You surely know about Walmart, the biggest private employer in the United States. There are over 2.3 million people who work at Walmart. Here, workers are always required. Recently, Walmart is hiring employees. If you have a felony on your record, you may want to find out whether you will have a chance to get a job at Walmart or not. Well, this page will help you find out whether Walmart hires felons. If yes, what jobs can felons get at Walmart? And, how to get a job at Walmart even with a felony conviction.
Does Walmart Hire Felons?
Yes, Walmart hires felons. Besides the biggest private employer in the United States, Walmart is also well known as one of the best companies that hires individuals with felony convictions. In fact, their company policy emphasizes that they are an equal opportunity employer. Nevertheless, it does not mean that Walmart will hire all people with criminal records. Walmart has a policy that outlines their guidelines about hiring people with felony convictions. Ex-felons with violent offense, fraud, or other serious offenses are not eligible to get hired by Walmart.
The corporate policy states that Walmart will hire felons as long as their timeline of conviction has expired. There is no question about convictions on the application that felons apply. But Walmart will ask regarding convictions on the background check. Usually, background checks are held on new employees, just before a job offer. Also, there is no special program for hiring people with felony convictions. Ex-felons can get a managerial position as long as they do not use firearms.
The hiring managers will determine who are eligible to get the positions, on a case by case basis. While applying for a position, it is very crucial for you to be honest with the hiring managers. If you are caught lying, the chance of working at Walmart is very small.
Jobs Can Felons Get at Walmart
The jobs that felons can get at Walmart depends on the position being offered. If you are a convicted felon, usually you will have several entry-level position options that are offered by Walmart. These positions include:
- Cart attendant
- Cashier clerk
- Cleaner
- Delivery driver
- Distribution center clerk
- Freight handler
- Fresh food associate
- Janitorial Associate
- Overnight stocker
- Power equipment operator
- Sales associate
- Stockroom clerk
As you can see, some of these positions require special skills and training. For specialized positions such as a delivery driver, there is training provided by Walmart. If you take this position, make sure that you have a valid driving license. Also, ensure that you have not been convicted for a DUI felony. Aside from that, some of these positions also need a lot of labor and strength where you must be ready to lift or move heavy boxes.
How to Get a Job at Walmart with a Felony Conviction?
Apparently, there are some steps to get a job at Walmart. As you have a felony conviction, then you must work much harder and smarter to get a job at Walmart than someone else without a criminal record.
Here are some steps to do in getting a job at Walmart:
Step 1: Job selection
To get hired by Walmart, choose the type of work that is right for you. Keep in mind that the higher up the position the more supervision you will receive. Some of the best positions for felons to apply for are cart attendant, cashier clerk, and stock room clerk. These positions are basic jobs and are the easiest positions to get at Walmart.
Step 2: Filling out the Walmart Application
You can select to fill out an online Walmart Application or visit any Walmart store near you to ask for a form. The Walmart application is simple and easy. On the application, you will not be asked about your criminal record. When filling in the Walmart Application online, ensure you select the right location so that you will get hired for the store you want. Also, make sure that you are honest regarding your previous addresses, work history and anything else. If you lie, they will find out and you will never get a chance to work at Walmart.
Step 3: Do the online assessment test
After you fill out the information, then you will be required to conduct an online assessment test. The test consists of 65 questions. The more your score on the assessment test, the higher chances you have of being hired by Walmart.
Step 4: Interview process
After your application is accepted, you will be called for an interview process. During this interview process, there are some people that are interviewing you at the same time. This is your time to impress the Walmart hiring manager and convince them that you are worthy to get hired. You must be prepared to answer questions related to your background. Please answer the questions as honestly as. During the interview, you should be able to explain your felony convictions to the Walmart hiring manager.
Step 5: Second round of interview
Based on the position you apply for, you may be required to conduct the second round of interview. Make sure you can answer the questions correctly and honestly. Unlike the first round of interview, this second round of interview typically would be one on one.
Step 6: Background Check
After you pass the second round of interview, then Walmart will conduct a background check. This involves checking your criminal record that reveals information regarding your convictions, as well as information about your personality and financial status. Aside from that, during this time, Walmart also conducts a drug test. If you were honest on your Walmart application, the chance to get hired by Walmart is big. Normally, the wait period lasts anywhere between 7 to 14 days. If you don’t hear back after 14 days, the chances of you not getting hired at Walmart.
Step 7: Three days of orientation
Once you have been selected, and you have got the job, then you will be called for a three-day orientation. During this three-day orientation, you will learn about your job responsibilities and familiarize yourself with Walmart policies. If you want to continue working at Walmart, ensure you always comply with these policies.
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.
