As one of the original tech companies, eBay offers employees unique opportunities and well-paying jobs. We want those, too, but does eBay hire felons?
Successful Release reaches out to companies directly to ask about their hiring practices and exactly how they screen candidates. We’ve already done the research you need to get hired! We scoured the internet, including company websites, and even checked reviews from people who’ve worked at eBay in the past to bring you the best information. This article will answer all of the following questions and many more:
- How do I apply for entry-level jobs?
- Does eBay do background checks on candidates?
- Does eBay hire people with misdemeanors?
This article walks you through the process of how to get hired at eBay, so let’s get started!
Does eBay hire felons?

Attr: Wikimedia Commons. Author: ebayinc https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/press-room/#assets-campus-photos
Official company policy for hiring felons
At this time, we haven’t yet gotten through to someone at eBay. We did go and check their website for a policy, though. Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate an official policy anywhere online, nor did we see anything that made us think they don’t hire felons. Since we don’t know much about their policies, the only way to find out is to apply — and hope for the best!
Has eBay hired felons in the past?
We couldn’t confirm whether or not eBay has hired felons in the past. That doesn’t mean they haven’t, it just means we don’t have enough information to say for sure.
Does eBay hire people with misdemeanors?
When hiring full-time and contracted employees, eBay doesn’t appear to disqualify candidates for having misdemeanors on their records. This advice is based on the extensive research we did online, where we found no indication that they don’t hire people with misdemeanors. Although this doesn’t guarantee they won’t use a misdemeanor against you when making a decision, it’s still a good sign!
Is eBay on the Ban the Box list?
Ban the Box is a program that companies become involved in, as long as they commit to interviewing candidates before doing background checks. Unfortunately, this company isn’t on the Ban the Box list, meaning they can still ask about your criminal history on their job applications.
The Fair Chance Business Pledge is a similar initiative, started by the Obama Administration, that’s for businesses willing to delay background checks and consider candidates and criminal histories in full context. However, eBay isn’t currently on this list.
Does eBay have any special programs for hiring felons?
As far as our team at Successful Release can tell, eBay doesn’t have any special programs or initiatives for hiring former felons. This is fairly common, and doesn’t mean they aren’t happy to hire folks with criminal histories.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

You might still be wondering: Does eBay hire felons? The answer is uncertain. This company doesn’t say whether or not they’re willing to hire folks with felony convictions or misdemeanors. However, eBay has a positive reputation overall, including how its employees view them. Also, its website makes it clear they value inclusivity and diversity, meaning they’re willing to consider various candidates. As long as this company practices what they preach, you have a chance!
What are some entry-level jobs?
As a full-service online retailer, eBay offers high-paying jobs across many fields of employment. If you’re located in a city with an eBay office, then potential employment opportunities include those in marketing, finance and sales, just to name a few.
Just like its competitor Amazon, this company pays extremely well for those with the skills they’re looking for, especially computer programmers and other tech workers.
Even if you’re not in a city like San Francisco or New York, you still have a shot at remote or seasonal positions. Past employees highly recommend seasonal work as a first step! Jobs in customer service and technical support are also offered by eBay, and often don’t require a specific location. Instead, you can work from home, and these kinds of jobs are often less restrictive in terms of background checks for employees.
How to get hired at eBay with a felony
- Submit an error-free application
Only the most polished résumés and cover letters will get noticed by eBay. Therefore, it’s worth putting in the extra effort to ensure your documents are as close to perfect as possible. Another option is to have a friend or professional look over your documents, or follow our resume guide!
- Express your love for eBay’s products, services and brand
Just like any popular brand, hiring execs at eBay want to hear about how much everyone loves using their service — even you! You can highlight your love for their online shopping in your cover letter and during the interview. Other tips and tricks are outlined in the eBay Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Become an eBay seller to get your foot in the door
Companies love hiring from within, and eBay’s relatively open marketplace provides an excellent opportunity to do so. Imagine a hiring manager seeing eBay experience on your resume. Their reaction will immediately help your candidacy!
- Sell them on you
When describing how you’re qualified for a role, it’s okay to think outside the box of professional experience. Other types of experience count too, including work experience in prison, community organizing and hobbies that require special skills.
So, talk about your sales experience from Avon. Tell them how you taught yourself to use Excel. And yes, managing the canteen certainly counts — you want to talk cranky customers? You’ve got this!
- List references that matter to you and to recruiters
Professional references should be people you trust fully. Have you ever had a boss you knew had your back, no matter what? They make the best bosses — as well as references — since you don’t have to worry about anything negative being said.
Does eBay do background checks?
We couldn’t determine whether or not eBay does background checks on all its employees. Some reviews online say they do and some say they don’t. However, depending on which state you live in, there may be further restrictions.
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
Each state has different requirements and procedures related to background checks. In fact, some states totally disregard information over seven years old, making it much easier for those with older convictions. These states include:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* some salary brackets still require one)
For people with not guilty findings on the books, these eight states don’t consider this information at all when hiring:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
Unfortunately, the following states look at job seekers’ entire criminal background, including not-guilty cases:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- DC
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana (extensive check)
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Company ratings
On the review site Glassdoor, eBay holds a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. This indicates an average to above average experience for employees. Some of the feedback from reviewers said there’s great work-life balance and salaries, whereas others stated it was difficult to achieve a promotion.
On Indeed, eBay has a similar score of 3.9 out of 5. Employees here agreed the pay was good, as were the seasonal opportunities for work. However, there were complaints about workplace culture
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
You might be wondering what eBay screens for specifically when conducting a background check. In other words, what felonies or misdemeanors will make it more difficult to get hired at eBay? Although this retailer doesn’t comment on specific hiring decisions, it’s obvious that internet-based crimes could damage your chances of getting hired.
In addition, crimes that took place at work will likely be seen negatively by eBay hiring managers and recruiters.
And let’s not forget identity theft and other theft-related charges. Retailers always have an eye to these types of offenses.
Does eBay drug test?
This company doesn’t say specifically whether or not they drug test as part of the hiring process. In some cases, they may use this as part of their screening of candidates.
Have you applied or worked here before? Share your experiences!
If you’re reading this article, chances are you have an incredible story to tell. Successful Release is unique in its commitment to hearing from people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system, and who are bettering themselves. Your story could help others in a similar situation — and we’d love to hear it!