When it comes to whether or not Amazon hires felons, we must first say “yes”. In fact, Amazon is one of the companies that will not see a person based on their criminal records. If you can prove a good attitude, even if you have a bad history of your life, Amazon may consider it and give you a chance of getting a job.
Even though felons get chances to work for the most successful marketplace companies worldwide, there will always be policies and criteria in place. There is no doubt that applying for a job at Amazon can be tricky.
No worries! We’ll show you everything regarding getting a job at Amazon, including the available position, requirements you should meet, salary, and tips for being hired. Let’s check it out below!
As Felons, What Jobs Can You Apply for at Amazon?
A warehouse employee is the basic position that Amazon gives to those who have a criminal history. For ex-convicts, working at an Amazon warehouse seems like a new career path. Even though Amazon does not have an entire policy to disqualify felons from working for them, they will evaluate each case on its own characteristics.
Currently, Amazon also offers some positions for felons, not only for warehouse jobs. These include:
- Delivery driver
- Fulfilment employees
- Sortation employees
- Customer service representatives
Keep in mind that several positions may be difficult for felons to apply for, particularly those that involve driving, handling sensitive information, or working with customers.
What Are the Requirements for Felons to Get a Job at Amazon?
If we talk about the requirements to work at Amazon, your tasks will be different depending on what position you apply for. You will know the detailed job description if they contact you for an interview or training on the job.
The following are several requirements that felons should meet:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You have a high school diploma.
- You can lift up to 49 pounds without assistance.
- You can read and speak in English.
- You must be willing to handle and operate carts, hand trucks, moving equipment, and large quantities of merchandise.
- You have the ability to ascend and descend flights of stairs multiple times a day.
- You must be physically fit since your position may require you to stand and walk for up to 8 hours.
Getting a job at Amazon may be easier if you’re not a felon. But it’s different if you have criminal records, especially if you’ve been imprisoned for a crime you’ve committed. However, it doesn’t mean you cannot take the opportunity. So, take a chance and apply for a position you want at Amazon now.
How to Apply for a Job at Amazon as a Felon?
Applying for a job, whether you’re a felon or not, is actually the same. What you should do is create an account on the Amazon Jobs website at https://www.amazon.jobs/. After having one, you need to send your resume and application.
On your resume, you must include your background, including your criminal records. You should also agree to a background check and a drug test as part of the hiring process. In addition, you have to take some skills assessments and interviews, depending on the job you apply for.
It would be better for you to conduct some more research on the requirements and application process. If necessary, you can ask Amazon representatives about their hiring policies and opportunities for felons.
What is the Average Salary If You Work at Amazon?
As one of the highest-paying employers in the United States, Amazon will greatly pay you. If you work at Amazon’s warehouse fulfillment center and you’re working the day shift, you may earn roughly $15 per hour. Otherwise, for those who work the night shift, they may get paid between $16 and $17 per hour.
It’s important to note that salaries may vary locally, depending on where the workplace is located. Well, some states and cities may have a higher standard of living. For average salaries, there may be higher salaries in less wealthy areas.
How Does Amazon Hire a Felon?
For felons, regarding whether you will be hired directly by the company or contracted through a staffing agency, Amazon will do a criminal record and background check. You need to know that Amazon may use their policies to determine whether or not a felon’s criminal record can potentially prevent him from being hired at the company.
In conducting background checks, Amazon usually uses third-party companies to determine the history of your criminal record. Since background checks are part of the onboarding process for recruiting employees, it may typically take between a few hours and seven business days; in some cases, it can take more than one month to hear back from the company.
Although you only get hired in an Amazon warehouse, they will do a background check. Regardless of your employment status, it can also take the same amount of time. What you should do is wait for a response from Amazon.
If Amazon staff contact you, requiring a portion of a background check, it’s a chance to know whether or not you will pass or fail the recruitment process. Once undergoing a background check, you will see the status on the Amazon Jobs website, and it will usually say “in progress.”
Since Amazon hires candidates who have criminal records, they actually conduct extensive background checks and various other tests, including:
- Drug test: When you apply for a job at Amazon, felon or not, you’ll undergo a drug test as part of the pre-employment screening. They will review your work authorization (I-9) documents.
- Full criminal background check: It includes finding out if you have had any criminal charges against you in the past decade. You may not be hired if the charges date back less than seven years.
- Reference checks
Usually, you can still be hired if your background check indicates a DUI. In this case, DUIs will only matter if your position includes driving, such as Amazon’s delivery service or forklift driving.
Why Do Felons Fail to Get Hired at Amazon?
Even though Amazon hires felons to join, there are several factors, such as the type of crime, the severity of the felony, and the individual circumstances of the applicant. Well, there are some types of crimes that may prevent them from getting a job at Amazon, including:
- Any type of violent crime
- Sexual abuse
- Theft charges
- Drug-related crimes
- Domestic violence
- Murder
If you have been sentenced for those charges, you’ll most likely not be hired by Amazon.
Instead, Amazon will hire misdemeanors, particularly if you’ve conducted it more than a few years ago. Usually, the company will do a background check between seven and ten years; even many states prohibit companies from using criminal charges to disqualify applicants if they happened more than seven years ago.
The Best Tips for Felons to Get Hired at Amazon
As a felon, what you should do to get hired at Amazon is to be honest. That means you must tell the truth about your criminal records in the past and don’t cover it up by lying, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. In every way, honesty is always the best discretion.
There is no doubt that felons, in the case of finding a job, are like being between two blades. If they are honest at the beginning, their chances of being accepted will be small. And if they also lie about the truth and don’t tell about their criminal records, Amazon will also not hire you. Why?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Amazon will do a background check on every application. During the process, they will uncover your criminal records if they’re found. They will mark on your application that you have a conviction.
Afterwards, they may also review your application. If there’s no information about your criminal history, they will label you as a liar, and of course they will not hire you to work. No matter how complicated and serious your criminal record is, it would be better if you disclosed it at the start and didn’t hesitate to apply for jobs in the position you loved.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
