Ace Hardware Hiring Overview For 2023

Is Ace Hardware on the Ban the Box list?

There are two excellent national initiatives that urge employers to focus on your job skills before they consider your criminal record. The first is Ban the Box that asks companies to remove the criminal record check box from job applications.

The second is the Fair Chance Business Pledge. Employers can sign the pledge to show anyone applying that they’ll be treated fairly, despite having a criminal record.

Ace Hardware is not only on the Ban the Box list, but they have also signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge.

This is amazing! It means that Ace Hardware is one company that really wants to show they will practice what they preach when it comes to fair hiring practices.

Does Ace Hardware have special programs for hiring felons?

Ace Hardware does not appear to have any special programs for hiring felons. This isn’t really surprising and certainly shouldn’t discourage you from applying. Remember, they are on the Ban the Box list and have signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge! This says a lot about their attitude.

More importantly, it confirms that you can get a job at Ace Hardware with a felony!

There are likely to be other programs in your community that can help you get hired at Ace Hardware. The federal Second Chance Act (SCA) gives grant money to programs that help people with criminal records find work. So, take a look at the map in this link to find an organization close to you.

What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

We suggest your odds to get a job at Ace Hardware with a felony are high. We believe this because they support Ban the Box and the Fair Chance Business Pledge.

In addition, their company’s official statement says each store has their own hiring policies. If one location won’t hire you, another just might!

What are some entry-level jobs?

There are some solid entry-level jobs at Ace Hardware, both in local stores and distribution centers. Some will need you to have a high school education or equivalent, so pay attention to the particular job requirements. Besides that, you might like to know that some jobs actually include a small hiring bonus!

Here are some examples of entry-level jobs:

• Cashier
• Sales Associate
• Warehouse Specialist
• Inventory Coordinator

The company describes its workplace as fast-paced, competitive and friendly. They want staff to take pride in working for Ace Hardware. So, whether you’re making sure product is out the door quickly in a distribution center or you’re running the cash register in a community store, your job is important.

The Ace Hardware mission statement — ‘To be the best, most helpful hardware stores on the planet’ — says it all!

Tips to get hired here with a felony

So, how does Ace Hardware hire felons? First, you have several options to apply. Here is the link to look up job openings at Ace Hardware. You can apply online by creating an account. You can also go to any Ace Hardware store nearby to apply with your resume.

However you decide to apply, put together a strong resume to really help your chances.

Depending on your situation, especially if you’ve done a lot of time in prison, you may not have a lot of actual job experience. Here’s one article about how to write your resume when you don’t have much work experience.

Can you demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively with others? Do you take satisfaction in a job well done? Remember, the experience you have doesn’t have to be work-related; it can be team sports, volunteer work or just helping out around the neighborhood or at your child’s school.

When you land that interview, don’t forget to:

• Dress professionally in business casual clothes.
• Bring an extra copy of your resume to have it handy for the hiring manager.
• Take a copy of your job application, including contact information for any additional references.

Here are a few more tips to help with the interview jitters:

• Write out a few questions ahead of time that you want to ask.
• Bring a small pad of paper and a pen that you can use in the interview (with the manager’s permission) to collect your thoughts before you respond to questions.
• Take a few deep breaths before you go into the interview room.
• Practice looking confident with good posture, eye contact and a smile.

Yes, they do. The Ace Hardware job application confirms you are giving them permission to contact previous employers and any professional references you’ve included.

Also, the application says the background check may involve a consumer report that covers areas such as your general reputation and character.

The application also asks you to list any felonies in the last seven years. However, it states that a criminal record won’t necessarily disqualify you from employment. In addition, the online comments generally support that some kind of background check is done.

Here’s what you need to know about background checks:

Similar to what is on the Ace Hardware application, employers in some states go back only seven years to check your background. Here are the particular states:

• California
• Colorado*
• Kansas*
• Maryland*
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire*
• New York*
• Texas*
• Washington*

(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)

Then again, some states don’t check for charges where you were found not guilty. Below are these states:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York

Finally, pay attention to the list of states below that look at your entire record, including any not guilty verdicts:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• DC
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana
• 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

There are 968 reviews from employees of the company on glassdoor.com. They gave the company 3.6 out of 5 stars. This is a good overall rating.

On top of that, 68% said they would recommend Ace Hardware to friend and 88% approved of the CEO!

This feedback should tell you that this is one company you might really enjoy working for.

What felonies Ace Hardware will not hire

There are no felonies listed as immediate vetos by the company. That said, we know some records will influence your hiring chances, so read below for more.

What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?

Although Ace Hardware appears to be a felon-friendly company, you could have a harder time getting hired with certain convictions. Here are some examples:

• Theft — you’ll be working with a lot of inventory and the company will want to make sure you can be accountable for it.
• Fraud — the small business owners of Ace Hardware stores are looking for staff they can really trust with their store.
• Assault and related — any history of violence may be a concern since it’s not always easy to work in customer service.

So, if any of the above offenses apply to you:

• Be prepared to explain the circumstances.
• Be ready to say what you have done to prevent future criminal offenses.
• Consider describing any help you have had. For example, have you successfully completed anger management counseling or a substance abuse program?

Does Ace Hardware hire sex offenders?

Nothing available on this, unfortunately. The online responses were vague and the company didn’t tell us specifically.

Does Ace Hardware drug test?

Yes, they do. Some say they had to pass a drug test before hiring. Others talk about random drug tests where they work. Still others describe being drug tested if there was suspicion of use.

However, each store is responsible for its own hiring and management policies. This means each store follows its own rules. That being said, be ready just in case.

Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!

Do you personally know how to get hired at Ace Hardware?

By sharing your experiences, you can really help others find a good job and become contributing members of the community.

We look forward to hearing from you!