Chick-fil-A Hiring Overview For 2023

Is Chick-fil-A on the Ban the Box list?

One of the toughest parts of applying for a job with a criminal record is having to answer questions about your background. Everyone knows that some employers will see this section filled out and toss the application to the side. This is why there was a group of advocates (supporters of former felons) that created the Ban the Box campaign. This campaign is used to urge employers to remove these questions from their applications. By doing so, companies look at your application and base their decision off of your skills and not your criminal past.

The Fair Chance Business Pledge is another incentive for former felons looking for work. The Pledge is the official statement companies make when they’ve committed to fair hiring practices for everyone, including former felons.

Chick-fil-A isn’t in support of these programs. But remember, a company doesn’t have to support these initiatives to hire a former felon.

Does Chick-fil-A have special programs for hiring felons?

Unfortunately, they don’t. But Chick-fil-A does offer tuition discounts and scholarships for their employees!

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

The odds of getting hired at Chick-fil-A with a felony are average. We know that some locations will give a former felon a chance, but others won’t. Each location will be different, and there are online reports that people with records have gotten hired at this company.

But let’s keep reading to see how to get a job at Chick-fil-A with a felony!

What are some entry-level jobs?

Like most restaurants, the main entry-level position at Chick-fil-A is a general team member role. You’ll be on shifts and will be cleaning and doing food prep, mainly.

• Team Member — Experience isn’t needed! Chick-fil-A is willing to teach you everything you need to know. Being a hard worker with a friendly and outgoing personality is all that’s required.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

Here are a few things to keep in mind to better your chances of Chick-fil-A hiring you — even with a felony:

1. Referrals and references! If you know someone who works at Chick-fil-A, see if they will recommend you. Otherwise, ask people like your parole officer or your old boss to give you a referral. Pick someone you did a particularly good job for or are well-liked by. They’re going to talk you up for the role and help you land the job!
2. Your resume should show all of your relevant work experience, as well as your education. Have you worked in a fast food restaurant before? Perfect! Share your skills in food prep, cleaning and customer service. If you worked in the kitchen while you were incarcerated, this needs to be included! If you aren’t confident in your resume, no worries. We’ve got you covered. Make sure you look over our guide designed to help your resume stand out.
3. Think up a few stories (or ask old co-workers) about jobs you did particularly well or a time when you earned praise in the workplace. When it comes time for an interview, you’ll want to talk this up!
4. Chick-fil-A will want to know when’s the best time for them to contact you to setup an interview. Make sure the times you provide are set aside for their call. The interview will be your best opportunity to put all of your cards on the table about your background, and what you’ve done to improve yourself.

We couldn’t pin down an exact answer, unfortunately. That being said, it’s always best to be prepared.

Something to keep in mind regarding background checks:

Did you know that there are states that will only see an offense if it is less than seven years old? Yes! Here is a list of those states:

• California
• Colorado*
• Indiana (limited check)
• Kansas*
• Maryland*
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire*
• New York*
• Texas
• Washington*

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

The following states will see only guilty convictions:

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

Even though changes are being made, there are, unfortunately, states that will still look at everything. They are as follows:

• 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 on glassdoor.com, we found that Chick-fil-A is rated with 3.9 out of 5 stars. This is actually a pretty good score for a fast food place!

What was the fan-favorite? You get free meals on your breaks for all shifts worked! The free meals and wonderful customer service are what helped them get their rating so high. But with the good, there is always bad. You’ll work long, stressful hours.

What felonies Chick-fil-A will not hire

The company hasn’t given us a list of charges that would keep you from working there. Our research suggests there might be convictions that hold you up, so see the next section.

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

Chick-fil-A is a fast food restaurant that is prided on their customer service, so there are a few convictions that may give you a hard time getting your foot in the door. Here are a few we think they may look at closely:

Any violent or a sexual offense may prevent you from being hired since the majority of their positions will require working directly with the public.

You’ll handle money and credit cards in most of their positions, so any theft or fraudulent use of a credit card conviction might make your chance at getting hired here lower.

Does Chick-fil-A hire sex offenders?

We don’t know. Chick-fil-A might hire sex offenders, but has never made it known and online reports are inconclusive.

Does Chick-fil-A drug test?

Nothing said a drug screen would be required by Chick-fil-A. This may be something that varies for each location, so we recommend you’re prepared anyway.

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

Do you have any experience working for Chick-fil-A? Do you know someone who has worked here with a felony? We appreciate your feedback!