Top companies hiring criminals updated for 2020 - Felon Jobs Now (2023)

Finding a job can be difficult. Even in an increasingly strong job market, there is still a lot of competition. This challenge becomes more complex when you are a criminal.

While there are companies that hire criminals, there is still a lot of stigma attached to it. It is estimated that up to half of the released convicts do not find employment.

That's a steep number. This is all the more true as at any given time nearly 7 million are in prison, jail or on probation.

Many employers tend to prefer someone with no criminal record to a criminal. You want employees who are honest and good at interacting with customers. A conviction for a crime creates the opposite impression.

Not to mention that some crimes are of greater concern to employers. People convicted of robbery and violent crimes should be viewed with more caution.

The search for decent housing is also a problem for criminals. Like many employers, landlords are less inclined to rent to criminals.

These processes often bring ex-convicts back to the old friends and behaviors that previously got them into trouble. The recidivism rates are quite high. About half of released convicts are arrested within a year of their release.

Finding employment is key to keeping them out of trouble. With a decent income, they can better provide for themselves and their families. There is a sense of hope for your future and you are busy doing something worthwhile.

Fortunately, there is a growing trend for companies and their human resources departments to hire criminals. Some of the companies have sprawling headquarters or campuses with high demand for service staff. These become ideal employment opportunities for criminals.

Before we discuss the specific companies that criminals hire, let's look at how to join these companies.

To get hired by corporations, criminals have to work harder than non-criminals. Here are some helpful tips that should improve your chances of success in your job search.

1. Widespread

To increase your chances of getting a job, you need to increase the odds. Do this by applying for as many positions as you think you qualify for.

The more requests you submit; more job interviews you are likely to get. Ultimately, it increases the chances of getting a job offer.

Since many companies have careers sites or use recruiting companies, finding job opportunities should be easy.

2. Be reasonable

We would all like to get a job with a three-figure salary, but that's not always possible. Look for jobs where you have a reasonable chance of getting them.

Review the responsibilities and requirements for the position. If you think you would be a good match, please apply.

Try to focus on criminal jobs and businesses. We'll talk more about that later.

3. Prepare properly

If you are called for an interview, be prepared. Ask a family member or friend who works to help you prepare. Practice your conversational skills and body language.

Invest in decent formal wear. Dressing formally is important, even when interviewing for a blue-collar job. Show respect and understanding of office etiquette.

4. Be honest

It is very likely that they will ask you about your criminal record. If it comes up, be honest. Many companies still conduct background checks, and lying can disqualify you from applying for the job.

Keep your explanation simple and take responsibility for your actions. Focus on how willing you are to make a change and what else you've done to improve.

Many large companies have embraced the idea of ​​hiring criminals. Many have even adopted fair hiring practices that do not discriminate against criminals.

They also support ban box initiatives that require the removal of criminal history questions from job applications.

By identifying these crime-friendly companies, we give ex-offenders a better chance of finding employment. They can focus their efforts on places that are already hiring criminals. They will know that they have just as good a chance as someone without registering.

Please note that this list is still evolving. More companies are joining the bandwagon, which means more opportunities.

Also remember that just because criminals are hired by corporations is not a sure thing. There are multiple applications for each job posting. So try to apply the tips above to improve your chances.

Here's a complete list of some of the biggest companies that are open to hiring criminals.

Top 100 companies that hire criminals

There are several industries that lend themselves to hiring criminals. We have already mentioned the growing needs of the service sector. Here we see the most attractive sectors for criminals.

1. Storage

Many large companies involved in manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and distribution operate warehouses. To keep up with demand, they often need to keep their warehouses running 24/7.

This means multiple shifts and the need for multiple workers. Recruits can be easily trained on the job and often require no special skills. Most of the time you just need to be in good physical condition to do the loading and unloading work.

These are ideal jobs for people with crimes. Work can often be stable, although wages can be low.

2. Hospitality

From caretakers to servers, there is often a strong demand for temporary workers. This is especially true during peak travel times.

Each region has periods when the number of travelers increases. It could be the sunny weather and the beaches, or just a festival. Whatever the reason, this can be a good time to pick up some work when hotels are understaffed.

The better you do as a temp, the better your chances of getting a full-time job when a position opens up.

