The biggest challenge for felons after their release is finding a job.
A felon who has experience working in the transportation industry may want to apply at Greyhound.
This blog post will cover whether or not Greyhound runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- Greyhound Application
- Greyhound Background Check
- Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
- Tips for Getting a Job at Greyhound
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Employers like Greyhound 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 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 when applying at Greyhound even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer typically views at least some of the following:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like Greyhound 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.
The criminal record review conducted of a background check includes examining criminal history files for any criminal offenses, which will reveal all convictions and non-convictions, including cases not prosecuted or ones dismissed.
Convictions can be reported with no time limit while a non-conviction will show up for seven years.
A crime will not show up on a background check if a felon has his or her record expunged.
Greyhound Application
Greyhound Lines, Inc., or Greyhound, is an intercity bus carrier that provides transportation to more than 3,800 destinations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The company began in 1914 and has its headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
- The company is the largest motor coach line in the U.S.
- To travel on a Greyhound bus, someone needs a photo ID.
Greyhound has more than 1200 buses that carry travelers across the country.
Greyhound has more than 6,000 persons employed.
The minimum age to work at Greyhound is 18 years old.
Anyone wanting to work as a driver for Greyhound must be at least 22 years old.
Additional licenses, certifications, and extensive background checks may be necessary for any job at Greyhound.
Anyone wanting to work for Greyhound must have a high school diploma or a GED.
Typical entry-level positions with the company include:
- Ticket agent
- Freight clerk
- Freight handler
- Bus driver
- Bus mechanic
- Motor coach operator
- Customer service representative
Most positions at Greyhound require little to no prior work experience.
To be a bus driver at Greyhound, an applicant must have a CDL and complete a training program that may last one to three months.
The length of the training depends on whether that person already has a CDL at the time of applying.
Starting an application for a job at Greyhound can begin by creating an account online at the company website or completing a standard application at any location.
A resume must be provided to the company.
Typical interview questions include:
- How do you see Greyhound as a company?
- What do you expect from this job?
- Do you think you have good communication skills?
- What is your availability?
- How would you handle customer complaints?
- Describe a situation where you resolved a conflict.
Greyhound Background Check
Yes, Greyhound does conduct a background check on all applicants being considered for a job with the company.
All employment offers are contingent on passing the background check.
A background check looks for criminal convictions as well as verifying all information on the application.
All job offers are also contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug test.
Greyhound considers all job-related aspects of each candidate’s background and experience.
There are no specific policies in place related to candidates with a criminal or felony conviction.
A routine background check at Greyhound takes approximately one week.
It is important for any felon applying at Greyhound to:
- Know his or her criminal history
- Answer all questions
- Be honest
- Focus on the positive
All questions on the application regarding criminal history must be answered truthfully.
If a job is offered, an applicant will be asked consent to a background check, so not being honest will immediately disqualify him or her.
A background check is run for Greyhound to protect:
- The company
- Its employees
- Its customers
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at Greyhound by having his or her record expunged.
Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
Doing a background check on yourself before applying at Greyhound will allow a felon to know exactly what will be discovered when the company does their review.
A felon with any questions can contact an attorney.
It is essential to take action and not risk a chance on the results.
There are different kinds of personal background checks that a felon can run:
From the court in which he or she was charged
A credit report will help determine how financially responsible an individual is
Driving records for any job involving driving, such as a truck driver
An educational report through the National Student Clearing House
For someone wanting to do a background check on themselves, there are places that can help.
Tips for Getting a Job at Greyhound
It is important to arrive on time for an interview and be honest.
A few specific tips for getting hired at Greyhound include:
- Be flexible in working different hours
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Maintain eye contact
- Speak clearly
- Be polite and respectful
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm for the job
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at Greyhound.
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 emotion.
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 Greyhound finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify him or her for the job; focus on highlighting 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 a felon to know what an employer will see on your record.
Remember that you are not defined by your crime.
Be willing to seeing yourself in a different light, and be ready to establish an honest life.
The best opportunity for success in a new life begins with having support from family and friends.
After all, felons do make good employees.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether or not Greyhound runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Greyhound run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
