A criminal record creates significant barriers to employment, but it is not an automatic disqualifier at most major companies. Several of the largest employers in the United States — including Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, Target, and Home Depot — have adopted fair-chance hiring practices that evaluate applicants individually rather than applying blanket rejections based on criminal history.
This guide covers the most second-chance friendly employers, the industries most open to hiring, and practical strategies for navigating the application process with a criminal record.
Second-Chance Friendly Employers
| Company | Ban the Box? | Starting Pay | Felony-Friendly Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Yes | $17–21/hr | High |
| Walmart | Yes | $14–17/hr | High |
| FedEx Ground | Varies by ISP | $17–22/hr | High |
| Target | Yes | $18/hr+ | Moderate-High |
| Home Depot | Yes | $18–25/hr | Moderate-High |
| Starbucks | Yes | $17–22/hr | Moderate |
| UPS | Varies | $16–21/hr | Moderate |
| Costco | Yes | $19+/hr | Moderate (more selective) |
“Ban the Box” means the employer does not ask about criminal history on the initial application. Background checks are conducted later in the process, typically after a conditional offer is made. This gives the applicant the opportunity to be evaluated on qualifications first.
Most Accessible Industries
Warehouse and Logistics: The most accessible sector for applicants with criminal records. Amazon, FedEx Ground, and various third-party logistics companies hire based primarily on physical ability and availability. Background checks are conducted but non-violent felonies rarely result in disqualification.
Construction and Trades: The construction industry has one of the highest rates of hiring applicants with records. Demand for labor is high, and many contractors evaluate work ethic and physical capability above background history. Trades like welding, electrical, and plumbing offer paths to $25–45/hr with experience and certification.
Food Service: Fast food chains, restaurants, and food processing facilities commonly hire applicants with criminal records. Pay is typically lower ($13–17/hr) but the barrier to entry is among the lowest in any industry.
Landscaping and Maintenance: Seasonal and year-round outdoor work with minimal background screening. Many small and mid-size landscaping companies make individual hiring decisions based on work readiness rather than record checks.
What “Ban the Box” Means in Practice
Ban the Box policies prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. This means the checkbox that asks “Have you been convicted of a felony?” is removed from the initial form. Background checks still occur, but they are conducted after the applicant has been evaluated on qualifications and often after a conditional job offer.
Over 35 states and 150+ cities have enacted Ban the Box legislation. Most major employers — including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot — comply with these requirements regardless of local mandates.
Fair Chance Hiring: How It Works
Fair chance employers evaluate criminal records using an individualized assessment that considers:
- Nature of the offense: Non-violent offenses are viewed more favorably than violent crimes. Drug-related offenses and property crimes are evaluated individually.
- Time elapsed: Older convictions carry less weight. Most employers look more favorably on records that are 5+ years old.
- Relevance to the position: A theft conviction may be more relevant for a cash-handling role than a warehouse position. Employers assess whether the offense creates a specific risk for the applied role.
- Rehabilitation evidence: Completed programs, certifications earned since the offense, stable housing, and consistent employment history all strengthen the case for hiring.
How to Approach the Application Process
Be honest. Misrepresenting criminal history is grounds for immediate termination at every employer, even after being hired. Honesty on the application and during the interview is non-negotiable.
Prepare a brief explanation. When asked about the record — whether on the application or in an interview — provide a factual, concise explanation: what happened, what has changed since then, and what steps have been taken toward rehabilitation. Keep it to 2–3 sentences. Avoid lengthy justifications or blaming others.
Emphasize work readiness. Reliable transportation, open availability, and a willingness to work any shift demonstrate the qualities employers need most in entry-level workers. These factors can outweigh background concerns.
Apply to multiple employers. Not every application will succeed. Applying broadly — to 5–10 employers simultaneously — increases the odds of finding one that evaluates favorably. Focus on the companies and industries listed above.
Resources for Job Seekers With Records
National HIRE Network: Provides state-by-state information on legal rights for job seekers with criminal records, including which records can be sealed or expunged.
Goodwill Industries: Offers job training, placement assistance, and support services for individuals with criminal backgrounds at locations nationwide.
Local reentry programs: Many cities and counties operate workforce development programs specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals. These programs provide resume help, interview preparation, and direct employer connections.
Preguntas frecuentes
Does Amazon hire felons?
Yes. Amazon does not ask about criminal history on the initial application and evaluates backgrounds individually after a conditional offer. Many non-violent felony convictions do not disqualify applicants. Amazon is one of the most accessible employers for individuals with criminal records.
Which felonies make it hardest to get hired?
Violent offenses, sex offenses, and recent theft convictions face the most scrutiny across all employers. Older non-violent offenses, drug-related convictions, and misdemeanors are evaluated more favorably. The specific position also matters — cash-handling roles receive closer scrutiny for financial crimes.
Can I get my record expunged?
Expungement eligibility varies by state and offense type. Many non-violent first offenses qualify for expungement after a waiting period. The National HIRE Network provides state-specific information. An expunged record does not appear on most employer background checks.
Should I mention my record before being asked?
No. Wait until the employer asks or until the background check stage. Volunteering the information before being asked can introduce bias into the evaluation before qualifications are considered. If the employer uses Ban the Box practices, the topic will not arise until after a conditional offer.