3. Transportation and Delivery

Both service occupations involve the transportation of goods from one point to another. However, trucking jobs are longer, while delivery jobs are limited to shorter distances.

Delivery jobs have become increasingly popular with home shopping and often peak around the holidays. They are physically demanding because they have to carry packages all day. However, they can be profitable with decent wages and benefits.

Many trucking companies strive to hire felons as the lifestyle is tiring for most people. Long solo trips away from family can be difficult. However, this lifestyle appeals to those who have been incarcerated and like the idea of ​​independence and freedom of movement.

The pay is usually very good as many companies are willing to train drivers to obtain the necessary licenses.

4. Retail

There is high staff turnover in this area. This makes many of the companies more relaxed in their hiring practices. This is especially true during peak shopping periods such as Christmas.

With so many customers coming into the stores, there is an urgent need to hire staff to serve them. Jobs to be covered may include cleaning, storage and sales.

These jobs can be available at large and small retailers. Please note that the nature of these jobs can disqualify individuals with theft and fraud convictions. Work stress can also marginalize those who have committed violent crimes.

5. Automation

If you're mechanically inclined, this could be a good option. The auto business offers many jobs for ex-criminals, especially if they have the right skills. There is a continuous stream of cars in need of maintenance and repairs.

There are many great companies that offer good salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

6. Crime-friendly workplaces

In general, criminals can access any job they want. If you are determined enough and make an effort, it is possible.

Some received professional permits to become nurses and lawyers. However, these are a rarity and unattainable for most criminals. Instead of taking extraordinary measures, most prefer to achieve the practical.

Crime-friendly jobs are those whose circumstances are conducive to a criminal's history. They must also meet the conditions of their parole.

One of the first requirements is the type of crime committed. As mentioned above, retailers are unlikely to hire a criminal with a history of theft or fraud. Likewise, people convicted of abuse are unlikely to find work when dealing with vulnerable people such as the elderly or disabled.

It is important to compare the nature of the work with the nature of the crime. If there is a conflict of interest, another area of ​​work should be considered.

Skill level is also important. Many criminals have little work experience, which prevents them from being competitive in the job market. Some are smart enough to take prison courses, but most are not.

Skill acquisition is possible with certain crime-friendly jobs. As previously mentioned, many trucking companies are happy to train drivers to obtain the necessary licenses.

Many temp agencies that hire criminals also put them through some form of training to prepare them for office environments.

Many entry-level jobs in the service sector do not require any prior training. Recruits are trained on the job, so a criminal need only be considerate and conscientious.

Be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up the career ladder. Over time you can work for better pay and responsibility.

Here we will look at some well-known companies that are places where criminals are hired. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that can be found online that criminals are being hired by these companies.

In addition to supporting ban-the-box initiatives, many have also signed the Fair Chance Trade Pledge. This 2016 White House initiative aimed to recruit large corporations to create returnee jobs.

1. Starbucks

This multinational coffee shop chain has more than 15,000 stores in the US alone and employs more than 250,000 people worldwide. They hire criminals on a case-by-case basis. Don't lie about being a criminal if they ask you while you're conducting background checks.

However, this should not discourage anyone. There are criminals who have been proven to have been employed in stores, warehouses and company offices. They are said to be more concerned with skills and learning potential.

The easiest entry would be through entry positions in stores and distribution centers. Positions such as cleaners and servants are common. If you can show you can do it, you can become a barista. From here there are numerous opportunities for professional development.

2.Facebook

This may come as a surprise, but many tech companies are on board with the idea of ​​helping criminals. Some of the ex-con jobs they offer include technology-related positions, such as software engineer. If you have the right skills in these areas, you can be on par with non-criminals.

Non-technical jobs are also possible. Facebook is expanding its campus in Menlo Park. They're adding additional offices, condos, and a mall. All of this opens up opportunities for various jobs in administration, retail, maintenance and other services.

However, keep in mind that the hiring process can be difficult. For example, you are limited to only 3 positions at a time and can only apply again after one year. The best approach is to wait for job offers that match your skills and experience to apply.

3. McDonalds

Like many other fast food chains, McDonald's has a high staff turnover. Salaries are not that high and the work can be physically demanding. This is because you need to be on your feet most of the time.

However, they offer decent benefits, including performance bonuses and health and dental insurance. They also try to reduce staff turnover by developing management career plans.

