If you’ve gotten into trouble in the past, it can be hard to find a decent-paying, stable job. That’s even truer if you have a felony conviction on your record. Luckily, more and more companies are taking a more holistic approach to hire felons these days.
FedEx is one such company. This shipping giant hires felons on a case-by-case basis. If you’re curious to know more about getting hired at FedEx with a felony conviction, then be sure to check out our guide before you apply!
Does FedEx Hire Felons In [currentyear]?
FedEx hires felons, but hiring managers are selective and determine employment eligibility on a case-by-case basis. For example, murder and sex convictions are likely grounds for disqualification in [currentyear]. For driving roles, a DUI conviction is likely problematic, whereas a theft conviction might stand in the way of getting hired as a package handler.
This article is full of valuable information and tips for navigating the FedEx hiring process with a felony conviction, so be sure you read the entire thing before applying!
How Thorough Is the FedEx Background Check?
Background check laws vary by state, so the thoroughness of the background check depends mostly on where you live.
Indeed, 12 states prohibit any reporting of felony convictions going back more than 7 years.
These states include:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York *
- Texas *
- Washington*
* exceptions based on pay/salary
In the other 38 states, the background check could show your entire record.
What Disqualifies You From Working at FedEx?
FedEx handles hiring decisions on a case-by-case basis.
That means things like the nature of the crime, the amount of time since the offense, and what you’ve done since being released all have an influence on whether you’ll get hired.
Given all of these variables, it’s difficult to say with any certainty which types of offenses may disqualify you from working at FedEx. Still, we’ll do our best to provide some informed guesses.
A felony murder or sex crime would, in all likelihood, disqualify you from employment at FedEx.
What’s more, violent felonies are considered more serious than non-violent felonies and are probably harder to overcome during the hiring process.
Beyond these more clear-cut cases, a lot depends on the position you’re applying for. If you’re applying to be a driver, having a DUI will disqualify you from this role.
Similarly, having a theft or grand larceny conviction could make it hard to get a job as a package handler because you’re in constant contact with other people’s property.
Which Jobs Are Open to Felons at FedEx?
Most of the jobs that are open to felons at FedEx are entry-level positions. Some examples include:
- Courier/Truck Driver
- Material Handler
- Warehouse Worker
- Shuttle Driver
- Retail Associate
- Package Handler
- Customer Service Agent
How Do I Improve My Chances of Being Hired by FedEx With a Felony?
If you’re serious about getting hired at FedEx but have a felony conviction, then you know you need to put your best foot forward in order to have a shot at getting hired.
Below we list 4 steps you can take to improve your chances of landing a job. Let’s take a closer look at what they are:
1. Choose your position carefully
It’s easier for felons to get hired for entry-level positions that are in demand and have less competition.
Jobs like Package Handler and Warehouse/Material Handler are both good positions for felons to apply for.
2. Complete your application with care
FedEx uses an online application that’s straightforward and easy to complete. It does not have any questions about criminal records or felony convictions.
Before submitting your application, double-check for any mistakes.
Something as simple as a spelling mistake or an incorrectly-placed exclamation point could be the difference between getting an interview or not.
In addition, make sure you’re honest about your previous addresses, work history, and education.
The hiring manager will run a complete background check on you, so they will know if you lie.
3. Share your story during the interview
As mentioned previously, FedEx does not ask about felony convictions on the application. There’s also a good chance that you won’t be asked about it during the interview.
Therefore, it’s up to you to broach the subject, because this is your only opportunity to have any control over their decision or opinion.
It’s much better to share your story in your own words than for the hiring manager to receive news about your felony after running the background check.
While admitting to your past mistakes is never comfortable, there are some things you can do to make this process easier.
- Timing is important – Don’t mention your felony conviction until the interview is almost finished. This allows the hiring manager to form a good opinion of you before you share the bad news.
- Explain your felony – Briefly explain how you got into trouble and what the outcome was. Keep your response to a minute or less. You don’t want to dwell on the subject.
- Share what you’ve done since – This is perhaps the most important part of your answer. Talk about any education or training you’ve completed, any lessons you’ve learned, and what you hope to accomplish in the future.
- Ask the interviewer if they have questions – After your explanation, allow the interviewer to respond or ask any questions.
4. Wait for the hiring decision
How you handle this last step is up to you. You can follow up with the interviewer via email or handwritten note, or you can wait patiently for the hiring manager to contact you.
Whichever method you choose, try to keep your expectations realistic, but remember that felons have gotten hired at FedEx in the past, so it’s possible for you, too!
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not FedEx pays weekly, does FedEx drug test, and does FedEx requires signature.
Conclusion
FedEx is a huge company with loads of job opportunities, including some that are open to felons. While a lot will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case and what you’ve done since it’s still possible to get hired as a felon, so remember to be optimistic.
