Harley-Davidson Hiring Overview For 2023

Official company policy for hiring felons

We’ve been unable to contact Harley-Davidson to ask them about their hiring policy for ex-offenders, but we found this on their website:

“Harley-Davidson is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified individuals in all job titles without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other classes protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer.”

While this isn’t specific to criminal records, we also found the following:

“You’re welcome as you are — Whatever your background, approach or even attire, we expect you to come as you are and always bring your best.”

So it looks like their policies don’t exclude former felons!

Has Harley-Davidson hired felons in the past?

We don’t have enough information to say for sure, unfortunately. We’ve seen some reports that they have, but nothing concrete.

Does Harley-Davidson hire people with misdemeanors?

We can’t say for sure if the company will hire people with misdemeanors. There just isn’t enough information.

Is Harley-Davidson on the Ban the Box list?

Ban the Box is an initiative by All of Us or None to rid applications of the question asking if you’ve been convicted of a crime. The Fair Chance Business Pledge also helps former offenders and was started during the Obama Administration. It encourages employers to look past your background and focus on your skills and experience instead.

Unfortunately, Harley-Davidson doesn’t participate in either of these programs. Questions about your background pop up on some of the individual retail store applications.

Does Harley-Davidson have special programs for hiring felons?

They don’t have any programs aimed at hiring ex-offenders at this time.

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

After careful research and consideration, we give your odds of getting hired at Harley-Davidson with a felony as uncertain. They aren’t on the Ban the Box list, but some of their locations don’t ask about convictions on their application. Additionally, there aren’t any strong reports one way or the other about this.

What are some entry-level jobs?

If you’re interested in working hands-on with Harley-Davidson, you can find entry-level positions at their assembly plant where you’ll be manufacturing motorcycles — cool, right?

There are also entry-level positions in their retail stores. You’d be assisting customers with their purchases and handling transactions.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

While there are two types of entry-level jobs at Harley-Davidson, manufacturing and retail, the application process is the same for both. You’ll want to create an amazing resume that really stands out from the others and nail your interview. Here’s how you do that:

First, the resume

List your education. Did you graduate high school? Earn your G.E.D.? Maybe you attended college. Letting them know how far you went in school will give the company a good idea of your qualifications and abilities.

Be sure to include the names, addresses and phone numbers of your previous employers. Prioritize jobs with crossover skills to the one you’re applying for now. Don’t forget to list your job position and duties as well.

Detail any experience, skills or hobbies you have that will help you get a job here. For example, have you worked on a motorcycle? Do you have experience in a retail setting? Does your previous work history include any manufacturing or assembly experience?

Then, the interview

Arrive 10-15 minutes early to show the company you can be on time and are reliable.

Wear something business casual. You don’t need a fancy suit or formal dress, but you don’t want to show up in jeans and a sweatshirt. If you don’t have something nice to wear, check out your local clothing pantry or church for options.

Talk about your talents and skills. They’ve read about them on your resume, but now is your chance to really talk them up. Whether you own a Harley-Davidson and taught yourself, worked in an assembly setting in prison or have work experience, make sure to tell them the details.

And talk about your favorite Harley-Davidson products! Show you know the company.

When you’re answering questions, be as honest and specific as you can. This includes questions about your background. You don’t want them finding out any of the details the hard way and costing you your job.

Online sources say Harley-Davidson will perform a background check sometime before an offer of employment is made.

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

Since background checks vary from state-to-state, it’s important that you know the laws where you live. Some states, like those on the following list, don’t look at anything seven years old or older:

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

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

And the states on this list aren’t concerned with any not guilty verdicts:

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

However, there are still some states on the list that will see everything, including the not guilty cases. Be aware in you live in these states:

• 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

We took to the internet to research Harley-Davidson’s ratings. Glassdoor.com gives them 3.5 stars out of 5. It seems to be that while the work environment is fun and relaxed, there are yearly layoffs and diminishing benefits.

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

Does Harley-Davidson hire felons? It looks like they do, but there are certain felonies that can hurt your chances.

For example, regardless of if you work in manufacturing or retail, you’ll be handling merchandise, so any crimes of theft will pose a problem.

Drug or alcohol charges will as well, especially if there are driving duties involved in your job.

Violent crime might also be a problem because you’ll have to handle high stress work environments from time-to-time.

Does Harley-Davidson drug test?

Our sources say the company will perform a drug test as part of the hiring process.

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

Did you use this article to get a job at Harley-Davidson with a felony? Tell us about it. We want all the details! It’s also an opportunity for you to help someone else out that’s in your shoes. Let’s stick together.