Do you enjoy working around vehicles, but wonder if your felony is holding you back? Have you ever thought: Does Penske Automotive hire felons?
If you’re interested in selling cars, or even working on them, we can help you get a job at Penske Automotive with a felony. We’ll start by looking at the following questions:
- Does Penske Automotive hire people with misdemeanors?
- How do I apply?
- Does Penske Automotive do background checks?
- Do they drug test?
Finding work when you have a felony conviction is tough. That’s why we directly contact companies and ask them if they hire former felons. We also do tons of background research to bring you their company rating, as well as application and interviewing tips. Why do we care? Because we’ve been there. Our team is almost totally comprised of ex-felons and those who’ve worked closely with them.
So, let’s take a look at how to get hired at Penske Automotive with a felony.
Does Penske Automotive hire felons?

Official company policy for hiring felons
As promised, we’ve tried reaching out to the company for a statement on their policy for hiring former felons, but haven’t received a response. However, they are compliant with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Anyone is able to apply, even with a record.
Has Penske Automotive hired felons in the past?
We don’t know for certain if they’ve hired felons in the past. We haven’t received a company statement yet and our sources are conflicting, but it looks like employment offers are made on a case-by-case basis.
Does Penske Automotive hire people with misdemeanors?
Regretfully, the information just isn’t there to answer this question.
Is Penske Automotive on the Ban the Box list?
Sadly, Penske Automotive isn’t on the Ban the Box list, nor have they signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge.
But, what are these programs? Ban the Box encourages companies to eliminate the questions from their applications asking if you’ve been convicted of a crime. The Fair Chance Business Pledge is similar: It’s a pledge to focus on your current talents and previous work history instead of judging you by your past. Both of these are an effort to give former felons a fair shot at a second chance in life.
There is good news, though! We filled out a few of their online applications, and the company doesn’t ask about convictions.
Does Penske Automotive have special programs for hiring felons?
They don’t offer any special hiring programs for felons at this time.
What are the odds that someone with a felony will get hired?

We’ve taken the time to do extensive research about this. We give your odds of getting hired at Penske Automotive with a felony as uncertain.
Unfortunately, we don’t know as to whether or not they’ll hire former felons and we haven’t received a response from the company. Sources show they may hire based on the circumstances and we know they don’t ask about convictions on their application.
What are some entry-level jobs?
Penske Automotive has several entry-level jobs available, including:
- Valet — Duties include keeping the inside departments and outside lots clean and orderly and moving cars to their designated areas.
- Sales Consultant — Directly responsible for selling new and used vehicles at dealerships.
- Porter — Cleans, details and maintains vehicles.
Starting off in an entry-level position allows you to learn your way around the company, putting you in a position for advancement and promotions later.
How to get hired at Penske Automotive with a felony
So, you’d like to try your hand at getting a job at Penske Automotive with a felony, but aren’t sure how to apply? Well, that’s where we come in. We’re here to help!
Penske Automotive has a detailed hiring process. The first thing you’ll need to do is fill out an online application by visiting their career page and choosing your location and position you’d like to apply for. Keep your resume handy while answering the questions.
If you don’t have one, it’s a good idea to create one. If you need help, we have a guide designed for ex-felons.
When filling out the application, be sure to include your previous work history with names, addresses and phone numbers of past employers.
List your skills and talents pertaining to the position you’re applying for. Not sure what they are? Ask yourself these questions:
- Driver’s license in good standing?
- Have you washed and detailed vehicles before (even in prison)?
- Do you have previous sales experience?
- Did you work at a competing garage? Goodyear, Sonic Automotive or maybe Discount Tire?
It’s also a good idea to mention where you picked up these skills. Whether you’re self-taught or you learned while on the job, your skills count.
Have you taken automotive classes at a local college or trade school? Let them know any schooling you’ve done that makes you a better candidate as well!
Once you’ve completed the application, Penske Automotive will schedule a phone interview and at least one in-person interview. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered for that too!
When it comes to the phone and in-person interview process . . .
- Make sure you’re available at the time of the scheduled call.
- Find a quiet area to take the call, free of all distractions.
- Tell them again about your skills and talents. Talk up your previous job duties. Sell them on hiring you by your experience, regardless of where it came from.
- Be honest about your criminal background. They’ll do a background check, so it’s best to just be truthful.
- Tell them about your convictions. Yes, you mentioned it in your phone interview, but it’s best that everyone is on the same page so it’s not a surprise when they run a background check.
- You’ll also be expected to provide five business references, complete with names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails, at this time. It’s best to be prepared and have these ready ahead of time.
Does Penske Automotive do background checks?
Yes, sources show Penske Automotive will conduct a background check before an offer of employment is made. It looks like they’ll do a background check after the in-person interview.
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
Background checks vary state-to-state. It’s best to know the laws where you live. Some states don’t look at anything older than seven years. These are those states:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
There are eight states that won’t consider any not guilty verdicts:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
Be aware if you live in a state on this list, however. They can and will see your entire record, including those 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
We did some online digging so that we could bring you Penske Automotive’s ratings. Glassdoor.com rates them at 4 out of 5 stars. Most of the reviews are good. They promote within the company and support your career growth. On the other hand, there are long hours and slow periods that people say are drawbacks.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
Does Penske Automotive hire felons? We aren’t sure, but they may hire on a case-by-case basis. However, certain felonies are going to hurt your chances.
Since you’ll be working directly with new and used vehicles and dealing with the public, if your record includes any of these felonies, you may have a tough time getting hired at Penske Automotive:
- Drug- or alcohol-related charges
- Reckless driving or any charges that suspends your license
- Theft
- Violent crimes
However, they don’t ask about convictions on their application, so just be honest during your interview.
Does Penske Automotive drug test?
Yes, online sources say to be prepared for a drug test during the hiring process.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
Did you use the information in this article to help you get a job at Penske Automotive with a felony? Here’s your chance to help someone else in your shoes. We’d love to hear all about it below!