Finding a job as a felon is not always easy, but there are numerous businesses that hire felons and give them a second chance at something new. Many companies strive to “give back” by hiring those who have made mistakes and learning from what has already happened and the great skills they have to offer. This change in corporate culture creates more opportunities for felons to have a better chance at rebuilding their lives.

Below we’ll discuss some business that employs felons, a few resources, and strategies for getting hired with a criminal record. We also provide some FAQs to help better navigate this career path and maybe have a little more hope for success as well.

Getting a Second Chance Hiring

Second-chance hiring is a movement to give jobs to those with felony convictions. By giving them a fair chance to improve society and provide for themselves, firms will actively work to prevent the recidivism rate while making positive changes in their community. Some use second-chance hiring as an extension of corporate social responsibility, but tax incentives help many make a business case for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals.

Types of Businesses That Hire Felons

Numerous companies and business industries hire felons. Some of them include:

1. Retail and Grocery Chains

Retail and grocery stores are another source of employment for individuals with records. Companies such as Walmart, Target, and Kroger have criminal background policies and review applicants with criminal records. These companies offer large numbers of customer service jobs, stocking positions, and logistics jobs to provide stable employment for those returning to work.

2. Warehouse and Logistics Organizations

Among the industries welcoming felons, the most open are those companies involved in logistics and warehousing. Companies such as Amazon, UPS, and FedEx always have openings in their warehouses, including jobs in packing sorting, and shipping positions. More than that, because these companies usually have a lot of turnover, they welcome anybody.

3. Manufacturing and Production Facilities

Manufacturing is another field where felons can find employment. Many manufacturing plants and factories have overcome any outstanding concerns regarding background, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, assembly line production, machine operation, and quality control. General Electric and Tyson Foods are examples of companies that have employed felons for secure, well-paying jobs in their production plants.

4. Food Service and Hospitality

Food and lodging are infamous for hiring individuals who have terrible backgrounds, including murderers. Restaurants, fast food, and hotels often offer employment that does little checking on a person’s history. McDonald’s, Subway, and Marriott are just a few examples of companies that can hire a felon and bring someone on board to the kitchen, service, or housekeeping.

5. Construction and Trades

People with felony convictions work in the construction and skilled trades industries. Many construction companies are willing to hire those applicants based on experience, skills, and a clean arrest history, but if one of these is the most important factor, then the individual will not get hired. Skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical often hire people who want to re-establish themselves. Labour Finders and PeopleReady frequently place people with a record into temporary and long-term positions.

6. Transportation and Trucking

Transportation is a great job for felons. Many trucking companies will hire felons, most predominantly those who have completed their truck-driving school and have a CDL. Companies that have hired felons in the past are Swift Transportation, CR England, and Schneider National.

7. Landscaping and Outdoor Services

Most landscaping and outside service work does not require a background check. Such services can offer many jobs with a strong sense of hard work, reliability, and a good attitude-ideal for felons. Types of jobs include lawn care, gardening, and landscaping. TruGreen, along with local landscaping companies, hire felons.

8. Temp Agencies

Temporary employment agencies can be a gold mine for felons. These agencies tend to specialize in working with companies that are open to hiring people with diverse backgrounds. Registration with a temp agency can lead to short-term jobs as well as permanent placement. Some of the best agencies that place felons include Manpower, Adecco, and Kelly Services. Many of them often work with industries such as warehousing, administrative work, and production.

9. Non-profit Organizations

Some organizations concentrate on felons’ employment. Organizations, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, are running programs that involve training and placement of individuals in different industries. They simply hire them for retail or warehouse work. Nonprofits understand the plight of felons and create a friendly environment to reinsert them back into the workplace.

10. Online Freelancing and Gig Work

Freelancing and gig work provide flexibility and the opportunity to earn money without a conventional hiring process. One can offer services like writing, graphic design, handyman work, or deliveries on Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit, respectively. Although freelancing does not provide job security, it is a good source of income and a step to permanent employment.

How to Improve Your Probability of Getting Hired

While some companies may hire felons, the job market is not always easy. Some general strategies for increasing your chances of getting hired include:

Tailor Your Resume and Application

Have a different resume and application for each job, hence increasing the chances of one getting noticed.  These include skills, experience, and any certificates or training programs undergone.  Tailoring your resume shows the commitment you have and attention to detail while making you an attractive candidate.

Be honest about your background

It is, therefore, a must to share information about the existence of a crime record when needed. Hiding facts will likely lead to avoidance from employers, who value and appreciate honesty. Share your background based on what you have learned or improved since the conviction.

Transferable Skills

Be sure to highlight transferable skills you have acquired from work, volunteer work, or other personal projects. These include communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork, but that is just a partial list. Any number of them will make you a great candidate.

Leverage Reentry Programs

Reentry organizations give felons job training and options for re-entry into society. Some available reentry organizations include the Second Chance Act which offers local access to job placement and skills training as resources in improving employability.

Network Within Your Community

Networking can be an avenue for opportunities not available through typical job applications. Job fairs, community events, and reentry program meetings are excellent ways to connect with potential employers as well as other individuals who may be able to offer valuable advice. Personal referrals often have great weight with hiring managers, making networking an indispensable job search strategy.

FAQs Businesses That Hire Felons

Is there a tax incentive for businesses that hire felons?

Tax Incentives for the Companies That Employ Felons Applying for WOTC During their efforts towards creating jobs for criminals or felons, the US federal government established WOTC, a tax credit that aims at encouraging employers to hire individuals belonging to specified target groups, like criminals. An employer may take up the credit only when hiring a convicted felon who has been released within the last year. This incentive presents businesses with the chance to employ felons and tax their dues

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But what skills do convicts need to gain more opportunities in employment?

Additionally, felons can make themselves more employable by acquiring marketable skills in demand by all industries. Such universally demanded skills include communication, problem-solving, time management, and basic computer skills. Technical skills such as carpentry, plumbing, or machinery operation shall make felons more competitive in construction and manufacturing. Such courses and training are available online or through community centers.

Do companies have to do background checks on everyone?

Not all employers run a background check on each applicant. Some of the smaller organizations or particular sectors do not conduct a background check mainly due to the financial aspect or sensitive nature of the employment. Big corporations and many organizations engaged in related sectors such as health care and finance industries perform background checks during hiring. Candidates with a criminal record should familiarize themselves with companies that are willing to conduct background checks to avoid being surprised by one within the hiring process.

How do criminals describe their records while interviewing?

In the event a conviction is revealed, honesty is always the best option while speaking on the subject during an interview. A record must not be shown as dwelling on the offense, but how much one has grown thereafter. The concept of telling lessons learned and how a person’s life has improved since then could better enable a sense of wanting to learn. Portraying oneself as a worker who is reliable and willing to learn can turn the discussion from past mistakes to prospects.

Conclusion

It may be challenging to find employment as a felon, but there are so many businesses that hire felons and do second-chance hiring. Whether it is retail or logistic jobs, skilled trades, or freelancing, felons can always find meaningful work in any industry. By applying honesty in the job application, tailoring resumes, and networking on the way up, improving chances may be achieved toward getting employment and rebuilding a brighter future.

Hiring felons not only contributes to hiring a diverse talent pool for businesses but also impacts the community positively. Supported by such companies and reentry programs, many felons can break barriers and establish stable lives and successful careers in their fields.