If you are a convicted felon, you will definitely have a hard time finding a job. Getting a job for a person with a criminal record will be a challenge. At the very least, you need to have a good record since your release from prison to get job opportunities at most companies and start reorganizing your career. Based on surveys, most people with criminal records tend to look for job opportunities at retail stores like Kroger. However, the question is, does Kroger hire convicted felons? And, how far does Kroger go on the background checks? Here is everything you need to know before you apply for a job at Kroger.
About the Kroger Company
The Kroger Company, or simply Kroger, is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. Kroger was founded by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1883. It started as a small grocery store. And, it has since evolved into a large retail company. According to research, the Kroger Company is ranked #17 in the Fortune 500 ranking of the largest United States companies by total revenue.
The Kroger Company operates 2,719 grocery retail stores under its various banners and divisions that include 2,273 combo stores, 191 marketplace stores, 134 multi-department stores, and 121 price-impact warehouse stores. Also, the Kroger company operates 1,642 supermarket fuel centers, 33 manufacturing plants, 2,254 pharmacies, 225 medical clinics within The Little Clinic store, and 127 jewelry stores. The Kroger Company’s headquarters are in downtown Cincinnati.
The Kroger company offers competitive pay to its employees. Also, Kroger has an excellent set of employee benefits. Aside from that, Kroger operates customer loyalty programs, such as Kroger Plus that gives discounts and rewards to frequent shoppers. Need to know that Kroger operates many brands across the grocery sector. You may not realize this, there are lots of familiar supermarkets which are owned by Kroger, including King Soopers, Metro Market, Baker’s, Dillons, Food for Less, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Pay Less, and Smith’s. With almost 3,000 stores, you will be able to find the Kroger store near your location.
Here are some Kroger company locations:
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Columbus, Ohio
- Dallas, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Portland, Oregon
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Nashville, Tennessee
The Kroger company offers job opportunities in various industries, including:
- Grocery retail
- Manufacturing
- Health and wellness
- Supply chain, distribution, and delivery
Does Kroger Hire Convicted Felons?
As one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, Kroger has hiring policies that, in some cases, consider individuals with criminal records. So, does Kroger hire convicted felons? The short answer is, yes, Kroger hires convicted felons.
However, the decision to hire someone with a criminal record depends on various factors, such as the nature and severity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the specific hiring policies at each Kroger location.
Kroger and many other companies recognize the importance of rehabilitation and second chances for someone with a criminal record. As a result, these companies may be open to hiring someone with a criminal record, certainly considering the circumstances surrounding the offense. However, Kroger’s hiring policy on hiring someone with a criminal record is not universally standardized across all locations.
If you want to get accurate and up-to-date information about Kroger’s hiring policy on hiring individuals with criminal records, then you should contact the specific and nearest Kroger store in your location. Alternatively, you can also contact the human resources department at the location where you are seeking employment. They will provide you with the latest and most relevant information regarding Kroger’s hiring practices.
It is important to note that laws and regulations regarding hiring individuals with criminal records may vary by jurisdiction. For example, some locations have “Ban the Box” laws that restrict employers from inquiring into an applicant’s criminal history at an early stage of the hiring process. These laws are designed to give individuals with criminal records a fair chance at employment by delaying inquiries into their criminal history until later in the hiring process.
Kroger usually conducts background checks as part of the hiring process. The scope and depth of these background checks may vary, and include criminal history, employment history, and other relevant information. However, the details of Kroger’s background check policy, including the extent to which it checks an individual’s criminal history, are not publicly disclosed and may be subject to change over time.
If you are an individual with a criminal record who will be seeking employment at Kroger, then you must be prepared to address your criminal history during the application and interview process. You need to be honest and upfront about your past crimes. Convince them that you deserve the opportunity to work and rebuild your career.
What Disqualifies You from Working at Kroger?
Kroger Company does hire individuals with criminal records. However, they will evaluate each candidate individually. If you are convicted of a serious crime Kroger may not hire you to work in one of its stores. Kroger will conduct a background check and take several things into consideration before deciding to hire you.
You should find out more information about what factors will disqualify you from working at Kroger. Kroger has good hiring practices. If you have a criminal record, Kroger will consider your application as long as you disclose it honestly and openly. For your information, Kroger will disqualify you from employment if you are convicted of serious crimes such as violence, theft, forgery, harassment, sexual assault, and drug charges. In addition, Kroger also has a law that can hire you if it has been 7 years since you were convicted.
In essence, Kroger will not hire ex-convicts convicted of violence, theft, forgery, and sexual assault as these are serious crimes that violate personal rights and breach the trust of the company. Therefore, if you have committed any of these crimes, Kroger will most likely not hire you.
What Kind of Jobs Can Felons Do at Kroger?
