Walmart

With more than 10,5000 retail units across the world, Walmart is one of the most widespread retailers worldwide.

Across these stores, Walmart applies approximately 2,200,000 employees.

But with so many employees, many may wonder – does Walmart hire felons?

Whether you’re looking to apply or just curious, we’re here to help.

Here’s all the information you need on Walmart’s hiring policy for their stores for applicants that may also be felons.

Does Walmart Hire Felons?

The short answer is yes, Walmart Inc. does hire felons.

In response to Relaunch Pad, Walmart had the following to say on their hiring policy:

“We hire felons as long as their timeline of conviction has fallen off.

There are no questions about conviction on the application but we ask about convictions on backgrounds checks.”

Walmart’s backgrounds checks will include information on past criminal history.

Felons can help Walmart qualify for Work Opportunity Tax Credit and be looked on favorably by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Has Walmart Always Hired Felons?

Walmart’s official stance is that they have always hired felons.

Felons are viable for almost any position at Walmart and have been for as long as Walmart is willing to disclose.

Does Walmart Hire You if You Have a Misdemeanor?

Given that Walmart will hire you despite a criminal history, it stands to reason they will hire someone with a misdemeanor.

A hiring manager may hesitate to hire someone with a misdemeanor, but it is not Walmart policy to block someone’s hiring off of having a misdemeanor.

The misdemeanor will come up in a background check or interview.

Is Walmart on the Ban the Box List?

Yes, Walmart is on the Ban the Box list.

They are one of many employers on this list that prohibits employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history for their application.

Prior convictions may come up at other times but do not need disclosure during the application.

Walmart has also signed the Fair Chance Pledge, also called the Fair Chance Business Pledge.

Does Walmart Background Check?

Yes, Walmart will do a background check to ensure that they’re hiring people that meet their standards.

A criminal background check is a requirement for all applicants regardless of their age, gender, position, experience, or any other factor.

Many feel that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prevents employers from avoiding hiring felons.

Regardless, every Walmart employee must pass a background check.

Does Walmart Drug Test?

Yes, it is Walmart’s policy to require applicants to complete a drug test.

Some outlets claim that Walmart will only drug test for certain positions, such as the sporting goods or auto center departments.

However, most sources claim that Walmart will drug test for all positions regardless of department or level of position.

Does Walmart Interview Applicants?

Yes, Walmart will complete an interview before applicants are hired.

These interviews are typically brief, with many sources claiming they take less than half an hour.

For higher-level positions such as managerial openings, interviews can take longer and multiple interviews may be necessary.

Types of Convictions That Make it Hard to Get Hired at Walmart

Though Walmart will happily hire an ex-felon, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t felonies that may make it more difficult to get hired.

Some may have a harder time getting hired.

A felony conviction related to assault or a similar violent crime on your criminal record will not disqualify your application, but a hiring manager may avoid hiring  “violent felons.”

It’s worth knowing that old felonies will not stand against you in many states.

New York, New Hampshire, and many others will not allow a conviction older than seven years old to be reported.

Other states like North Carolina did not have this restriction – any felony is reportable regardless of its age.

Does Walmart Hire Felons with Burglary Charges?

Walmart does not have any policy against hiring felons with burglary charges.

More intense charges can impact your chance to get hired, but it will not be due to having a felony charge in general.

Does Walmart Hire Felons with Theft Charges?

Theft charges are also not something that should stand in the way of you getting hired.

Some hiring managers may hesitate to hire someone with convicted theft into their store.

Though it can impact your hiring process in some ways, it will not eliminate you from the possibility of being hired.

What Matters Most When Applying at Walmart?

The most important thing when applying to Walmart is how well you shine.

Felony arrests and prior criminal convictions won’t be held against you, but other issues sometimes are.

A lack of experience or a poor resume may stop you from landing the job, so make sure you refine your resume as much as you can before you apply.

You also should brush up on your interviewing abilities.

An entry-level job can have a massive number of applicants and you need to stand out amongst all of them.

Interviewers will hire on a case-by-case basis, so make sure you’re leaving a positive and lasting impression.

Past these, you also should keep in mind the position you’re applying to and what you may need.

Walmart isn’t a small business, so if you’re applying for a position like an HVAC technician, you won’t be able to just walk into it.

Apply for jobs you’re qualified for and are properly licensed to complete if such requirements are applicable.

You also should keep laws related to your situation in mind.

Legislation like the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Federal Bonding Program have important information for a convicted felon looking for employment.

In short, your experience and attitude are much more important than your criminal background or felony record.

Keep your spirits up and know that your record will not count against you as far as Walmart is concerned.

Jobs at Walmart That Felons Should Apply For

Almost any position is available for felons at Walmart.

It’s important to note, however, that one position felons will not be considered for is anything dealing with firearms.

That can make landing a position in the sporting section difficult, as felons are not allowed to handle weaponry.

Managerial positions are also not allowed to handle firearms if the manager in question is an ex-felon.

Because of these restrictions, you should not apply for this position.

Anything else is an acceptable position, so consider applying for more than one!

Average Salary for Felons at Walmart

The average salary for felons at Walmart is no different than the salary for workers without a criminal history.

That said, your salary can vary depending on your location and department.

Different states and cities have Walmarts that pay differently due to costs of living and other such factors.

Different departments may pay less or more, with the entry-level clerk and cashier jobs often paying the least.

Specializing in a department can increase – or decrease – your pay.

Autoworkers typically make more than stockers, for example, due to the expertise needed to work with vehicles.

Tips for Getting Hired at Walmart With a Felony Record

The best thing you can do is beef up your resume to be as impressive as possible.

If you don’t have previous employment, think of transferable skills you can put in.

You also might consider visiting an agency that can help you hone your resume to help it stand out.

Past this, there are many things you can do to nail an interview.

Believe it or not, it’s better to reveal your past convictions to your interviewer during the conversation.

Your interviewer will discover your past in their background check, so disclosing it yourself can help you appear more honest and forthcoming.

You also have some level of control over how you reveal it to them.

Once you’ve given your job application and interview, the rest is out of your hands.

While you wait for a job offer, consider sending a follow-up email while you look into other positions.

Dollar General, Home Depot, and Target hire felons as well, so you may consider applying for them if you’re applying for Walmart.

What is the Best Time to Apply at Walmart?

Walmart is constantly hiring new people every day in any given position.

However, there are times when there’s a higher demand for associates.

Applying during these high-demand periods can help improve your chances of getting hired due to your need for more hands.

The holidays are a great time, for example.

Applying from September forward can make you more likely to get hired as they increase staff to deal with Christmas, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and New Year.

Any other holiday such as July 4th in the United States is just as effective.

Applying Yourself

As an offender, it can feel as if the world is against you when you’re searching for felon-friendly jobs.

While your felony convictions may stop you from receiving some job offers, Walmart will not hold it against you.

For more information on finding a job with a criminal record, contact us to learn more.