Berkeley Labs Hiring Overview For 2023

Official company policy for hiring felons

To find out if Berkeley Labs will hire people with a record, we reached out and asked. Here is what they told us:

“No, we do not have any restrictions on hiring individuals with past criminal records. Our hiring process does include a criminal background check. If we do learn of a past conviction, it is not an automatic disqualification. Rather, we evaluate the nature of the offense, relevance to the job requirements and responsibilities of the position, and the time that has passed since the offense occurred.”

Has Berkeley Labs hired felons in the past?

Unfortunately, they did not provide any specific information about previous hires. Still, the good news is that it looks like they are open to hiring reformed felons.

Does Berkeley Labs hire people with misdemeanors?

It isn’t just former felons who sometimes have a hard time finding work. Does Berkeley Labs hire people with misdemeanors?

They did not say directly. However, since they are willing to consider applicants with felonies, you can bet that they are also willing to consider applicants with misdemeanors.

Is Berkeley Labs on the Ban the Box list?

The Ban the Box campaign formed with the purpose of eliminating questions on applications that ask about criminal records. The idea is to give all candidates equal footing to be considered based on their skills rather than their history.

There is also the Fair Chance Business Pledge. The Fair Chance Business Pledge is very similar to Ban the Box. Companies make a pledge to show that they are committed to giving former felons a fair opportunity.

Berkeley Labs is not participating in either effort.

The fact that this company is not on the lists will not help you get a job at Berkeley Labs with a felony, but it won’t necessarily hurt your chances, either.

Does Berkeley Labs have special programs for hiring felons?

Some companies actually have special programs for hiring felons. These programs are really great opportunities to find work quickly in the outside world.

Berkeley Labs is not one of these companies. While this may be disappointing, it also doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance to get hired. It mostly just means that your application won’t be given any special priority.

Does Berkeley Labs hire felons? It looks like they do. They just don’t make a special point of it.

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

We’re uncertain if they’ll hire a former offender or not, unfortunately. The good outweighs the bad for former felons looking to find a job at Berkeley Labs. It is true that the company hasn’t made any commitments to hiring former felons (such as being on Ban the Box or having special hiring programs), but their hiring policy is promising.

What are some entry-level jobs?

Because of the sort of work Berkeley Labs does, their positions are mostly for people with advanced degrees.

They are usually looking to fill positions for post-graduate work, engineering and research.

A background in these fields is going to work in your favor. Unfortunately, if you do not have a background in these fields, your application probably will not be considered.

They also have administrative positions — office work. These positions won’t require nearly as much of an educational background.

These jobs are great because they have advancement potential. If your educational background is a little bit more limited, entry-level jobs will be more appropriate for you.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

As we heard from Berkeley Labs, a felony will not disqualify you from getting hired. A strong candidate with a record can get hired. However, you do need the right education.

You may remember that we mentioned some of their positions are for post-graduate work. That means candidates need PhDs.

Those jobs are very competitive. However, if you have the required experience, then by all means, emphasize that as strongly as you can.

Office jobs

If you are applying for an office job, your approach might be a little bit different. They are looking for trustworthy people who work well with others. Show them that this is you. Be friendly, comfortable, and confident.

Talk about your education. Also, focus on other work experiences where you have interacted with, or even been in charge of, others.

And, of course, if you have experience in an office, that will also be valuable.

A strong resume is really going to help you out with the process. Your application is how they will form their first impression of you. Qualifications are important to them, so make sure that you know how to emphasize yours.

Ask a second pair of eyes to take a look at your application. There are writing and career centers that will do this. If you have a friend or family member who is good at that stuff, feel free to ask them.