The Kroger company has a wide selection of jobs and departments. They have around 2,800 locations across the country, therefore, there are tons of job opportunities to work at Kroger. If you apply for a job at Kroger and you are someone with a criminal record, you will most likely get entry-level positions such as the following:
- Bagger
- Cashier
- Customer service representative
- Night stocker
- Order picker
- Warehouse worker
You are most likely to get an entry-level position because most of these positions have lower experience requirements and do not require advanced educational qualifications. So, if you are a former criminal who has been incarcerated for a long time, Kroger offers a great opportunity to get started.
For your information, on average, a bagger earns about 0.75 per hour, while cashiers and customer service Representatives earn $11-$12 per hour. Even if you are an ex-convict, you can benefit greatly and utilize the flexible work schedule to pursue professional or academic certifications.
Kroger Background Check
The Kroger Company follows standard background checks similar to other companies in the grocery and retail industries. Every new employee, from checkout clerks to senior managers, should be vetted to ensure they are safe and fit to be employed by the company. To get a job at Kroger, you must pass a background check and possibly a drug test. Kroger typically performs these background checks after submitting an offer of employment, and the offer is contingent on the successful completion of the background check. However, it seems that not all background checks include a drug test. Some Kroger stores have stopped conducting drug tests.
In most cases, Kroger’s background check process will take a week or two. However, for individuals with criminal records, Kroger’s background check process will take longer. If you pass the background check, then you will continue the orientation and training process. For those who do not, they must be notified in writing, of course in full compliance with the FCRA.
Kroger is willing to hire someone with a criminal record. However, the hiring process will be more difficult for individuals with serious criminal records such as violence, theft, forgery, and sexual offenses. Kroger will consider each candidate and sentence on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not an ex-felon will be employed at Kroger depends on several factors such as the type of felony conviction and the length of time since conviction or completion of the sentence.
Because Kroger has shown its willingness to give ex-felon a second chance. You may disclose your criminal history early in the hiring process. Try to explain the history behind your criminal conviction, either in writing or during an interview. Hiring managers in many places will generally appreciate this kind of honesty and are more likely to hire a candidate who displays that honesty than to hire an applicant whose criminal history first appears on a background check.
Kroger’s background check will evaluate your criminal history and, in some cases, involve a drug test depending on store policy. Kroger’s background check usually includes the following questions:
- Criminal convictions
- The timeline of convictions
- Information about any rehabilitation
- Your valid driver’s license
- Accident that happened during the last three years
What to Look for in a Kroger Background Check?
As we know that Kroger uses industry standard background checks in the hiring process. The background check will look for some basic information, your criminal record, your credit report etc.
1. Basic Information
Background checks are conducted to find out a candidate’s basic information such as name, age, and social security number. Employers need to know that you have the right to work in the country, and that you are old enough to work. For your information, in most states, the minimum age to work at Kroger is 16 years old.
2. Educational Records
In a background check, Kroger will also check your educational records which will show which high school or university you graduated from, what other institutions of higher education you have attended, and for how long you attended. If the position you are applying for requires a bachelor’s degree, or other technical skills, then this background check will verify whether you have the required qualifications or not.
3. Employment Records
Kroger will check your previous employment record to see if you have relevant experience and if you have been unemployed for any length of time. Typically, Kroger will contact your last employer to see if you are reliable and good at your job.
4. Criminal Record
Of course, the background check will look for criminal records. Just like other companies, Kroger will also check candidates’ criminal records before being hired. Kroger will check national, state, and county criminal records databases. If you have any violations on your record, this will definitely influence hiring decisions.
5. Credit Report
Kroger will also check your credit report. In checking this credit report, usually the company will be able to find out a lot about a person’s character. If you have major issues on your credit report, it could indicate that you would be a potential security risk to the company.
How Many Years Does a Kroger Background Check Cover?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates background checks for positions paying less than $75,000 per year. Under the Act, a background reporting agency can check back, and report, seven years of your background history. Your background report will also reveal any current charges and legal proceedings against you.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits disclosure of the following to 7 years:
- Arrest records
- Charge fees and cancel fees
- Misdemeanor
- Warrant
- Court proceedings
- Lawsuits and civil decisions
- Most debts, excluding unpaid taxes and unpaid student loans.
Serious felony convictions can be reported indefinitely. However, some states have passed laws that limit the reporting of major crimes. Additionally, some states also limit how criminal records can be used.
The following are 13 states that limit criminal background checks to 7 years:
- California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- Texas
- Washington State
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Kroger may consider hiring individuals with criminal records, its decision depends on a variety of factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since conviction, and the specific hiring policies at each Kroger location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should contact the specific Kroger store or human resources department at the location where you are applying. Additionally, as an individual with a criminal record, you should also be aware of the relevant employment laws in your jurisdiction, talk about your criminal past honestly during the application and interview process, and ensure Kroger that you are worthy for employment at Kroger.
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.
