Can You Work at Walmart with a Felony?
When it comes to employment, individuals with a felony record may face significant challenges in finding a job. Many employers have strict policies regarding hiring felons, and some may outright refuse to hire them. However, Walmart, one of the largest retail companies in the world, has a more lenient approach to hiring individuals with felony records.
The Short Answer:
In most cases, Yes, you can work at Walmart with a felony record. However, it depends on the nature of the felony, the severity of the offense, and the applicant’s criminal history.
Walmart’s Policy:
Walmart’s hiring policy for individuals with felony records is outlined in their "Background Check Policy". According to this policy, the company considers the following factors when evaluating an applicant with a felony record:
- The nature of the felony: Walmart takes into account the type of crime committed, including the severity and potential impact on customers and employees.
- The applicant’s criminal history: The company considers the number of convictions, the age of the conviction, and any rehabilitation or good behavior demonstrated by the applicant.
- The position being applied for: Some positions at Walmart, such as those involving customer interactions or handling cash, may require a more extensive background check or may be off-limits to individuals with felony records.
Eligibility:
Walmart’s policy is not to automatically disqualify applicants with felony records. Instead, they conduct a case-by-case evaluation to determine eligibility. Here are some guidelines:
- Non-violent offenses: Individuals with non-violent felony convictions, such as theft or property crimes, may be considered for most positions.
- Violent offenses: Those with violent felony convictions, such as assault or drug-related offenses, may be considered for limited positions, such as those involving no customer interaction or no handling of cash.
- Sex offenses: Walmart typically does not hire individuals with sex-related felony convictions.
The Hiring Process:
When an individual with a felony record applies for a job at Walmart, the hiring process will typically involve:
- Application and interview: The applicant will complete a standard application and participate in an interview with a Walmart hiring manager.
- Background check: The company will conduct a background check to verify the applicant’s criminal history.
- Evaluating the criminal record: The hiring manager will review the applicant’s criminal record and consider the factors outlined in Walmart’s Background Check Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some common questions and answers about working at Walmart with a felony record:
- What type of positions are available to felons?: Depending on the nature of the felony and the applicant’s criminal history, felons may be eligible for entry-level positions, such as sales associate, stock clerk, or maintenance worker.
- Can I start in a management position?: Typically, no. Management positions at Walmart require a clean criminal record or a strong rehabilitation effort. However, this may depend on the specific circumstances and the hiring manager’s discretion.
- Do I need to disclose my felony record?: Yes. Applicants with felony records are required to disclose their criminal history on their application. Failure to disclose a felony record may result in disqualification from the hiring process.
Conclusion:
While Walmart’s hiring policy for individuals with felony records is more lenient than some other companies, it is still important for applicants to be upfront and honest about their criminal history. By understanding the factors considered in the hiring process and the types of positions available, individuals with felony records can increase their chances of finding employment at Walmart.
