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Interested in learning how to get a job with a felony record? Read out jobs guide.
The Comprehensive Guide to Jobs for Felons
Let’s admit it – finding jobs for felons is difficult, frustrating, and hard work.
Having a criminal record can be a major barrier for people looking to find jobs in different industries. Not only does it reduce your chances of getting a job, but it also leaves you feeling ostracized.
It is hard to put the blame on companies that turn down former offenders. Some have had bad experiences with felons, while others are just wary of negative outcomes.
However, if you’re a felon or you have a loved one who is, you don’t have to despair. Today, many companies are more than willing to open their doors to former offenders.
These companies have hiring policies that don’t discriminate against candidates that have felony records. They are big-name corporations and small businesses that function in different industries, so you have a wide selection.
Looking for more insight on how to go about finding the best jobs for felons? Keep reading. We have several tips and hacks that will put you on the right track.
Page Contents
Employment
Finding Work
Resources
PLEASE REVIEW THIS ENTIRE PAGE, this is the #1 resource on the internet for convicted felons to get the second chance they deserve. Please also share this page so that we can help as many people as possible
The difference between our website and our competitors is that the accuracy of our list of companies that hire ex-felons is EXTREMELY important to us.
Aside from utilizing internet research, we’re the only website that has our own felon-friendly job board where employers can post jobs for felons directly.
This approach has allowed us to compile a current list of companies that hire those with a criminal background and it continues to expand every single day.
On this page, you will find jobs for felons, a link to our comprehensive list of companies that hire felons, the best industries for felons to seek work in, and much more.
Chapter 1
Employment
Finding employment as a felon is tough. That’s why we have aggregated
the best jobs for felons in one spot.
Browse Jobs
- All
- Landscaping
Hydraulic Technician
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Hydraulic Technician to...
Seasonal Cultivation Associate
Job Title: Cultivation Associate Reports to: Cultivation Director, Cultivation Managers...
Electrical Tech
Electrical Technicians needed! Optimal Energy Solutions LLC is looking for...
HEAVY EQUIPMENT/CRANE SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Heavy Equipment Service Technician Mynatt Truck and Equipment is a...
Looking for more Options? Browse our full list of jobs.
Why Is It Hard to Get Employed with a Felony Record
There are several hurdles that felons face in society today. Some find it hard to keep friends due to the stigma that comes with having a record, while others battle with the temptation of taking up old habits.
However, the biggest challenge felons face is finding stable employment. With a job, they’re able to stay financially independent, making it harder to fall back to the life of crime that poverty might push them into.
To have a better understanding of why it’s difficult for felons to find jobs, here’s a long list:
Bias and Stereotype
The most common reason several companies don’t hire felons is because of bias and stereotypes. It is believed that felons are dishonest people who are prone to commit crimes at work.
Employers are quick to link a felon’s bad record with bad personality traits. Their belief is that felons never change and are susceptible to a life of crime. Even worse is that they associate violence with felonies, regardless of the nature of the crime or whether the felon was guilty of it or not.
There is also the worry that the felon might commit another offense which will land them in jail. If that happens, there will be a shortage of workers without notice, causing the company to start the hiring process all over again.
Reputation
Business owners are very particular about the reputation of their brands. It is no surprise that they turn their noses up at felons. They worry about how the public would react to their decision.
There is the possibility of backlash, which can ultimately damage the company’s reputation. A damaged reputation will undoubtedly lead to a loss of business.
Also, if employers hire a felon that causes trouble at work, the public can view it as reckless and negligent. Inadvertently, it will destroy whatever integrity they have with the public.
Legal Liability
Many employers don’t hire felons because of legal liability issues. If a felon commits a crime at work, the company can be held liable for the situation. In trying to sort out the legal processes, the company can spend lots of money in damages.
Therefore, companies will hold back from hiring felons, whether or not they’ve changed their ways.
Risk Factor
The financial activities of businesses make them prime spots for criminal activities. When an employer hires a felon, the risk of workplace crime becomes heightened.
This is because not every felon is dedicated to keeping their job and living a life of honesty.
Employee Morale
Employers hold back from hiring felons because of the tension it can create with other employees at work. The presence of a felon might cause some discord and nervousness.
