Does Costco Hire Felons? (Must Read Before Applying)

At a company as big as Costco, there are several employment opportunities for those eager to work. Costco is always looking for new members to join its team of dedicated employees.

But if you have a felony on your record, you might be asking: does Costco hire felons? I was curious about the same thing because Costco employs thousands of people. Here’s what I found out about the matter throughout my research! 

​​Does Costco Hire Felons In [currentyear]?

Costco will hire you if you have a felony on your record; however, Costco does not hire every felon that applies in [currentyear]. Certain convictions prevent you from being hired at Costco, like theft. When applying at Costco with a felony on your record, it’s best to be honest with the hiring manager and explain your situation.

If you want to learn more tips and tricks to increase your chances of getting hired at Costco, what jobs you should apply for, and much more, keep reading! I’ve looked into everything you need to know!

If You Have a Felony, Will Costco Hire You?

Costco will hire you even if you have a felony on your record.

However, this doesn’t mean Costco employs every person with a felony that applies, as certain convictions will disqualify you from working for the wholesale retailer.

Essentially, Costco’s primary concern is the store’s safety, its employees, and the customers.

Still, the Costco hiring manager will give you an opportunity during the hiring process to explain your felony and how you have grown since that time.

What Costco Jobs Allow You to Have a Felony?

To increase your chances of getting hired at Costco with a felony on record, it’s best to apply for entry-level positions like a cashier or stocker.

Positions like team-lead, security, or management will be hard to obtain with a felony.

Still, if you start as a cashier and prove you are a dedicated employee, you could eventually be promoted to team lead or even manager.

That said, Costco frequently promotes from within, allowing employees to build on their skills. Still, the best positions to apply for with a felony on your record include:

  • Cashier
  • Cashier Assistant
  • Stocker
  • Food Server Assistant
  • Bakery Wrapper
  • Service Deli Assistant

How Can You Increase Your Chances of Being Hired at Costco?

If you want to increase your chances of becoming a Costco employee, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow, which include:

  • Make your availability as open as possible (indicate you’re willing to work whenever the store needs employees)
  • Select the “Any Position” box when you fill out your Costco application
  • Be 100% honest on your application (job history, references, etc.)
  • Explain to the hiring manager the details of your felony

Do You Have to Tell Costco About Your Felony?

Do You Have to Tell Costco About Your Felony?

Technically, you do not have to tell the hiring manager about your felony. However, most Costco stores conduct a background check before hiring you, so it’s best to bring it up beforehand.

This way, you have the chance to explain yourself and how you have improved your life since the incident.

Moreover, it’s best to explain your felony during the interview with the hiring manager, and it’s even better to focus on what you’ve done since the conviction.

Overall, it’s best to be honest with the Costco hiring manager from start to finish, as it will reflect well on your character and increase your chances of getting hired.

Additionally, you can provide a written explanation of your felony to ensure the hiring manager remembers you and how you’ve improved.

Further, bringing a written explanation shows you’re serious about wanting to get hired.

Does Costco Drug Test?

Almost every Costco store conducts a drug test before officially hiring an employee, regardless of whether or not they have a felony on their record.

Also, Costo reserves the right to conduct drug tests randomly or in the case of a workplace accident. So, don’t risk your job at Costco before you’re even hired by failing the drug test.

Does Costco Conduct Background Checks?  

Costco conducts background checks on every person that applies for a position. Costco uses a third party to conduct background checks to ensure they are secure and accurate.

Typically, Costco’s background checks take between three days and a week to complete.

Again, it’s best to be honest if you have a felony on your record because it will surely come up on the background check later. 

What Do Costco Background Checks Review?

Costco conducts a pretty thorough background check to ensure the safety of the store, its employees, and customers.

With that, Costco background checks review the following aspects of a person’s history:

  • Motor vehicle records check
  • Criminal background check
  • Driving records check
  • Social Security information
  • Reference checks (to ensure they are valid and to check an employee’s character)

Does Costco Promote From Within?

Costco regularly promotes employees from within the company to reward them for their dedication, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic.

In fact, Costco claims that 70% of its managers started as hourly employees. Also, several Costco corporate and office employees started as hourly workers, like cashiers.

So, if you have a felony on your record and want the opportunity for advancement, Costco is an excellent place to start.

Do People Like Working at Costco?

Overall, it seems like people don’t mind working at Costco. However, this can vary depending on your manager, store location, and other factors.

Still, Costco reports that employees work an average of nine years at the company, showing dedication and workplace satisfaction. 

To know more about Costco, you can also read our posts on whether or not Costco do background checks, does Costco drug test, and does Costco hire part-time.

Conclusion  

If you have a felony on your record, you can still apply to work at Costco. That said, entry-level positions like cashier, deli assistant, and stocker are the best roles to apply for.

Also, to increase your chances of being hired, tell the hiring manager you’re willing to work at any time and in any position.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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