The biggest challenge felons have after their release is finding a job.
Many employers won’t hire felons or at least make it difficult for them to be hired there.
Even companies known to hire felons typically do a background check.
This blog post will cover whether Uber runs background checks.
- What is Included in a Background Check?
- Uber Application
- Recommended Action
What is Included in a Background Check?
Typically, employers look at an applicant’s background not just for criminal offenses, but to avoid a “bad hire.”
A “bad hire” is a new employee that:
- Doesn’t do quality work
- Has a negative attitude
- Doesn’t deal well with customers
- Has poor attendance
- Doesn’t get along with co-workers
- Is dishonest on the job
The biggest issue for felons is the question of honesty, not that they are still dishonest or will commit a crime at work. This is because of their criminal history.
In addition to criminal records, an employer will look at credit, driving, and sometimes educational records.
Background records help determine a job candidate’s character, past mistakes, moral and financial fitness, and to determine safety and security risks.
A search of criminal history files is conducted, looking for any criminal activity.
A criminal background check will show all convictions and non-convictions, including cases dismissed or not prosecuted.
Convictions can be reported with no time limit while a non-conviction shows up for seven years.
The following factors are related to an offense, according the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
- Nature and seriousness of a crime
- Time since the offense and completion of the sentence
- Nature of the job
Having their records expunged, will prevent a crime from showing up on a background check.
Uber Application
Uber is the company that hires drivers from the public to provide reliable, shared transportation to the public.
Generally, drivers must be at least 21 years old and have:
- At least three years’ driving experience
- Valid car insurance in their name
- Valid in-state driver’s license
- Social Security number
- Clean driving record
Uber does a background check.
In the past seven years, they must have no:
- DUI or drug-related offenses
- Driving without insurance or a license
- History of fatal accidents or reckless driving
- Criminal history
They are unlikely to be hired, if there are any felony offenses in the past seven years for:
- DUI or other drug-related conviction
- Fraud
- Reckless driving
- Hit and runs
- Acts of terror
- Violent crimes
- Child abuse
- Crimes of a sexual nature
- Offenses involving property damage
- Theft
- Fatal accidents
- Resisting or evading arrest
However, even if there isn’t a felony conviction in the past seven years, it doesn’t mean felons will necessarily be hired.
This gives felons a chance.
There are so many doors closed with the often-perceived attitude being that a felony conviction makes them a bad person rather than giving them an opportunity to begin their lives again because of mistakes made in the past.
Recommended Action
It may be a difficult road for a felon to travel, but what hasn’t been since they were released?
They have to give themselves the best chance.
Having their record expunged could make the difference.
Then, it would be beneficial to document any education or training they have completed since their release.
Taking time to develop a strong resume will boost their chances.
Having support from family and friends along with a counselor or other professional knowledgeable about their rehabilitation is essential.
We aren’t defined by the mistakes we make but by how we recover from them.
A felon doesn’t have to be defined by their crime.
They can begin again and live an honest life no matter how tough it may seem.
After all, they can take it one day at a time just like they did their time in prison.
What do you think about this blog post?
Are you or someone you know with a felony had a background check by Uber?
What was that like for them, and how did they achieve success?
Please tell us in the comments below.