When tension arises at the workplace, it immediately disrupts the unity and positive atmosphere among workers. Employers want to avoid an uncomfortable environment for others.
Cost
On some occasions, employers have nothing against hiring felons.The only hold-up they might have is the possibility that the felon might not have the needed skill for optimal performance.
When in prison, they get shut off from the world, which makes them miss out on technological advancements.
If an employer hires a felon, they have to undergo special skill training that can be expensive.
Companies That Hire Felons
We take pride in the fact that we have the most accurate list of companies that hire those with a criminal record on the internet. We’ve created this list by compiling data between our own job board and internet research.
As of now, we have a list of companies that hire felons on our website. Because this list is so large, what you see below does not include ALL results.
If you want to see a list of all companies organized by city/state, view our full list by following the link below.
Check out a Temp Agency for Part-Time Work
Temp agencies are a great option for felons looking to find employment.
When you go through a temp agency, the chances of you finding a job are automatically increased. This is because they have contracts with employers who know the most qualified persons for a job. So, you’ll get a job that the temp agency believes you can get.
Also, they allow you to sign up for more than one job. The best part is, the agency does the job search for you, so all you have to do is wait for their feedback.
Another benefit is, you don’t have to pay to sign up at a temp agency because they get paid by the employer once they get someone for the job.
However, it’s important to note that most temp agencies will carry out a background check on you. Not all of them will accept a felony record. Still, there’s no need to fear as some agencies give felons a chance.
But, if the company itself never actually does a background check and sometimes the temp agency doesn’t either.
The result? You’re able to work at a company through the temp agency without a problem.
Chapter 2
Finding Work
The Process You’ll Go Through as a Felon Looking for a Job
1. Determine Your Job Field
There are many types of jobs available to felons. These include full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract and freelance jobs.
The first step in finding a job as a felon is to determine what type of job you’d like to work.
- Full-Time Jobs – As directed by the employer, full-time job hours usually range from 32-40 hours a week. Felons can find employment in several full-time jobs, and they include manual labor, cable providers, and truck drivers.
- Part-Time Jobs – Part-time usually carries fewer hours than a full-time job. Employees work in shifts that are often rotational. Examples of part-time jobs for felons include cooking, salesperson, and nursing.
- Seasonal Jobs – These types of jobs don’t continue year-round. Seasonal employment is only required during certain times in the year. They are temporary and short-term. Several large retail stores, grocery chains, and shipping companies hire felons during busy seasons such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- Contract/Freelance – These types of jobs do not require you to hold permanent employment with a single employer. Instead, you can earn money through temporary jobs, contract work, or freelance jobs. Some of them include writing, coding, and graphic design.
Like every job hunt, there are processes that every applicant needs to undergo. Take a look at some of them:
2. Job Search
Of course, this is the first step for anyone to find a job. To enable you to find the best jobs for felons, you might have to do a lot of research. The internet is a great place to look for a variety of ideas.
As you go about searching for the best jobs for felons, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Look in the Right Places: The worst thing you can do as a felon is look in the wrong places for work. To avoid a situation where you land in jail, you should find good, honest jobs that wouldn’t remind you of your old life.
- Look Towards the Future, Not the Past: One thing that should keep you going as a felon to forgive yourself. You must give yourself some grace no matter how hard it is to look away from your past. You’ve got to believe you’re a changed person as long as you’ve put in the work to be so. It is this attitude that will keep you motivated.
- Discount Unobtainable Careers: There are certain unrealistic jobs you shouldn’t waste time looking for as a felon. Some of these jobs require licenses and are mostly not felon-friendly. Some of them include working as bank officials, law enforcement officers, teachers, peace officers, pharmaceutical employees, and lawyers.
3. Background Check
When you find a job, you’ll most likely have to undergo a background check conducted by the employer. It is part of the application process so that they can employ the most eligible candidate for the job.
A criminal background check investigates your personal information, incarceration record, felony conviction records, and so much more. Here, the employer gets a glimpse of who you are and what you have been up to in the past years.
4. Interview
There’s no job search without an interview. Every employer wants to meet their potential employee over the phone or in-person to get a sense of their personality.
