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We understand that looking for a job is anything but fun, especially when you have a felony conviction. But luckily we’re here to assist you in answering questions like: Does Rita’s hire felons?
Why would we want to do that? Well, many of us here at Relaunch Pad have been in your shoes. Our team is made up of former felons or those who have worked closely with them, so who could be any better to assist you with your job search? We even know the best questions to ask. Relaunch Pad even contacts companies directly to ask about their hiring policy for former felons.
To help you in your quest, we’ll also answer the following:
- Does Rita’s hire people with misdemeanors?
- Will my felony disqualify me?
- What are some entry-level jobs?
- Does Rita’s do background checks?
- Does Rita’s drug test?
Does Rita’s hire felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
At Rita’s, hiring is done by the franchise owner on their own terms. Here’s what they said:
“All Rita’s shops are independently owned and operated. The franchise owner is in charge of their own employee relations and practices, including but not limited to, hiring and firing.”
This doesn’t tell us if Rita’s hires felons or not, obviously, so let’s continue reading to see how to get a job at Rita’s with a felony.
Has Rita’s hired felons in the past?
There wasn’t anything found in our research that provided us with a simple yes or no to this question. As the company told us, every location makes its own hiring policies so each one could be different.
Let’s keep digging to see what we can find about how to get hired at Rita’s with a criminal history!
Does Rita’s hire people with misdemeanors?
We don’t have a concrete answer one way or the other.
Is Rita’s on the Ban the Box list?
No one likes looking for a job, but when you have to answer questions about previous convictions it tends to make it a little worse. Luckily there are groups urging employers to remove these questions from their applications!
This is the main goal of the Ban the Box campaign. By having companies agree to remove these questions, the company has no choice but to look at the applicants’ experience and skills — not their criminal history.
Rita’s doesn’t support Ban the Box. Most companies don’t, so it’s okay — it’s not a deal breaker! Plus we know from looking over their application that they don’t ask about previous convictions. This is always good news!
The Fair Chance Business Pledge another group that helps former offenders get gainful employment. It’s a commitment made by companies to practice fair hiring for all — including those with convictions.
Even though Rita’s isn’t a supporter of either of these initiatives, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a job at Rita’s with a felony.
Does Rita’s have special programs for hiring felons?
Unfortunately, Rita’s doesn’t offer these special programs.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?
Does Rita’s hire felons? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. Based off the information we were provided, the odds of getting hired at Rita’s with a felony are uncertain. We found nothing that said they’ve hired felons before, nor any policy against hiring someone with a record.
What are some entry-level jobs?
Entry-level positions are always a great place to get your foot in the door with most companies. These positions usually don’t require many skills or experience — and are usually easy to learn.
Since Rita’s is a yogurt shop, here is what an entry-level position will probably look like:
Treat Specialist — This position requires a friendly and dependable individual with a flexible schedule. Duties will include: Preparing treats, cleaning, inventory and stocking. Server or restaurant food service preferred, but not required.
How to get hired at Rita’s with a felony
Application
In order to help you know what you’re up against, we looked over Rita’s application. The only stuff you need to have ready before is your personal information and previous employer contact information. Also, have in mind what shifts are the best fit for you — they ask for your availability to see if you fit what they’re looking for.
Resume
Rita’s doesn’t request a resume, but we strongly suggest you provide one anyway. We’re aware that resumes frighten most people. In hopes of changing this, we set aside a complete section to assist you in putting your resume together. Make sure you look it over for some excellent tips in highlighting your skills, including the ones you acquired while you were incarcerated. Jobs from the kitchen or even the library aide position will be useful. You learned customer service and also how to do inventory.
Interview
Personality is a must, so make sure to smile. Remember to be polite and allow them to see for themselves how you interact with people. This gives them insight how you will be with customers.
A lot of companies that deal with the public are funny about tattoos and piercings. We suggest you cover or remove them until you are aware of their policies. A great time to ask about these is at the end of the interview.
If they inquire about your background, be honest. The interview will be the best opportunity for you to explain your situation and how you have grown.
Does Rita’s do background checks?
Rita’s website doesn’t state whether or not they perform background checks. Online sources didn’t mention if they were done, either. Our advice would be to be prepared to disclose any information regarding your background — just in case.
Something to keep in mind regarding background checks:
We now have states that will look at your record only if it’s less than seven years old. They are as follows:
- California
- Colorado
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
Luckily, we now have states that will look only at guilty convictions. Here are those states:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
It’s unfortunate that there are still some states that will see everything. Those states include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- DC
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana (extensive check)
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Company ratings
Rita’s has a 3.8 out of 5 stars rating on glassdoor.com. That’s not a bad score for this industry!
Pros — Working here is fun, they provide a great work environment and have flexible hours.
Cons — Minimum wage, not a lot of hours and sometimes customers aren’t friendly.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
There will be a few convictions that will more than likely have a difficult time getting through.
- Rita’s is a family-friendly dessert chain. All of their positions require interacting with the public, so any sexual or violent offense will give you trouble.
- Theft of any kind will probably be looked at closely since you will deal with cash and credit cards.
Does Rita’s drug test?
There was nothing that indicated if Rita’s will or will not require a drug screen.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
Tell us, what do you know about working at Rita’s with a felony? Have you or someone you know worked here? We value feedback!