The high demand for employees made this and other franchises willing to hire criminals. Note, however, that there is a difference between corporate headquarters and franchises. The hiring decision may be at the discretion of the franchisee.

4. Lagoon

This popular retailer has a strict hiring policy against discrimination against criminals. While they obviously have many outlets to offer, they have other divisions as well. Criminals can find opportunities to work in administration, communications, design, sales, and transportation.

The advantages it offers are also impressive. In addition to medical and dental plans, employees also receive paid vacations, retirement benefits, and merchandise discounts.

5. American Airlines

There are many big players in the airline industry who offer jobs to people with criminal records. American Airlines is one of the companies that have a well-documented hiring policy.

They don't ask about criminal records until a job offer is made. This ensures that the best candidate is selected for the position. Some of the benefits include medical and dental coverage, 401K matching, employee discounts, and paid vacations.

However, criminals should consider any restrictions that may affect their ability to work here. For example, some criminals may be disqualified from jobs that involve travel if they cannot recover their passports.

6.CVS Health

This company is a great choice for anyone in the medical field. In addition to the extensive network of pharmacies with extensive employment opportunities, they are also signatories to the Fair Chance Pledge.

They have several departments with open positions including administration, sales, billing, customer service, distribution, beauty and analytics. Some of your benefits include medical, dental, prescription, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

Because the Company deals in drugs, some positions may not be available for offenders with drug convictions. However, it is company policy to evaluate each candidate on a case-by-case basis.

7. Walmart

This is the largest private employer in the country. They have a strong demand for qualified candidates and have hired criminals on a number of occasions.

They signed the Fair Chance Pledge. The Company also has a policy of reviewing applications from offenders who have been sentenced for at least 7 years. However, as a retailer, they typically don't hire criminals convicted of theft, violent crimes, or sex crimes.

The company has many entry positions that can be useful for inexperienced criminals. This can include a clerk, car attendant, salesman, and janitor. However, if you have some experience and skills, you are considered criminals for senior positions.

The company conducts background checks, so it's wise to be honest about criminal records. Offenders should also be aware that they may be drug tested as a condition of prior employment.

8. Marriage

Marriott is the largest international hotel chain with more than 5,300 hotels in North America alone. The company reviews job applicants on a case-by-case basis and has a history of hiring criminals.

When hiring, the hotel initially focuses on experience and skills. Then they consider the type of crime committed, years since release, and number of convictions.

The range of jobs is diverse. Departments looking for new employees include administration, housekeeping, purchasing, customer service, marketing, food, beverage and kitchen.

They offer good benefits, including medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering, and discounts on hotel stays. The company has also established career paths and leadership development programs.

When criminals are released, there is often a desire to keep their heads down. He feels he must remain discreet.

Many will be looking for temporary jobs. They hope the company doesn't run a background check.

They also tend to think it will be a good stepping stone to better jobs in the future.

These are reasonable thoughts, but they shouldn't stop you from achieving higher goals. When we recommend criminals to apply extensively, we mean organizations large and small.

Since many of these big companies have jobs that criminals hire, there's no point in excluding them. Here's what to expect if you're successful.

Better salaries and benefits

Larger companies tend to offer better salaries compared to smaller companies, even at the entry level. With more career opportunities, your income is likely to improve as well. Benefits such as medical and dental care for you and your family are also often included.

Education and training opportunities

Many large companies prefer to fund internally. They train employees to assume supervisory and managerial roles over time. They also support efforts to improve education through scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs.

unemployment insurance

Larger companies tend to fail less often than SMEs. They are more stable and positions here are highly sought after. Employees appreciate the opportunity to work for a company that they believe can employ them.

Remember that we cannot promise that you will get the position you apply for. Job hunting is a competitive sport.

Some of those who apply alongside you will be more qualified, some less. Keep trying and follow the tips above to improve your chances.

For criminals concerned about what will happen to them once they are released, there is certainly hope. The labor market is increasingly willing to take criminals into the workforce. Many large companies support this effort and have taken reasonable steps to make it happen.

The list is not limited to the companies we highlight here. Whatever industry you want to work in, try to apply widely.

Remember to be practical in your approach and focus on positions not conflicting with the crime being committed. Don't give up and in time you should succeed.