CenturyLink Hiring Overview For 2023

Is CenturyLink on the Ban the Box list?

Are you familiar with Ban the Box or the Fair Chance Business Pledge? Well, if you’re not, you’re missing out on two resources that were designed to help a former felon looking for work!

Ban the Box’s sole purpose is to make applying for a job fair for all individuals — criminal history or not. If a company is on this list, they’ve agreed to remove all questions asking about criminal convictions from their applications. This results in companies looking only at an applicant’s experience and skills.

The Pledge is a further commitment to that, started by the United States government. They say:

The White House is building on past efforts by challenging businesses to take on the “Fair Chance Business Pledge,” a nationwide call-to-action to accomplish the shared goal of creating a stronger set of opportunities for people who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.

CenturyLink doesn’t support Ban the Box or the Pledge. Luckily, they don’t have to support these initiatives to be able to hire you with a felony!

Does CenturyLink have special programs for hiring felons?

No, these programs aren’t offered by CenturyLink.

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

The odds of you being hired here are average. Online reports vary, and the company doesn’t have a public statement about their employment policy for former felons either.  That means it’s subjective, and many online reports support this by saying your particular record will play a part in hiring. Read on for more!

What are some entry-level jobs?

Your best chance at being employed with CenturyLink will be with one of their entry-level jobs in customer service at their call center.

Jobs like this will require you to have some computer knowledge and customer service skills. You’ll need to be able to assist customers with their accounts, do sales and troubleshoot any technical issues.

However, if you have more in-depth experience in the telecommunications field, make sure to look over all the positions on CenturyLink’s website for something more your style.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

The best way to get any company’s attention is with a great resume. Your resume is your way of telling a company why you’re a perfect fit for their opening.

But what happens if you aren’t confident in it? No worries, we can show you all the pointers in making your skills stand out so you’re able to feel confident in this area too!

See, we already have you covered. We have created an entire guide that shows you how to highlight all your skills on your resume. We even have some great suggestions on how to include your job experience from your incarceration. Most people fail to realize those skills are valuable too. For example: Working as a librarian gave you customer service, inventory, computer and stocking skills. Most jobs require at least one of these skills — and you have all of them!

When you are contacted for setting up the interview there will be a few things you should remember, such as:

• Make sure your phone voice is polite and clear. After all, this will be a requirement for working in a call center.
• Select a time that allows you the opportunity to arrive early.

On the day of the interview, take care with your appearance. You need to be neat and presentable. A great outfit choice would be something you would wear to church.

As always, the interview is the best time for you to make them aware of your background. This means even if they have not asked you! Get it out of the way so you can move forward. Being upfront and honest may be enough for them to give you the chance you deserve.

Yes, you can expect a background check before being hired with CenturyLink. Online reports are clear on this.

Here is something to keep in mind regarding background checks:

Different states have different requirements concerning background checks. There are some states that will look at an offense only if it’s less than seven years old, such as:

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

*Pay scale can impact what will show up on a background check.

The states that will see only guilty convictions are as follows:

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

The states that will still look at everything are:

• 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

Looking at Glassdoor, we found that CenturyLink is rated with 2.9 out of 5 stars. Not a great score, but let’s see why they received it.

CenturyLink seems to have great work-life balance and excellent benefits. However, it appears that the number one complaint is that there isn’t room for growth or advancement.

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

Since we are uncertain if CenturyLink will hire a former felon, we want you to be prepared that there may be a few convictions that will give you a harder time getting your foot in the door.

1. Violent crimes will more than likely be red flagged. Companies tend to lean harder on those with violent crimes when their jobs deal with customers directly — even if it’s only over the phone.
2. Credit card, identity or computer crimes should be expected to be looked at closely. These positions will have access to customers’ accounts and information, so people with these crimes may not be given a chance.

Does CenturyLink drug test?

Yes. CenturyLink doesn’t hide the fact that there will be a drug screen required in order to be considered for employment.

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

Was our article successful in answering your questions about how to get a job at CenturyLink with a felony? Do you or someone you know work at CenturyLink with a felony? We appreciate any feedback you can provide!