Best Companies That Hire Felons

Join Us on WhatsApp

Landing a job after you’ve been convicted of a felony can feel impossible. But times have changed, and hundreds of companies now hire felons.

We compiled this comprehensive list of companies that hire felons to give them the best chance of finding employment.

Our research found over 200+ employers from various industries who made it onto our list. They include some big-name corporations like Amazon, Starbucks, and Taco Bell!

You must also understand why employers are willing to work with felons and what’s needed to be a successful job candidate.

Our ultimate goal is to make the journey to finding employment after release from prison as successful as possible.

Who is a Felon?

We can consider a Felon as someone who has been lawfully convicted of a serious crime, but you can use felon to describe anyone you think has done something terrible and has served for his or her crime.

So let’s dive into the best employers that hire felons, updated for 2024!

Companies That Hire Felons

If you’re a job seeker recently released from prison, you’re likely facing the challenge of finding a job as a felon.

The good news is that many companies are willing to give felons a chance and hire them despite their past.

Felons have many options, from retail stores to food and hospitality to transportation and logistics.

Let’s take a look at felon-friendly companies in each industry;

Food Services

The food services industry is an excellent option for felons looking to enter the workforce quickly.

You can land a job with minimal requirements beyond a GED or high school diploma, plus experience in food preparation.

McDonald’s
Starbucks
Pizza Hut
Ben & Jerry’s
Coca-Cola
Chick-fil-A
Red Lobster
Burger King
Taco Bell
KFC
Captain D’s
Wingstop
Domino’s Pizza
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Marco’s Pizza
Boston Market
Legal Seafoods
Golden Corral Buffet
TGI Friday’s
Chili’s
Old Country Buffet
Outback Steakhouse
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant
Olive Garden
Sizzler
Cici’s Pizza
iHop
Shoney’s
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Panera Bread
Subway
Applebee’s
Texas Roadhouse
O’Charley’s
Buffalo Wild Wings
Red Robin Burgers
Maggiano’s Little Italy
The Cheesecake Factory
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Dunkin Donuts
Wendy’s
Baskin Robbins
Village Inn
Dairy Queen
General Mills
Tyson Foods
Sizzler
Aramark
Campbell’s Soup Co
ConAgra Foods
Del Monte Foods
Food Services of America
General Mills
JBS USA
Kraft
McLane Food Services
Pactiv
Pepsi Co
Smithfield Foods
US Foods
Unilever

IT and Tech

The IT industry is an open-door opportunity for felons with the skill set to work in this field. Positions range from software development to technical support and help desk roles.

There’s frequently the opportunity for overtime pay, which can be very helpful for felons trying to get back on their feet financially.

Microsoft
Google
Facebook
AT&T
Verizon
Motorola
T-Mobile
Sprint
US Cellular
Comcast
Clear Talk Wireless
Tesla

Transportation and Logistics

One of the most popular industries for felons is transportation and logistics. Companies. They offer jobs ranging from package handlers to delivery drivers.

Benefits can include competitive pay, paid vacation time, and flexible scheduling.

Delta Airlines
American Airlines
Uber
British Air
United Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Jet Blue Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Alaska Airlines
UPS
FedEx
DoorDash
Allied Van Lines
Avis
Hertz
Meineke
AAMCO
AutoZone
Good Year Tire
National Carrier
Knight Transportation
Swift Transportation
Trans Am Transportation
TMC
J.B.Hunt
Boyd Bros. Transportation
Stevens Transport
Crete Carrier
Western Express
CR England
PGT Trucking
Carolina Cargo
Celadon Trucking
Roehl
Trans Way
Uhaul
Caruso Logistics
Champion Logistics
Common Wealth Inc
DM Fulfillment
Distribution Alternatives
Preferred Freezer Services
RIM Logistics
Reliable Transportation Solutions
Source Logistics
Lyft
Ford
General Motors

Grocery and Retail Stores

Retail stores offer a wide variety of jobs for felons. Although, many stores now require criminal background checks before hiring.

So it’s essential to check with individual stores before going through their application process.

However, cashiers, stocking shelves, or customer service representatives are common positions.

Retailers also typically offer benefits such as healthcare packages or 401(k) options to help you save for retirement.

