If you have a criminal record, you might be wondering if you can get a job at Amazon, one of the largest and most successful online retailers in the world. Amazon is known for its diverse and inclusive workforce and its willingness to give second chances to people who have made mistakes in the past. But does that mean that Amazon hires felons? The answer is not so simple, as there are many factors that affect the hiring process and the employment prospects for people with criminal backgrounds.
In this article, we will explain if Amazon hire felons and what types of jobs are available for felons at Amazon and also explain how to apply and prepare for a job at Amazon with a felony. We will also provide some tips and resources to help you succeed in your job search and career at Amazon.
Let’s start
But before we start, let’s first look into what is called a felon. A felon is a person who has committed a serious crime, such as murder, rape, robbery, or arson. A felony is a type of crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felons may face many challenges and restrictions in society, such as finding a job, voting, or owning a gun.
Does Amazon Hire People with Criminal Records?
Yes, Amazon used to hire people with criminal records, but it depends on several factors, such as the type, severity, and recency of the offense, the location of the job, and the position you applied for. Amazon does not ask about criminal history during the application process, but they conduct a background check after offering a job. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from working at Amazon, but it might make it harder to get hired.
If you want to work at Amazon with a criminal record, you will need to follow the same steps as anyone else, but with some extra care and caution. You will also need to work hard, show that you are a good worker, and deal with some challenges and opportunities as a person who has a criminal record working at Amazon.
What Types of Jobs are Available for Felons at Amazon?
Amazon offers a variety of jobs for people with different skills, qualifications, and backgrounds, including felons. However, some jobs may be more accessible and suitable for felons than others, depending on the level of responsibility, security, and trust involved. Generally speaking, the best jobs for felons at Amazon are those that are entry-level, low-skill, high-demand, and labor-intensive, such as warehouse, delivery, or customer service jobs. These jobs usually have less competition, less screening, and less supervision, and they also offer more flexibility, stability, and opportunities for advancement. Some examples of these jobs are:
1. Warehouse Associate
As a warehouse associate, you will be responsible for receiving, storing, picking, packing, and shipping products in a fulfillment center. You will need to be able to lift heavy items, operate machinery, and follow safety procedures. You will also need to be able to work in a fast-paced, noisy, and physically demanding environment. Warehouse associates typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, shift, and incentives.
2. Delivery Drive
As a delivery driver, you will be responsible for delivering packages to customers using a company vehicle or your own vehicle. You will need to have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle. You will also need to be able to navigate routes, use GPS devices, and follow delivery instructions. Delivery drivers typically earn between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on the location, distance, and tips.
3. Customer Service Associate
As a customer service associate, you will be responsible for providing support and assistance to customers via phone, email, chat, or social media. You will need to have good communication, problem-solving, and computer skills. You will also need to be able to handle customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback in a professional and courteous manner. Customer service associates typically earn between $15 and $18 per hour, depending on the location, shift, and experience.
How to Apply and Prepare for a Job at Amazon with a Felony?
If you are interested in working at Amazon with a felony, you will need to follow the same application and hiring process as any other applicant, with some extra steps and precautions. Here are some tips and steps to help you apply and prepare for a job at Amazon with a felony:
Do your research
Before you apply for a job at Amazon, you should do some research on the company, the job, and the location. You should learn about Amazon’s mission, vision, values, and culture, and how they align with your own. You should also learn about the specific job duties, requirements, and expectations, and how they match your skills, qualifications, and goals.
You should also learn about the local laws and regulations that affect the employment of felons, and how they may impact your eligibility and rights. You can use various sources of information, such as Amazon’s website, social media, blogs, forums, reviews, or news articles, to gather relevant and reliable information.
Apply online
To apply for a job at Amazon, you will need to visit Amazon’s careers website, and create an account or log in with your existing account. You will then need to search for the job that you are interested in, and click on the “Apply Now” button.
You will then need to fill out an online application form, which will ask you for your personal information, education, work experience, and references. You will also need to upload your resume and cover letter, and answer some questions about your availability, preferences, and background. You will not be asked about your criminal history at this stage, as Amazon follows the Ban the Box policy, which prohibits employers from asking about criminal records before making a conditional job offer.
However, you should be honest and accurate in providing your information, as any false or misleading information may result in your disqualification or termination.
Take an assessment
After you submit your online application, they may ask you to take an online assessment, depending on the job that you applied for. The assessment will test your skills, abilities, and personality, and how they fit the job and the company. The assessment may consist of multiple-choice questions, scenarios, simulations, or games, and it may take from 10 minutes to an hour to complete. You should prepare for the assessment by reviewing the job description, practicing your skills, and taking some sample tests. You should also take the assessment in a quiet and comfortable place, with a stable internet connection and a compatible device. You should also follow the instructions and time limits, and answer the questions honestly and confidently.
Attend an interview
If you pass the online assessment, you will be invited to an interview, either by phone, video, or in person, depending on the job and the location. The interview will be an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, motivation and fit for the job and the company. The interview will also be an opportunity for the interviewer to evaluate your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, and how they align with the Amazon Leadership Principles.
You should prepare for the interview by researching the company, the job, and the interviewer, and by rehearsing your answers to some common and behavioral questions. You should also dress appropriately, arrive on time, and bring your resume and other documents. You should also be polite, confident, and enthusiastic, and ask some questions at the end of the interview.
Undergo a background check
If you pass the interview, you will receive a conditional job offer, which means that your employment is contingent on the results of a background check. The background check will verify your identity, education, work history, and criminal record, and it will be conducted by a third-party company, such as Accurate Background or Sterling.
You will need to provide your consent and some information, such as your name, date of birth, social security number, and address history, for the background check to be performed. You will also need to disclose your criminal history, if any, and provide some details, such as the date, location, charge, and outcome of your conviction. You will also have the right to receive a copy of your background report, and to dispute any errors or inaccuracies in it.
The background check may take from a few days to a few weeks to complete, depending on the scope, depth, and complexity of the check. The background check will not automatically disqualify you from working at Amazon, but it may affect your eligibility and suitability for the job, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. You may also have the opportunity to explain your criminal history and provide some evidence of your rehabilitation and reintegration.
Accept or decline the job offer
So if you pass the background check, you will receive a final job offer, which means that you are officially hired by Amazon. You will need to accept or decline the job offer, and confirm your start date and orientation details. You will also need to complete some paperwork, such as the tax forms, the direct deposit forms, and the employee handbook. You will also need to prepare for your first day of work, such as getting your ID badge, your uniform, and your equipment. You will also need to familiarize yourself with your job duties, your schedule, and your team.
Work hard and prove yourself
If you start working at Amazon with a felony, you need to make sure that you work very hard and prove yourself, as you may face some challenges and difficulties, such as stigma, discrimination, or mistrust. You need to show your professionalism, dedication, and integrity, and perform your job to the best of your ability. You will also need to follow the rules and policies of Amazon, and respect your managers, coworkers, and customers. You will also need to seek feedback and guidance, and learn from your mistakes and successes. You will also need to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits that Amazon offers, such as training, development, promotion, or recognition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amazon does hire felons, but it depends on several factors, such as the type and severity of your felony, the time elapsed since your conviction, and the position you are applying for. Amazon offers a variety of jobs to felons, such as warehouse workers, delivery drivers, or customer service representatives, but you will have to compete with other applicants who have a clean record. You can increase your chances of getting hired by Amazon by following some steps, such as preparing your resume and cover letter, being honest and transparent, applying for the right jobs, acing the interview, and following up and thanking.