Big Lots Hiring Overview For 2023

Is Big Lots on the Ban the Box list?

Ban the Box is an initiative that prevents companies from asking on their application forms whether or not job applicants are felons. Although they don’t seem to be part of the Ban the Box list, they do have a paragraph on their website welcoming all to apply:

“Big Lots is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunities for all employees, as well as providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Big Lots are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Big Lots will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Big Lots will consider for employment qualified individuals with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.”

Unfortunately, we also know they’ve already been fined for violating Ban the Box laws in certain states. You can find more information here.

Big Lots might also be part of the Fair Chance Business Pledge, but we were unable to find official information on the matter. The Fair Chance Business Pledge was created by Barack Obama to provide former felons a chance to start over.

Does Big Lots have special programs for hiring felons?

Big Lots welcomes everyone to apply to their job opportunities, however apparently they do not have any special programs to specifically hire felons or people with past misdemeanors.

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

Relaunch Pad thinks you’ve got average chances of being hired by Big Lots with a felony. The company welcomes all to apply, and there is online support that the company will hire a former offender.

What are some entry-level jobs?

There are three main categories for entry-level jobs: Corporate, store and distribution center. You can easily browse through these three different categories on their website and find the opportunity that best fits your needs and abilities.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

Since Big Lots is part of the Ban the Box list, here’s what you need to do next in order to land that job!

• It’s important to know more about the company. Make sure you research the company’s website and understand what they do, where they come from and how you can be part of it.
• Make sure you use your previous experience in life or even other jobs to show the company how you can be an asset.
• Highlight your qualities and what you do best. Don’t be afraid to speak up!

The second step is to have an attractive and well-written resume. Punctuation, grammar and accurate information play an important role when presenting yourself.

If you have received the green light to the next step — the interview — here is what you need to know:

• Watch for possible mannerisms and slang. They’re not professional at all.
• Dress to impress. Be business casual, but there’s no need to spend hundreds. Check in with your local career center and see if they have some hookups for you.
• Be clean: Your clothes, hair/beard nails and teeth should be clean.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up. Look your interviewer in the eye and be as honest as possible.

Big Lots is open to hiring people from all backgrounds. The website does not state if they run background checks. They don’t disclose information regarding their hiring process, either.

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

If your felony happened seven years ago or more, you will not have to worry about it showing in your background check. The states below don’t show that information in your record:

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

The court cases which you were found not guilty are not shown in the following states:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Indiana (limited check)
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York

However, there are still some states that will look at your whole record. This includes your not guilty verdicts. Be aware, if you live in one of these states, that they will see everything:

• 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

The internet is a great place to find information from current and former employees.

The company has a total score of 3 stars out of 5 on glassdoor.com from over 1,500 reviews. You will find useful information regarding hours, experiences, life and work balance and much more. Make sure you take some time to read the reviews. You will see that they get a general score of 3 out of 5, which is not bad at all.

What felonies Big Lots will not hire

There isn’t a list that we could find that said which felonies would disqualify your resume, and the company didn’t say.

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

Does Big Lots hire felons? Yes, they do . . . at least sometimes. Keep in mind that your offense might make it harder to get certain jobs.

• If you had previous issues with drugs or drunk driving, a job as a driver will be less likely for you.
• A history of violence might mean customer service isn’t your thing, and they might agree.
• If you had issues with theft you will probably not be handling cash.

Does Big Lots hire sex offenders?

We’re uncertain about this, because Big Lots didn’t tell us and there’s no strong information online.

Does Big Lots drug test?

There is no official answer to this question. However, it’s always a good idea not to do illegal drugs when looking for a job.

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

We hope that this article was useful to you and in case you have any extra information feel free to share with us. If you want to get a job at Big Lots with a felony, now’s the time to apply!