Walmart
ShopRite
Trader Joe’s
Costco
Shaw’s
Stop and Shop
Publix
Safeway
Food Giant
Whole Foods
Krogers
King Soopers
Wegman’s
SuperValu
H.E.B.
Win Co.
Ralph
Amazon
IKEA
Gap
Home Depot
Fred’s
HH Gregg
Home Depot
Kmart
Kohl’s
La-Z-Boy Furniture
Lowe’s
Christmas Tree Shops
Dollar General
Dollar Tree
Family Dollar
Pilot Travel Centers
QuickTrip
Sam’s Club
Target
Walgreens
Macy’s
Men’s Wear House
Party City
PetSmart
Ace Hardware
Bed Bath and Beyond
Best Buy
Bob’s Discount Furniture
CVS Health

Hospitality

The hospitality industry hires felons. There are several jobs, such as housekeepers, front desk clerks, and maintenance workers.

You can start from entry-level jobs and grow to higher positions in time. However, it’s best to take a hospitality course to get a better chance of landing such a job.

Marriott Hotels
IHG
Hilton Hotels
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Hyatt Hotels
Radisson Hotel Group
Country Inn & Suites
Eldorado Resorts
Wyndham Hotels

Oil and Gas

Many felons qualify for entry-level positions in top oil and gas industries; the sky’s the limit if you have experience or specialized skills.

Halliburton
ConocoPhillips
Devon Energy
Eastern Propane&Oil
Williams Energy
ExxonMobile
Chevron
Southwestern Energy
ENSERVCO
Bosque Systems
BP
Encana
Arnold Oil Company
Chesapeake Energy
OXY

Freelance Sites

Freelancing jobs are very lucrative in case you can’t find a job. One of the great things about freelancing jobs is there are no background checks.

You can venture into blogging, web design, writing, or coding. However, you must start small and build a brand to succeed freelancing.

iFreelance
SimplyHired
Fiverr
Up work
Zirtual

Benefits of Hiring Felons

Have you ever thought about the benefits of hiring felons? It can seem daunting, but only a few companies will take on it.

But if you look at the bigger picture, there are some real advantages to bringing felons on board:

Reducing Recidivism Rates

This might be a surprise, but studies have shown that hiring felons can drastically reduce recidivism rates.

This can be attributed to various factors, including the sense of purpose that comes with having steady employment.

Increased Productivity and Performance

Employees with criminal backgrounds often display higher levels of job performance than those without.

Numerous reports have documented how ex-offenders demonstrate higher productivity and loyalty than non-offenders.

Cost Savings

Indeed, hiring a felon is also cost-effective. Employers can enjoy lower labor costs when they hire someone with a criminal record.

There’s a greater pool of resources, and the pay scale may be lower. Plus, when felons get jobs, public assistance programs such as welfare, Medicaid, food stamps, and public housing reduce costs.

Taking a chance on someone with a felony conviction can help your company in terms of cost savings and productivity!

Tips To Help You Get A Job

Finding a job as a convicted felon is challenging, but opportunities are still available.

Also, just because an organization is felon friendly doesn’t mean they will hire you.

Here are a few pointers that can help you land a job;

1. Dont Lie

Desperation often leads you to lie about your past. Remember, companies usually do background checks; catching a lie is the first turn-off.

2. Apply for What Match Your Skills and Interest

Don’t apply for multiple applications for jobs that do not match your skill set and experience.

Desperation frequently leads to multiple job applications that do not relate to your skills.

This may lead to many reactions. Also, just because you’re a felon doesn’t mean you should take whatever comes your way.

It is critical to list your skills and compare them to what is available in the market to know where you are needed.

3. Research Companies

Before going in for an interview, learning as much as possible about the company is crucial.

This gives you insight into the organization’s culture and possible interview questions.

Employers are usually impressed if you know the organization well.

4. Update Your Resume

Customize your resume to suit the job role and requirements. Several sites and apps help you design and create your resume from scratch.

One way companies find information about you is to check your social media accounts. You should invest in it, are you?

Ensure your profiles on all platforms has respectable content. Also, create a LinkedIn account if you don’t have one.

So, when employers look you up online, they will see a solid profile with recommendations. This makes hiring you easier for them.

6. Ask Your Network For Referal

Sometimes the answer you seek is right in front of you. Ask people on your contacts, family, and friends to connect you to people with job opportunities.

Employers are more likely to hire you, even with a felony record, if they have reliable people that can vouch for you.

Conclusion

Finding reliable employment opportunities open to those with a criminal record can be difficult.

However, some companies understand that a criminal record should not hinder job access, so they hire felons.

Companies such as Amazon, Koch Industries, and Pizza Hut are some businesses that provide employment opportunities to felons.

By taking advantage of resources such as the National Reentry Resource Center and the ACLU, you can find employers of ex-felons.

Remember, no matter your background, you are always capable of pursuing a rewarding career.