One question that keeps popping up is whether major companies such as FedEx hire felons. Understanding the policies and practices of such companies can provide hope and direction for those looking to reintegrate into the workforce.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The Fair Chance Act, implemented in 2019, is a federal law aimed at promoting fair hiring practices for individuals with criminal records. This legislation prohibits federal contractors from asking about criminal histories before extending a conditional job offer. Additionally, Ban the Box initiatives, which have been adopted by 36 states and over 150 cities and counties, aim to remove criminal history questions from job applications. These legal frameworks are designed to give individuals with felony convictions a fairer chance at employment.
Related: FedEx Employee Discount, Benefits and Perks - A Guide For 2024
FedEx's Stance on Hiring Felons
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FedEx, a global leader in logistics and delivery services, does hire individuals with felony convictions. However, the company's hiring practices are nuanced and depend on several factors, including the nature of the felony, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the specific job being applied for.
Statistics and Numbers
According to the National Institute of Justice, approximately 95% of incarcerated individuals will eventually be released back into society. With over 600,000 individuals released from state and federal prisons annually, finding employment is a critical step in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry.
A study by the Prison Policy Initiative found that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals was 27%, significantly higher than the general population. Employment is a key factor in reducing the likelihood of reoffending, making it crucial for companies to consider hiring individuals with criminal records.
In a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Charles Koch Institute, nearly half of HR professionals reported that their company had hired individuals with criminal records in the past year. This indicates a growing trend towards more inclusive hiring practices.
The Application Process
When applying for a job at FedEx, candidates are required to undergo a background check. This process includes checking criminal records, employment history, and other relevant information. Applicants need to be honest about their criminal history during the application process. Misrepresentation or lying about a felony conviction can lead to immediate disqualification from the hiring process.
Related: FedEx Human Resources: What You Need To Know
Tips for Felons Applying to FedEx
- Be Honest: Always disclose your felony conviction when asked. Transparency can build trust with the employer and demonstrate your integrity.
- Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your past openly, but focus on what you have learned and how you have changed. Emphasize any positive steps you have taken since your conviction, such as rehabilitation programs, education, or community service.
- Highlight Relevant Skills: Showcase any skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job. This can include previous work experience, training, or certifications relevant to the position.
- Obtain References: Having strong references can bolster your application. Seek out former employers, mentors, or community leaders who can vouch for your character and work ethic.
Expungement and FedEx
A legal procedure called expungement can remove a criminal conviction from your record. It is worthwhile to look into even though it can be costly and not all felonies can be wiped. Many expungement attorneys provide free consultations, and if you are successful, it can greatly increase your chances of getting recruited by FedEx.
Does FedEx Do Background Checks?
Before employing someone for the job, many businesses and employment agencies want to make sure they match their requirements. FedEx is included under the same category. Every applicant for a job has their background checked by the company. The selection committee can make a well-informed judgment for FedEx Corporation using this material.
FedEx is not, however, permitted to discriminate against you based on your race, religion, sex, or ethnicity using the results of the background check report. There have been times when the business has been sued over these kinds of discriminatory allegations. Giving folks a fair chance is a wonderful idea when doing this.
Hence, it is vital to understand your rights throughout a criminal background check, irrespective of the application's intended organization. A background check could also only be conducted after receiving your written consent from an employer. A copy of the background check results and your rights must be sent to you. This also contains information on getting in touch with the background check business.
How does FedEx conduct background checks?
FedEx conducts a different kind of background check depending on the job you're applying for.
FedEx will want to run a check for prior criminal convictions for almost all jobs (for example, positions like package handler). Drug tests will be administered to candidates as part of the employment process for warehouse jobs.
Required Information For The FedEx Background Check?
1. Full Name
Your entire name as it appears on your driver's license or other identity document.
They might also ask you to present them with identification documentation, such as a passport.
2. Date of Birth
The date of birth that you enter has to correspond with the information in your official documents and government identity.
3. Social Security Number
Not everybody, particularly foreign nationals, will be able to supply their Social Security Number (SSN).
FedEx does not, however, demand one. It is only for specific roles.
4. Address
As with your Full Name and Date of Birth, confirm that the address you enter matches the one on file with your official documents.
5. Contact Information
FedEx may be able to contact you via the phone number or email address provided in your contact information.
6. Consent Form
Lastly, you complete and sign a Consent Form, giving FedEx the legal authorization required to investigate you thoroughly.
How can you obtain employment at FedEx with a criminal history?
1. Understand their needs
There are two ways to apply for a job at FedEx: directly through the company website or through employment agencies. However, it is imperative to understand the qualities they are seeking in a candidate. You can gain their favor by continuing to be open and driven to complete the task at hand with diligence.
2. Establish trust
Any organization that extends a second opportunity to someone with a criminal record or felony conviction looks for someone honest. Establishing trust and reassuring the hiring manager that your prior criminal history has no bearing on your current or future behavior are crucial.
3. Update your job application
There'll always be opportunities for improvisation, even when you believe you've written the perfect application. Using just an application to change your situation would be difficult if you had a felony conviction.
For this reason, you need to write a compelling cover letter that highlights your ability to get back on track.
Techniques to Improve Your Chances
- Wait and See: FedEx has employed felons in the past, so it's best not to get your hopes up about any job. Wait for the application process's conclusion.
- Show Improvement: Show that after your conviction, you have made efforts to better yourself. Education, training, and community service are a few examples of this.
- Apply for the Right Job: Apply to jobs that suit your qualifications and experience. For instance, instead of applying for a driving position if you have a DUI, think about applying for warehousing roles.
What will disqualify you from being hired by FedEx?
FedEx does not make decisions based only on your personal history. Candidates with certain offenses, however, could not be eligible for some positions. People with prior DUI convictions, for instance, might have trouble being hired as FedEx drivers.
Individuals with a criminal record of theft or fraud could find it difficult to get hired as a cashier or package delivery driver. Honesty, integrity, and reliability are the three key values held by FedEx.
FedEx customers rely on the company to handle their precious items with care, making sure they arrive on schedule and in a secure manner.
Testimonials
Many former and current employees with felony convictions have shared their experiences working at FedEx on various public forums.
On Reddit, one user mentioned, "A friend of mine back in college was convicted of a felony. He decided to complete a master's degree in his field before applying for jobs. He got hired by FedEx and has been working there for three years now."
Another testimonial from Indeed highlights, "Working at FedEx has been a positive experience. I have a criminal background, but they gave me a chance. It's a diverse workplace and everyone is treated with respect."
A review on Glassdoor states, "I was upfront about my felony during the interview process. They appreciated my honesty and hired me as a delivery driver. It's been a challenging but rewarding job."
Conclusion
FedEx employs felons in a variety of jobs, such as administrative, warehouse, and driver responsibilities. The business performs extensive background checks and takes into account several aspects, including the type of crime and the duration since it occurred. Even though some convictions, such as driving convictions for driving duties, can disqualify applicants from particular professions, FedEx nonetheless offers employment chances to felons.
Further Readings
1. Does Amazon Hire Felons in 2024?
6. Trucking Companies That Hire Felons