It can be pretty difficult searching for work when you’re a felon. Finding the right job will help you get your life back on track and make you feel better about yourself, so let’s find out: Does Manpower hire felons?
Manpower is an employment placement agency that offers temporary, temporary to permanent and permanent opportunities in a variety of industries. If you want to try a new position or enjoy changing up your work environments every so often, we’ll help you get a job at Manpower with a felony. We’re going to look at the following questions, and more, to make that happen:
- Does Manpower hire people with misdemeanors?
- How do I apply?
- Does Manpower do background checks?
- Will my felony disqualify me?
It’s tough trying to find a job, we know. Our Successful Release team is made up of former felons or professionals who have worked closely with them. That’s why we know to directly contact companies and ask them if they hire former felons. We also do tons of background research to be able to give you resume and interview tips.
Our goal is to help those with a criminal background achieve a normal life.
Let’s continue and take a look at how to get hired at Manpower with a felony conviction.
Does Manpower hire felons?

Official company policy for hiring felons
We haven’t been able to get through to corporate, but a branch manager contacted us to let us know about Manpower’s hiring practices. The policy is essentially yes, they will hire former offenders, but it depends which company they’re hiring for. The policies of client companies dictate when Manpower can hire someone with a criminal record for a role.
Our contact also said…
“Most Manpower locations have at least one or two clients without a background check policy. We will always work with someone with a felony to try and gain them employment, however they may not have as many options as a worker without a felony.”
Unless the client has a very strict background policy (usually a client with a Government Contract or Healthcare) misdemeanors are allowed.
Has Manpower hired felons in the past?
Our online research confirms Manpower will hire former felons on a case-by-case basis.
Does Manpower hire people with misdemeanors?
If they hire people with felonies, we have no doubt they’ll hire someone with a misdemeanor. Again, this will be determined by the client company and their policies.
Is Manpower on the Ban the Box list?
Ban the Box is a campaign dedicated to removing the misdemeanor and felony convictions box from applications. The Fair Chance Business Pledge is part of this campaign. It’s a pledge for companies that want to look beyond a person’s past and see them for their present talents and skills.
Unfortunately, Manpower is not on the Ban the Box list. But that’s okay because we’ve learned that they’ll hire former felons and their applications don’t ask if you’ve been convicted of anything.
Does Manpower have special programs for hiring felons?
Manpower doesn’t have special programs for hiring felons, but they do offer several others.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

Does Manpower hire felons? Yes, on an individual basis. Reports online have told us as much, and a branch manager confirmed this.
While they aren’t on the Ban the Box list, they don’t ask if you’ve been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor on their application. All-in-all, we’d put your odds at average.
What are some entry-level jobs?
At Manpower, the main entry-level jobs are in warehousing and administration positions. Since they’re an employment agency, you’ll be doing things like forklift driving, picking and packing, or office work.
Starting off in one of these positions is a great way to get into one of Manpower’s client companies. Manpower offers full coverage for college tuition if you want to earn your bachelor’s degree for the first time, as well as health benefits and a 401k.
How to get hired at Manpower with a felony
So now that we know Manpower’s not on the Ban the Box list, you want to know how to get the job with a record. First, we’ll take a look at your resume and compare it to what they’re looking for:
- Start with your previous work history. Include the company name and dates (month and year) you were employed with them, as well as your duties and responsibilities.
- Be sure to list any additional skills or accomplishments that relate to the job.
- Commit your resume to memory. It will come in handy during the interview process!
If you aren’t comfortable creating your resume, we can help you with that. Successful Release has a resume writing guide specifically for you.
Another great tip is to check out your local employment agency. They’ll not only help with your resume, they’ll also help prepare you for the interview. With that in mind, here are our tips to get you started:
- Confirm the date, time and location of your interview.
- Dress for success. Wear clean, properly-fitting business attire with appropriately styled hair. Cover tattoos and take out piercings where possible. Company policy on these can be discussed when the offer of employment is made.
- Researching the company and the position you’re applying for will show them that you’re interested in becoming a member of their team.
- Prepare your answers by knowing your resume. This way there are no uncomfortable pauses during the interview and you will sound more confident.
- Turning negative questions into positive answers will help you be more sure of yourself and your responses. Practice with questions like: “What are your weaknesses?” or “What didn’t you like about your last position?”
Manpower offers webinars on their career resources page, so take advantage of these when you’re preparing to apply!
Does Manpower do background checks?
Yes, depending on the company.
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
The following states don’t consider information more than seven years old. This means that if your offense was six years ago, you’ll want to wait until next year to apply.
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
Some states won’t consider court cases where you were found not guilty. There are currently eight states on this list:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
Unfortunately, these next states will look at your whole record, including your not guilty verdicts:
- 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
Our team did some research on Manpower’s ratings. Glassdoor.com rates them at 4.4 out of 5 stars. That’s pretty good for around 2,700 employee reviews! Most say they have a good work/life balance with Manpower. The highest number of complaints were from those looking for full-time work who could only secure part-time.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
It depends on Manpower’s client companies and their stipulations, but there are a few felonies that might make it more difficult to get that offer of employment:
- If you’re working with cash or bulk merchandising, theft may be a problem.
- If your position includes handling credit card information or social security numbers, fraud or theft charges could keep you from being hired.
- You’ll likely be working with the general public, as well as a large number of co-workers, so violent crimes might pose a problem.
Does Manpower drug test?
Manpower does drug test its employees. In their Drug and Alcohol Testing PDF, they state:
“Manpower and/or its customers may require that candidates or associates be tested for drug use prior to beginning employment, beginning an assignment, during employment, or during an assignment.”
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
Did the information in this article help you get a job at Manpower with a felony? If so, let us know. It’s your chance to help others in the same situation!