Does Amazon Hire Felons?

Amazon is a multinational technology company that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. The company is known for its innovative approach to business and its customer-centric motto, “Work hard. Have fun. Make history.” But does Amazon hire felons?

Having a criminal record can make it challenging for individuals to find employment. Even with the best intentions to turn their lives around, many ex-offenders face numerous obstacles in the job market, including discrimination by employers.

Amazon, one of the world’s largest companies, is a major employer for many people. With the rise of e-commerce giant Amazon, many job seekers wonder whether the company hires felons.

Does Amazon Hire Felons?

Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce retailers in the world, offering everything from books to electronics, clothing, and groceries. The company has over a million employees worldwide, and with its growth, there has been an increase in the number of felons seeking employment. Amazon’s hiring practices are known to be lil strict, with thorough background checks and drug screenings conducted for all potential employees.

Amazon’s Official Stance On Hiring Felons

Amazon has been employing individuals with a criminal record for years, and in 2018, they publicly announced their policy to recruit more felons. The company firmly believes in providing employment opportunities to individuals who have a history of incarceration or criminal records.

While Amazon does not provide official data on its hiring of individuals with criminal records, it does state that the company “believes in second chances” and the potential for rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.

Factors That Affect Amazon’s Decision To Hire Felons

While Amazon has no specific policy that prevents them from hiring felons, the company states that they take into account the severity of the crime, the time that has passed since the offense, the nature of the job, and the applicant’s rehabilitation efforts when making hiring decisions. Serious and violent crimes are more likely to disqualify an applicant from employment, while lesser offenses may not be a deal-breaker.

Types Of Convictions That Affect Hiring At Amazon

Although Amazon is willing to employ felons, the company does have some restrictions on the types of convictions that are acceptable. Amazon’s hiring policy is in line with federal and state laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against individuals with criminal records. The company does not hire individuals with convictions for violent or sexual offenses, drug-related offenses, or theft or fraud. Additionally, Amazon does not hire individuals with serious traffic offenses such as DUI or hit-and-run.

The severity Of The Crime Committed By The Felon

If an individual has a criminal record, Amazon evaluates the severity of the crime committed and the length of time since the offense occurred. Amazon looks at the individual’s overall criminal history, including the number of offenses and the length of time since the last conviction. The company assesses each candidate on a case-by-case basis to determine their employment eligibility.

Time Passed Since The Felony Conviction

Amazon takes into account the time that has passed since the felony conviction when making hiring decisions. The company looks at the individual’s criminal record and evaluates their post-conviction behavior. Amazon believes that a sufficient amount of time has passed since a conviction, and behavior has been in line with the company’s values, the company is willing to give a second chance to those who deserve it.

Amazon’s Background Check Process For Felons

How Amazon Conducts Background Checks For Potential Employees

When an individual applies for a job at Amazon, the company conducts a background check to evaluate their criminal history. The background check process is standardized across all prospective hires, and Amazon uses third-party vendors to conduct the checks. The check includes a review of an individual’s criminal history for the past seven years.

The Role Of Background Check Results In Amazon’s Hiring Decision

The results of the background check play a significant role in Amazon’s hiring decisions. If an individual has a criminal record, the company evaluates the severity of the crime committed and the length of time since the offense occurred. Amazon also considers the relationship between the conviction and the job responsibilities and business needs of the company.

For real-life success stories, questions, and discussions about felons who got hired by Amazon click here.

Legal Rights Of Felons In The Hiring Process

Felons face significant challenges when it comes to finding employment, and many are unsure of their legal rights during the hiring process. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect felons from discrimination in hiring. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on their criminal record. According to these laws, employers cannot refuse to hire someone based solely on their criminal history. When evaluating a candidate’s criminal history, it’s important to take into account the type of offense committed, how much time has elapsed since the conviction, and whether the offense is relevant to the position they’re seeking.

The Role Of The EEOC In Protecting Felons’ Rights

The EEOC plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of felons during the hiring process. The EEOC investigates claims of discrimination and provides guidance and training to employers to ensure they are complying with anti-discrimination laws. If a felon believes that they have been discriminated against during the hiring process, they can file a complaint with the EEOC.

Understanding The Fair Chance Act And Its Impact On Hiring Felons

The Fair Chance Act is a federal law that aims to give individuals with criminal records a fair chance at employment. Federal agencies and contractors must abide by the strict rule of refraining from asking about criminal history until a conditional job offer has been made. The law also requires employers to provide applicants with a written explanation if they are denied employment based on their criminal history. The Fair Chance Act applies to Amazon, which is a federal contractor.

Amazon Jobs For Felons

There are several jobs ex-cons get hired for at Amazon which are automated or manual labor works:

• Forklifts
• Storekeeper
• Truck driver
• Delivery
• And especially the warehouse.

They also employ very skillful I.T folks too except you’ve got a history of internet fraud.

Alternatives To Employment At Amazon For Felons

While Amazon is a highly sought-after employer, other companies hire felons. Some of these companies include Starbucks, Home Depot, Target, and Tesla. In addition to these employers, there are programs available to help felons find employment. These programs offer job training, counseling, and assistance with job placement.

Resources And Programs Available For Felons Seeking Employment

One such program is the Federal Bonding Program, which provides bonding insurance to employers who hire individuals with criminal records. The program helps to mitigate the risk that an employer may perceive in hiring someone with a criminal history. Another program is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides employers with a tax credit for hiring individuals from certain target groups, including felons.

Conclusion

If you’re a felon seeking employment with Amazon, there are several strategies you can use to improve your chances of success.

•  First, be honest about your criminal record and demonstrate your commitment to turning your life around. 
• Second, highlight any skills or experience that make you a strong fit for the position you’re applying for. 
• Finally, consider seeking support from organizations that specialize in helping felons find employment, such as the National HIRE Network.

Amazon’s stance on hiring felons is constantly evolving, and they may adjust their policies in the future to be more inclusive. In 2020, they announced a new initiative called “Second Chance” that aims to hire 100,000 employees from underrepresented groups, including those with criminal records.

Despite the challenges, Amazon can be a great place for felons to build a career and advance within the company. They offer a wide variety of jobs across different industries, and they provide opportunities for training and development. With the right attitude and approach, felons can find success and fulfillment working at Amazon. In conclusion, while Amazon’s hiring policy may be challenging for individuals with a criminal record, it is not impossible to secure a job with the company. By taking proactive steps such as keeping up-to-date with Amazon’s hiring procedures, enrolling in rehabilitation programs, and showcasing their abilities and work history, individuals with criminal backgrounds can improve their prospects of securing employment. Despite the obstacles, felons still have opportunities to build a career with Amazon and create a brighter future for themselves.