDonald’s company.
During the interview questions will be asked about such things as whether you have any previous history of working at McDonald’s.
The interviewer will want to get to know you and ask questions about your strengths and weaknesses.
Also, the interviewer will want to know why they should hire you.
This is a chance to let them know more about you and what you can bring to the McDonald’s team.
It is important to explain what your goals are for the next five and ten years, so they can see you have thought about your future and how you want to re-integrate with society and even your family.
It could make a difference if you can explain what you have learned through your experience, how you are changing, and any programs or rehabilitation you might have completed.
Of course, as a felon you would have your best chance at getting a job at McDonald’s by having their record expunged.
What to do if You Fail the Background Check
Not everyone who applies at McDonald’s will pass the background check.
Remember that it is not the end of the world to fail the background check.
There are other jobs available with various employers.
Try to learn from the experience.
Look at what went well in the interview and what didn’t.
Use that to your advantage next time.
If you find yourself in that situation, take a look here to discover what other employers there are and find a type of job that will be a fit for you.
Remember not to give up.
There is an employer who will hire you.
You just haven’t found the right one yet.
It takes perseverance to find that employer, but they are out there.
Keep on looking until you find the one that will give you an opportunity.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether McDonald’s does background checks?
Have you or someone you know had McDonald’s do a background check?
What was that like and were they successful with it?
Please tell us in the comments below.
