Ex-felons are those who have been convicted of a felony at some point. They may have served some time in jail or prison as a result. Being incarcerated for a while could lead to difficulties finding employment once you gain your freedom back. That doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a job though. There are plenty of fields and companies that hire felons. You just have to know what types of jobs to look for during your search.
During your job search you may come across some companies that have job ads that explicitly say they do not hire ex-felons. Of course, you want to skip applying of those jobs if you have been convicted of a felony. Look for the job ads that either does not mention anything about felonies or convictions or that doesn’t make a point to post that they won’t hire people who have been incarcerated.
Filling out Applications and Going to Job Interviews
When it comes to applying for jobs, you want to focus on companies that hire felons. However, it may not always be easy for you to know which ones do and which ones have a policy against it. While it’s not a great idea to ask them about it, which would bring attention to the fact, it is always a good idea to be honest about it if you are asked.
When you apply for some jobs they will ask you on the application or during the interview if you have ever been convicted of a felony or have served time in jail or prison. This question may make you want to avoid telling the truth or hide under the table, but this is a time to be honest. Answer the question, giving as much detail as you feel necessary, and explain your position if you feel that it will be helpful.
If a company asks about if you have ever been convicted of a felony or have served time being incarcerated that does not mean they will not hire you. They may want to know what it was for and what the details surrounding it are, but may still hire you anyway. Don’t assuming them asking about it means they won’t hire you, because that’s just not true. Also, avoid getting offensive about being asked. Treat it like any other question being done during the interview.
Companies that Hire Felons
There are many nationally-known chain companies that hire felons. There are also likely many smaller companies that are found only in your local area. For the local job opportunities, you will need to ask around or just fill out the application. By applying for the jobs at the local companies you will find out if they are willing to hire felons or not. Also, don’t assume you won’t be able to get a good job or make a good living because you are an ex-felon. You should be able to, you just have to find the companies that hire felons and focus on getting hired.
Again, there’s no need to put the focus on the information by announcing it. Wait until they bring it up and then be honest about it, giving only as much information as you feel necessary or comfortable with. If they run a background check on you they will get the raw details about what you were convicted of and how much time you spent. Those are the only details they have to have, but if you are comfortable providing more and explaining, that is your choice.
There are some fields that will be more apt to having companies that hire felons. These include:
- Trucking and delivery jobs
- Cooking and restaurant jobs
- Warehouse jobs
- Hotel jobs
- Cleaning jobs
- Construction jobs
- Landscaping jobs
- Manual labor jobs
Do not think you are limited to only working in these fields. You are not. These are fields that you may have an easier time getting hired into, but there are plenty of companies that hire felons in other fields, too. Avoid limiting yourself and where you apply to. Apply to a variety of places, especially the field you are interested in, so you can expand your horizons and have more opportunities.
List of Companies that Hire Felons
Below you will find a list of chain businesses that will hire felons, but there are plenty of others as well. This is not an exhaustive list, but it will help get you started. Be sure to check locally with the companies that may be hiring around you. Many of them likely hire felons, too.
- AAMCCO Transmissions
- Ace Hardware
- Alamo Rental Car
- Albertson’s
- Allied Van Lines
- Amazon
- Aramark Food Services
- Bahama Breeze
- Big Boy Restaurants
- Best Western
- Best Buy
- Bonefish Grill
- Boston Market
- Carl’s Junior
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Darden Restaurants
- Del Monte Foods
- Dollar General
- Dollar Tree
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Family Dollar
- Five Guys Burgers
- Frito-Lay
- General Mills
- Goodwill
- Hilshire
- Home Depot
- In-n-Out Burger
- JB Hunt
- Kraft
- Kroger
- Lowe’s
- Olive Garden
- Panera Bread
- Pepsi
- Papa John’s
- Sam’s Club
- Steak and Shake
- Subway
- Target
- TGI Friday’s
- Trader Joe’s
- Tyson Foods
- Walmart
- Wendy’s
Log onto places like Indeed to find companies that are currently hiring felons and see job ads. They will post their job openings on there, or on their company websites. Some companies will allow you to apply for jobs online, while others prefer that you apply in person. Take a look at the job posting to see which route they want you to take. Once you submit your application you should give it a few days or so to hear anything back.
Finding companies that hire felons is not that difficult. They exist all around the country, so don’t give up on finding a good job. It is out there and waiting for you.