Interviews are important because employers can see if your attitude and personality are suitable for the job.
5. Evaluation Period
After every interview comes an evaluation period. It is this process that leads to decision-making, so it’s equally as important.
The employer weighs your strengths and weaknesses and determines if you’ll be a good fit for their company.
Tips for Felons Looking for Jobs
Take a look at these tips that just might set you apart as you look for jobs:
Things to Do When Searching and Applying for a Job
Here are some good practices to follow during the application process:
- Do some research on the internet as it’s a great place to find more information about the job you are applying for.
- Be confident in your skillset and apply for jobs knowing that you can be an asset to the company.
- Make sure you’re comfortable with the jobs you apply for. There are laws to prevent discrimination against felons, so it’s becoming common practice to employ felons today.
- Go through the interview the same way you would if you didn’t have a stain on your record.
1. Be Honest About Your Felony Record While Applying for a Job.
When you let your potential employer know about your criminal past beforehand, it automatically allows you to share your side of the story. You get to present your case, which might soften up your employer.
2. Be Prepared to Answer Questions About Your Offence.
When you make yourself an open book, it’ll be hard for them to hold anything against you as you’ve already made it clear that you have no problems talking about the past.
3. Look Out for Scammers
Usually, scammers capitalize on desperate people with limited options. Felons mostly fall under this category because of how much they get turned down.
So, if you see a job posting that looks too good to be true, you should stay away or carry out plenty of research.
4. Get a Reference
When you present a reference to a potential employer, it immediately increases your chances of getting hired. Therefore, the best thing to do is find a non-relative that can vouch for your credibility.
However, make sure to choose wisely when you’re looking for a reference.
Things to Avoid When Searching and Applying for a Job
Here are a few things to stay away from when you’re searching and applying for jobs for felons:
1. Dishonesty
The worst thing you can do when applying for a job is to be dishonest about your past. It will immediately reduce your chances of getting considered for the position if an employer uncovers the truth along the line.
2. Desperation
Desperation pushes people into the wrong choices. Understandably, it might be hard to stay calm when potential employers turn down all your applications. However, desperation will only increase your chances of falling back into old habits.
3. Low Self-esteem
Felons mostly battle with low self-esteem as they apply for jobs. They tend to see themselves as lesser-than, even though their crimes are behind them.
You should know that the moment you stop letting your past define you, progress becomes easier. There is freedom in acceptance.
Industries that Hire Felons
Several industries hire felons out there. Take a look at some of them:
Automotive and Car Rental Services
Automotive and car rental services are great for car lovers who would like to get their hands dirty.
This is hard work and it’s considered manual labor, but for those that enjoy this type of work, it’s a great opportunity for a second chance. Plus, this is one of those industries that pay relatively well compared to others.
Some companies that hire felons include Chrysler Automotive, Firestone Complete Auto, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and more.
Automotive Jobs for Felons
- Firestone Complete Auto
- Chrysler Automotive
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
Building and Personnel Services
There are a lot of situations where a company needs help in maintaining their facilities or cleaning the facilities of a client. This is a great job to get into quickly if you’re having a hard time finding a new job.
You’ll spend most of your time cleaning residential or commercial services and though it isn’t glamorous, it’s a job with high demand that has a lot of opportunities.
Cellular and Cable Providers/Installers
This is one of the most lucrative jobs for felons.
Telecommunications companies don’t shy away from hiring felons because they need as many people as they can get to run their installation errands and maintain their network.
Commercial Services
Just like residential buildings, commercial buildings need help to keep maintained as well. Jobs in this area might be cleaning commercial buildings, helping with property management, maintaining plumbing, concrete, roofing, and more.
Community Organizations
The purpose of community organizations is to improve the community that they’re a part of. These are places that are usually very open to working with those who have a record because they understand that helping the local community is how you make the location a better place for everyone.
Computer Hardware & Software
If you are interested in tech, this is a great place to start. Most of the jobs you’ll perform at these companies will be focused on the assembly and delivery of hardware products or helping create software in different capacities.
Construction and Trade
Manual labor trade jobs are not for those who can’t handle a lot of physical activity day in and day out.
