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 fast food establishment might want to apply at Popeyes.
This blog post will cover whether or not Popeyes runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- Popeyes Application
- Popeyes Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at Popeyes
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Popeyes, 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 Popeyes may view at least some of the following:
- 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.
Popeyes Application
Popeyes was founded in 1972 and is owned by AFC Enterprises.
Its official name is Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
The company operates more than 2,000 with restaurants in more than 40 states and 30 countries worldwide. The minimum age to work at Popeyes is 16 years old.
In order to apply at Popeyes, an applicant must first create an account on the company website.
Questions will include being asked to submit to a background check.
An applicant will have the opportunity to upload his or her resume.
Entry-level positions include:
- Crew member
- Shift manager
- Team member
- Cashier
- Cook
Questions in the interview will focus on customer service.
An applicant may be asked to imagine a real of situation that requires a resolution using good judgment.
He or she may also be asked about personal strengths and weaknesses along with work experience.
Typical interview questions include:
- Why are you a good fit for Popeyes?
- Can you handle a fast paced environment?
- What type of past experience do you have in fast food?
Personal information requested on an application includes:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Social Security Number
- Military service
- Education
- Employment history
Most Popeyes are franchises with only approximately 30 being company owned.
This could increase the hiring opportunity depending on the particular franchise location.
An applicant will have a one-on-one job interview after submitting an application if the company considers hiring that person.
The application process may take up to five days.
Popeyes Background Check
Popeyes does conduct a background check on all applicants they may be interested in hiring.
The company may conduct a drug test in many locations.
Questions regarding previous criminal convictions are included in the application and must be answered honestly.
The application asks if there is any conviction for a crime.
If so, when and where along with the disposition of the offense.
During the application process, Popeyes 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 Popeyes 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 Popeyes 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 Popeyes 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 Popeyes by having his or her record expunged, which would allow a felon to honestly state that there is no conviction.
Tips for Getting a Job at Popeyes
In addition to having his or her criminal record expunged, suggestions for a felon to increase his or her chances to be hired at Popeyes 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 you have a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about the conviction without emotion.
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 Popeyes finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify you for the job and focus on 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 Popeyes runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Popeyes run a background check?
What was that like and were they successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
