Finding a job is a major challenge for felons just out of prison.
When looking for work, a felon who has experience in a home supply store may want to apply at Lowe’s.
This blog post will cover whether or not Lowe’s runs background checks.
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Lowe’s, like many employers, reviews 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 question is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem when applying at Lowe’s even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer may view:
- 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 such as Lowe’s 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.
Lowe’s Application
Lowe’s is a home improvement company founded in 1946 that operates a chain of retail home improvement, hardware, and appliance stores in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Lowe’s is the second largest hardware chain and the eighth largest retail store in the U.S. and has 2,335 store locations with more than 285,000 employees.
An application at Lowe’s consists of:
- An online application on the Lowe’s web site
- Personal information
- Work history
- Availability
- Criminal background
- Character references
A 30-minute assessment test consisting of a personality test, a situational judgment test, and a cognitive/abstract reasoning test.
Questions in the interview will focus on appropriate customer service and responsibilities.
The minimum age to work at Lowe’s is 18 years old.
Entry-level positions available include:
- Team member
- Cashier
- Receiving clerk sales associate
- Delivery driver
- Sales specialist
- Customer service representative
- Project specialist
There are two parts to an interview.
The first part is conducted by a store manager who asks basic questions about retail work and behavior.
Typical interview questions include:
- How you define customer service
- Name the time you’re above and beyond for a company
- Why do you want to work for Lowe’s?
An applicant may be required to submit to a legal background check, complete a personal evaluation, conducted physical and drug test, and complete orientation.
The second phase of the interview teaches applicants about the company, benefits, values, and expectations from employees.
An applicant at Lowe’s must create an account on their hiring website. An applicant must provide an email address, account password, and an answer to a security question. A resume must be provided as part of the application.
At the beginning of the application, there will be a request consented pre-employment background check.
Any employ that offer will be based on passing this check. There will also be a request to consent to a pre-employment drug test.
The assessment is a series of 85 questions designed to help Lowe’s determine if a candidate would be a good addition to the team.
Lowe’s Background Check
Yes, Lowe’s does conduct a background check on anyone who may be made a job offer, looking for any felony conviction in the past seven years.
The Lowe’s application indicates that employment may be contingent upon satisfactory, passing a job-related background check along with a drug and alcohol screening.
There is a question on the Lowe’s application asking whether an applicant has ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor, and if so, to describe in detail.
Lowe’s does not automatically disqualify anyone with a criminal record.
An applicant will be denied employment for providing false information in an application.
Factors considered in hiring a felon at Lowe’s include:
- Type of felony conviction
- Length of time since conviction (at least seven years)
- Position applied for
- Job-related skills
An applicant is likely to be denied employment with a conviction of:
- Theft
- Fraud
- Violent felony
A background check is run for Lowe’s to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at Lowe’s by having his or her record expunged.
Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
Doing a background check on him or herself before applying at Lowe’s will allow a felon to know exactly what will be discovered when Lowe’s 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 ClearingHouse
For someone wanting to do a background check on themselves, there are places that can help.
Tips for Getting a Job at Lowe’s
A few tips for getting hired at Lowe’s include:
- Be flexible availability
- Consider applying at various locations
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Get there early for an interview
- Dress appropriately
- Be polite and respectful
- Use a firm handshake
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at Lowe’s.
Don’t hide the fact that you have a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about that conviction without being emotional.
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 Lowe’s 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 his or her record.
Remember, you aren’t defined by your crime.
Be willing to see yourself in a different light, and 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.
Over to You
So what do you think about this blog post about whether Lowe’s runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Lowe’s run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