That said, these types of jobs are some of the best paying opportunities you’re going to find and because the work demands so much, you can often find a position in the field. If you like the idea of working on job sites and working with your hands all day, this is the right industry for you.
Consumer Products Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies often need labor to help inspect, package, and deliver products that they’re trying to get to consumers. The jobs here are typically related to getting your hands on the product itself and helping deliver the final product to a consumer.
Department, Clothing and Shoe Stores
If you enjoy working with the public and don’t mind spending time managing the inventory of a location, this area is a great fit. Most of the jobs here you’ll find are in warehouse or inventory, but once in a while, a position for a sales associate that helps customers presents itself.
Financial Services
Contrary to popular belief, there are opportunities for those with a record to work in the financial industry. However, it’s not necessarily the jobs that everyone thinks of when they think of finances.
Financial institutions, like most companies, often need help with customer service responsibilities. You won’t need any certifications to handle these types of jobs other than passing company training.
Food Production and Processing
The US is dotted with thousands of food production and processing facilities. It’s a great option for felons because workers are always needed to carry out strenuous tasks.
If you’re finding it hard to get a job out there, this is undoubtedly a good option.
Food Service and Restaurants
If you try out this industry, the chances of getting turned down are slim.
It is one of the easiest and quickest types of job you’ll get because there usually isn’t pressure on you to have the best credentials. You could get hired as a chef, dishwasher, or server.
The best part is, you can get promoted to a better position if you work hard enough.
Freelancing and Online jobs
The best part about freelancing and online jobs is that there are no interviews and background checks. You only get to present your work portfolio and have good reviews on your profile.
This is a great way to start your life over, especially since the pay is usually substantial.
Grocery Stores
In order to run effectively, grocery stores need people day in and day out to stock shelves, help customers, clean the store, and handle the warehouse inventory.
This is a job where most of your time will be focused on maintaining the locations and assisting customers as needed.
Grocery stores are great options for felons looking for a second chance. The stores do not have strict policies against criminal records, so you may get a job stocking products, manning aisles, bagging food, and so much more.
However, some might not allow you to work at the cash register, seeing that it might cause a little more tension.
Grocery Store Jobs for Felons
Healthcare Services and Hospitals
Though it’s hard to find jobs for felons in health care, it is not impossible. The only thing that might be a limiting factor is the nature of your crime. If you have a drug-related crime record, or one involving sexual crimes or violence, then you should look in another direction.
You can get a job in this industry if you’ve been given certification for your medical position. You can get hired as a registered nurse, nursing assistant, caregiver, phlebotomist, caregiver, and more.
These are considered on a case by case basis, but this is an industry lacking in labor, so it’s an opportunity to consider.
Home Centers and Hardware Stores
While retail locations aren’t always willing to hire those with a record, it seems that a lot of the large home centers and hardware stores like Home Depot are a great place for a second chance. This is likely because the trades are felon friendly, so the two industries complement each other.
Here you’ll be focused mostly on stocking, warehouse management, customer service, and consulting with customers to help them with projects.
Home Centers and Hardware Store Jobs for Felons
Home Furniture and Houseware Stores
Like home centers and hardware stores, home furniture and houseware stores are a great place to begin to work with a record. Most of the jobs will be focused on customer service or sales and will help you bring home a paycheck every month.
Hospitality
The hotel industry is a great option for felons looking for jobs. You can get employed as a cook, cleaner, baggage carrier, and even the lobby clerk.
These jobs might be strenuous, but they pay slightly higher than the minimum wage.
Hotels, Motels, and Resorts
Big locations where people come to visit often need a lot of people to maintain the facilities. Whether it be a maid to clean rooms, a handyman to fix broken objects, or customer service to assist guests, the lack of labor to fill these locations is a great place to start for someone with a record.
Companies like Hilton Hotels and other big hotel chains can often be a great place to find a new job.
Industrial Manufacturing
Just like consumer products manufacturing, companies need labor to help inspect, package, and deliver products that they’re trying to get to consumers. If you’re up for manual labor, then manufacturing jobs might be the best for you.
Industrial manufacturing usually has a little bit of a higher health risk because the products are often chemicals or other potentially dangerous items, but the lack of labor in these facilities is a good opportunity to find felon friendly employers.
