If you’re already a shopper at one of their stores, you might want to know, does Walmart hire felons? The company is the largest retailer worldwide with 11,200 stores in 27 countries. So, they’re probably hiring in your neighborhood!
Successful Release asked the company directly about their hiring policies so we could tell you what you need to know about how to get hired at Walmart.
Our expertise is helping former felons find work by giving advice, from resume writing to interview preparation. Furthermore, many of our staff have criminal records, so we know what kind of tips you should know.
When it comes to applying at Walmart, we’ve got some great advice, including answers to these questions:
Successful Release contacted Walmart to get this official response:
“We hire felons as long as their timeline of conviction has fallen off. There are no questions about convictions on the application but we ask about convictions on background checks. Background checks are done on new hires, right before the job offer. There are no special programs for hiring felons. Felons can work in departments that do not use firearms. As well, they can be hired for managerial posts as long as there is no use of firearms.”
Yes. Walmart’s official response confirms that they have.
Yes. We believe they will hire people with misdemeanors. These are less serious offenses, and they already hire people with felonies.
Definitely! Walmart has gotten behind two critical national initiatives that support former felons in their job search.
To start with, they’re on the Ban the Box list. This program helps level the playing field for those with criminal records.
Ban the Box urges employers to consider job qualifications before they look at criminal history. Companies that sign take the criminal record check box off job applications to ensure this.
In addition, Walmart has made the Fair Chance Business Pledge. Employers take the Pledge to show they’ll take steps to remove any barriers to employment for job seekers with criminal records.
Consequently, you should feel confident that you can get a job at Walmart with a felony!
The official response we got from the company confirms that they do not. However, don’t let that discourage you from applying! Not very many companies actually have special programs.
We believe the odds you can get a job at Walmart with a felony are high. Here’s why:
Here are the types of entry-level jobs you can expect to see:
Store Jobs:
Distribution Centre and Driving Jobs:
These jobs come with a health plan, vision and dental benefits, merchandise discounts, a 401(k) plan, and education assistance for employees and their dependents.
Shifts vary job-to-job, but most jobs require you to work weekends and holidays. If you’re a Truck Driver, you can expect to be home about once a week.
Start by looking at the Walmart website for job openings. When you’re ready, here’s the link to apply online.
Be aware that you’ll need to have an email account to apply online. Of course, you can always bring your resume directly to a store and leave it with the hiring manager.
The company website has some great information about where the company wants to grow in the future, such as in eCommerce. So, this is good to know if you’re thinking of a long-term career, rather than to just get a job at Walmart with a felony.
What’s more, each job posting includes answers to frequently asked questions. These are mainly about the application process.
Additionally, all the job postings we looked at emphasize the importance of a good attitude. This goes for providing good customer service, and working well with co-workers. So, be friendly and positive during your interview.
Walmart’s website also has terrific information about how to prepare for your interview.
Here are some other ideas for how to get hired at Walmart:
Walmart has more than 2.2 million employees around the globe. Equally important, the company says 75% of store managers started as hourly associates. This is encouraging because it means there’s room to advance in the company.
Yes. Expect that you’ll have to pass a background check.
You can count on most employers doing a background check of some sort. For example, businesses are required, by law, to at least confirm the identity of the individuals they hire and that they’re eligible to work in the United States.
On indeed.com, employees had some helpful comments about what Walmart looks for. Basically, their background check may include your criminal record, work history, education and credit history.
For instance, they’ll look for offenses involving theft, drugs or violence. Walmart will also want to know about your work ethic and why you left your other employers.
However, don’t let this worry you. Remember they hire former felons and, above all, be honest on your application!
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
In some states, background checks will only take into account the last seven years. Here’s a list of the states that follow this practice:
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
In addition, the following states won’t look at any charges where you were found not guilty:
However, be advised that the states listed below will consider your whole record, including any not guilty verdicts:
Walmart has some very good online ratings from employees.
Walmart has given a 4 out of 5 star rating on glassdoor.com by approximately 39,000 reviewers. Of these, 63% said they’d recommend Walmart to a friend.
For example, they have 3.6 out of 5 on indeed.com, based on over 160,000 reviews. Here, people like them most for culture and work-life balance. A cashier commented that “The work environment could be slow-paced and relaxed on slow business days, but could get intense and stressful on fast-paced business days.”
According to a sporting goods associate, “. . . there are vast employment and advancement opportunities . . . if you set your goals and work hard . . . pay is generally excellent for the line of work. Management is overall good and fair.”
A lot of Walmart merchandise is easily stolen. So, if you have theft or shoplifting offenses in your background, you may have a harder time getting hired.
Furthermore, convictions for violent offenses can be a problem. Obviously, the hiring manager will want to make sure you can work in a team environment. In addition, hiring people who will show respect to customers is critical for a retailer like Walmart.
Finally, if you want to drive a Walmart truck and have driving offenses, it could be a deal breaker. Basically, the company needs to make sure they can insure you and you’re able to perform the duties required.
Take some time to think about your criminal history and what jobs it makes harder for you to get here.
Yes. The online Walmart application confirms the company “. . . requires a drug screening test as part of its selection and hiring process for certain positions.”
Furthermore, employees “. . . may be required to submit to alcohol/drug-testing under certain circumstances during [employment].”
In other words, be prepared for a drug test.
Now you know. Does Walmart hire felons? Yep!
If you’ve ever worked for Walmart with a record, what tips and advice do you want to share?
Sandy Bell-Murray worked for more than thirty years for the Ontario public service, mainly in adult and youth justice. She began as a Probation and Parole Officer, then became a policy analyst, program supervisor and manager. Currently, she delivers workshops focused on building personal resilience and managing stress. She is an active member of Toastmasters International.