They require physical strength as you’ll be handling a lot of heavy equipment. There is also the chance for a promotion or an increment in salary if you do a good enough job.
Industrial Manufacturing Jobs for Felons
Metal and Mineral Manufacturing
Precious metals and natural minerals need companies (and people) to extract and mine them in order to be brought to their final locations where they can be used in development projects.
Jobs like these are considered skilled labor and require a lot of hard work, but they pay very well and are usually felon friendly.
Oil and Gas Services
Sometimes considered one of the more dangerous professions, working in the oil and gas industry is a challenge both mentally and physically.
You’ll find yourself working long hours and your body will take a beating from the physical labor, but the pay is some of the highest available for felons and it’s a great way to get into a career that cares more about your performance and less about your past.
Residential Services and Maintenance
Like working with your hands and don’t mind going to homeowner locations to help install/demolish/ or working on different projects? These companies are a great list of places to get started.
Positions here are manual labor, but the pay is competitive with many other areas and it’s great as there is typically always a need for skilled craftsmen.
Restaurants and Food Service
One of the quickest and easiest types of jobs you can get are in foodservice/restaurants. In this industry, you’ll usually find a job as a server/chef/dishwasher, and your choices don’t stop at McDonald’s or Starbucks.
While it may not be your ideal choice, these jobs are a great start if you’re looking to try to quickly get a job and usually only require a high school diploma to get started.
Restaurant and Food Service Jobs for Felons
- Chipotle
- Panera
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Chick Fil A
Retail
There are dozens of retail stores in every city and state in America. These stores need as many hands as they can get, so it’s easy for you to get hired, despite your felony record.
However, the best way to increase your chances of landing a job at a retail store is to apply in multiple stores at once.
Even though companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Kroger dominate the retail landscape, there is a large number of companies that need assistance in stocking their stores and assisting their customers.
The companies below have a lot of locations and are more open to hiring those with a felony record than other retail companies.
Retail Jobs for Felons
Staffing and Outsourcing
Many staffing and outsourcing companies are willing to hire felons for positions because the employers they work with are focused on getting a job done in a hurry.
The below list of staffing/outsourcing agencies is willing to work with those who have a felony and help them find a position that fits.
Telecommunication Services
Like many other manual labor jobs, most telecommunications companies are willing to hire felons because they need people to help build and maintain their networks.
It takes tens of thousands of people to maintain these incredibly large technological infrastructures, so these are great places to work if you want to assist in that goal.
Transportation
Many rental companies and airlines need help to continually clean and maintain their vehicles. This isn’t always easy to do and becomes a challenging job with time, but it’s a great place to get started as someone with a felony.
Transportation Jobs for Felons
- CTA
Trucking and Logistics
Easily one of the most felon friendly industries, trucking companies, and logistics focus on the movement of products or goods from one location to another. Because of this, you don’t particularly need to present impressive credentials.
In this line of work, you’re either doing the transportation or supervising the movement of these products. The best part is, you get good, sustainable pay and should be something that can sustain you for years to come.
To become a driver, you’ll need to get a Commercial driver’s license along with training. If you aren’t sure where to start, you may want to check on this post we wrote.
Trucking and Logistics Jobs for Felons
- Trucking Companies that Hire Felons
- Penske Automotive
Warehouses
Warehouses need workers who can use their physical strength and endurance. It involves the use of manual labor as you’ll be doing a lot of heavy lifting. It is also considered non-lucrative as the pay is usually minimum wage.
However, if you’re down in the dumps and you need a little cash, warehouses are the best options for you. They’re also felon-friendly, so you have nothing to worry about.
Waste and Sanitation Services
The old saying goes that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. While we’re not advocating the idea of garbage picking necessarily, the point here is that sanitation is a good area for those with a record to get a second chance.
The job will be dirty and you may come home each night smelling a little rough, but the pay is good compared to other industries and there’s a lot of opportunity to grow.
Chapter 3
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs for Felons
1. Should I Disclose my Felony(ies) on an Application?
This is purely a judgment call, but we advise you to disclose your record to your potential employers during the application process.
The reason is that if you don’t disclose a felony and get hired, they can revoke your employment at any time for lying on your application. This means that if they randomly run a background check on you six months from now, you can lose your job.
Or, even worse, you’ll be up for a promotion and the company may run a background check before the promotion is official. If that background check comes back with something your employer doesn’t like, they’ll be able to terminate you.
2. What Types of Jobs Should I Avoid Applying to?
Typically you’ll want to avoid job types that require licenses by the state or on a federal level as they aren’t usually felony friendly. This is because, in most (not all) cases, you won’t be able to get approval for your license to pursue employment.
Because of this, the applications you submit aren’t worth your time because the governing body of your state won’t let you work anyway, regardless of if the company is hiring people.
3. Will it be Difficult to Get a Job?
Yes, it’s going to be difficult to get a job and there will be plenty of times when you’ll want to quit. But notice we stated it will be difficult to get a job, not impossible.
After years of reviewing jobs that hire felons, we’ve found that the best way to succeed is to be consistent and stay positive about your job search. Don’t let one frustrating situation (having a job offer rescinded, being told no because of your felony, etc.) impact your mentality.
4. Should I Apply to Large of Small Companies?
While we do have a list of large companies that hire felons, it’s always on a case-by-case basis and there are many variables at play. Our advice is to spend most of your time applying to medium and small businesses.
This is because these businesses are more likely to skip the background check due to cost and typically don’t have a Human resources department with policies in place. You can see our full list of companies that hire felons here.
5. Can I Get a Job With a Sexual or Violent Felony Offense?
Yes, you can! But, it’s likely that your job search is going to be more difficult than other types of felony charges.
This is due to the nature of the felony and even many felony friendly employers will look at you as a potential threat to their employees. While that may not be the truth, anticipate having to fill out more applications than others.
We know this isn’t the positive news you’re hoping for, but second chance jobs still have restrictions at times.
6. Can a Felon Drive For Uber?
In most cases, no. A felon can not work for Uber (or Lyft) because they won’t pass the background check.
However, we have seen many instances where people we’ve referred to the company to apply have been granted employment. Sometimes they have a misdemeanor, and other times a felony, but we’ve been surprised what’s gotten through before.
7. Can a Felon Work For the Government?
Having a felony conviction does not preclude you from getting hired by the government. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) (This is the government hiring agency) determines the offenses you committed to determining suitability for employment.
However, generally, there are no prohibitions against employment. Factors that are considered include the duties that are related to the positions for which you have applied, the nature and date for any misconduct, and evidence of rehabilitation.
8. What are the Highest Paying Jobs For Felons?
When people have a criminal background they think that the jobs they’re able to get have to be low paying. While it is easy to get a low paying job, with or without a felony record, there are many high paying jobs for felons that most people would be envious of.
While it will require hard work, we’ve created a list of 11 ideas to help you find something that’ll make you financially stable for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions Background Checks
1. How do I know What Will Show up on my Background Check?
A background check is typically the biggest hurdle you’ll experience while going through your job search to find felony friendly employers. We know of many instances where individuals get job offers, but then the background check comes back and the offer is rescinded.
The best way to understand your background check is to order one on yourself. This way, you’ll understand exactly what employers see.
You can do that by clicking here and filling out your information. While this resource isn’t free, it’s the most affordable way of reviewing what shows up on your background check.
2. Will a Felony Show After 7 Years on a Background Check?
Non-convictions can be reported for up to seven years. Convictions can be reported without any time limitation, so it is likely to show up on a background check even if it’s been more than 7 years.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows felony arrests to be reported on background checks for seven years after release from prison. Felony convictions can be reported as far back as the employer chooses to go.
There are several states that do not allow the use of any case older than seven years whether there was a conviction or not.
3. Will a Felony Show After 10 Years on a Background Check?
Non-convictions are reportable for seven years, so those will not show up. Convictions can be reported without any time limitation.
The so-called “seven year rule” came from the fact that arrests can only be reported for up to seven years. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows felony arrests to be reported on background checks for seven years after release from prison.
Felony convictions can be reported as far back as the employer chooses to go. That, of course, includes anything after 10 years.
4. Do Internships Run Background Checks?
As with most businesses, background checks on new employees are routinely done. In the case of interns there is no consistent regulation.
Interns often have the same privileges and access to company resources as permanent employees so they are often held to the same screening standard.
If the intern will be handling sensitive information, company assets, cash, or working directly with children, a background check is often completed. If the intern’s job is to “shadow” other employees and is not directly responsible for assets or cash, some companies may not do a background check.
Instead, managers may provide strict supervision. The problem is that even if an internship doesn’t run a background check, they may run one prior to actually hiring someone once the internship has completed.
5. Do Employers Run Background Checks before Interviews?
Typically employers will not run a background check before an interview. This is because they’re likely to interview many candidates and it would be very cost-prohibitive to run background checks on all of those potential job candidates.
Instead, they’ll usually interview many potential employees and then they’ll run a background check on whoever they decide they’d like to hire.
Self Employment Resources
Have you ever thought about the fact that you don’t need to have an employer to make your own money?
Sure, when you have an employer it’s nice because they provide you with a consistent paycheck and job security, but how many extremely successful people can you name who have gotten that way by working for other people?
The answer is not many and maybe this means it’s time for you to consider becoming your own boss, or at least become a consultant.
The beauty about this lifestyle is that your felony is no longer an issue because YOU are the boss and YOU determine your own work hours, hourly pay rate, and more. Below is a list of resources to help.
Upwork.com
This is the largest freelancer website in the entire world. Odds are that you have some type of skill that would be valuable to someone else and people are more than willing to pay those that are hard working.
If you have technical skills that’s ideal, but this website also works for people who are writers, sales and marketing (work at home, over the phone), administration, and so much more. Heck, people even hire voice overs for their videos on this website.
Udemy.com
This website, or should I say marketplace, is absolutely awesome for people trying to learn or teach new skills. Simply put, this is a HUGE marketplace with over 50,000 courses. Some courses are free and others cost money, but the neat thing is you can actually create your own course for free and charge others to take it.
Craigslist
Odds are that you know of Craigslist, but if not, it is a great place to find jobs quickly that typically don’t require background checks if you look in the right areas.
If you look in the “Jobs” section and search under “General Labor” or “Customer Service”, you’ll often find jobs that won’t put too much emphasis on your record.
Remember, most companies that post here need something pretty quickly and are usually local small businesses looking for talent.
Job Training Resources
For some felons, it isn’t necessarily their record that is prohibiting them from getting a job. Instead, it is their lack of knowledge and training that employers notice which disqualifies them from becoming employed again.
This is a very common issue, so we have compiled a list of different resources that you can use to get the skills you need to find a new job, or even try to make your own business.
Some of the job training resources below are free while others cost money, but we are confident in the platforms we are recommending and hope that you find them helpful.
Our FREE Guide
Getting employed with a felony isn’t a simple task and we’ve created this guide to help. Whether you are looking to work for others or want to become self employed, this guide will explain your options and provide you with tips along the way.
Lynda.com
Lynda was recently purchased by LinkedIn.com and, in our opinion, has the highest quality courses out there. The platform has over 3,500 courses available that focus on topics which will give you highly sought after job skills from employers.
The best part? You can access everything for free with a 10-day trial.
Udemy Course Marketplace
Udemy currently has over 7 million students and over 30,000 courses. This platform allows industry specialists to create their own courses and give them away for free, or sell them.
The platform often has sales where courses cost $10-$15 each, but make sure you sign-up as a member and give a valid email address so that you are notified when these sales happen.
Wrapping Up
When you have a criminal stain on your record, the chances of you landing a job are slimmer than those of a clean-slated citizen. However, you shouldn’t worry because there are several companies out there that offer the best available jobs for felons.
The one part you have to play is to remain persistent and consistent in the face of all the disappointments you might face. Keep trying, and it’ll pay off in the end!
How we help
This website was created by a few folks who have personally watched their loved ones struggle to get a job due to having a felony.
Your New Life Starts Here.
Jobs for Felons
Get to work faster with jobs for felons curated for you.
Legal Help
The legal help you need to put your past behind you
Companies Hiring Felons
Finding employment as a felon is tough. That’s why we have aggregated the best jobs for felons in one spot.
Reentry Programs
Resources to help ex-offenders gain essential life skills for making the right choices in life.
