The Giving Keys Hiring Overview For 2023

Is The Giving Keys on the Ban the Box list?

The company isn’t on the Ban the Box list. Employers who don’t ask about your criminal past up front are found on this list. This means that there isn’t a criminal record check box on their job application form. Unfortunately, The Giving Keys doesn’t appear to support another program designed to help offenders find work more easily, either — the Fair Chance Business Pledge.

Considering what we know about the company, it’s a bit surprising that they aren’t on board with either initiative. Having said that, they do not ask about your record on their application!

Does The Giving Keys have special programs for hiring felons?

Yes! Their website says that they want to create jobs for people who were formerly incarcerated and inspire other businesses to as well. They focus on employing people who are transitioning out of homelessness and recognize that many homeless people have been in trouble with the law.

Here’s how the program works. They team up with various nonprofits to identify job candidates. New hires are given a two-week trial work period to see if the job is a good fit. This is followed by a longer probationary time before they are hired on permanently.

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

Our view is that the odds are high. The company isn’t on the Ban the Box list and hasn’t taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge. That said, they don’t ask about your criminal history on the application or do a background check. Plus, they straight-up told us that they don’t discriminate against anyone with a criminal history.

You don’t get much better odds than that to get a job at The Giving Keys with a felony!

What are some entry-level jobs?

The company explained that all their new hires begin as Production Associates. Basically, this entry-level job involves making and shipping the jewelry products that the company sells. Employees learn technical skills on the job so they can assemble, hand stamp and engrave pendants, bracelets, earrings and key chains.

Production Associates don’t need to have finished high school or have any related work experience. In fact, the company works closely with each employee to help them identify and grow their talents, skills and knowledge.

Each job comes with benefits and paid time off for education, housing searches and case management appointments.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

1. Start at The Giving Keys careers page and read what the company says.
2. Take a look at how they hire through several nonprofits that assist people struggling with homelessness.
3. Bring your resume to one of the following community services that sends job candidates to The Giving Keys:
   1. Chrysalis
   2. Homeboy Industries
   3. Downtown Women’s Center

Here are some other words of advice to get a job at The Giving Keys with a felony or misdemeanor:

At your interview with one of the above nonprofits:

• Be honest about your criminal history and the steps you’re taking to resettle in the community. These agencies are here to help. The more they know about you, the more they can assist.
• Find out what other job prep services they provide. They may be willing to review your resume or suggest what interview questions to be ready for.
• Make sure you know what the hiring process is. For example: What information do they provide about you to The Giving Keys? How long does it take to get a job with the company?

No, the company told us directly that they don’t. If you’re wondering how to get hired at The Giving Keys, a background check isn’t part of the process.

Here’s how different states manage background checks:

Say you haven’t been arrested in seven years. Your background check in the following states won’t show your convictions:

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

(*sometimes certain pay or salary brackets require one.)

What’s more, the states below don’t include not guilty verdicts in a background check:

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

If you’re applying for a job in the following states, then your entire record will be shown in a background check:

• 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

There are only 15 reviews of The Giving Keys on Glassdoor and they’re given 2.2 out of 5. In general, people praise the company for their mission and criticize them for a lack of leadership.

With so few online ratings, it’s difficult to know what it’s like to work at The Giving Keys. Here’s another idea — see what current staff have to say by watching employee videos on the company website.

What felonies The Giving Keys will not hire

They didn’t give us a list of felony charges they will not hire if they see them on your background, but we’re sure they have some stipulations. See the next section.

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

There are a few types of convictions that might require a bit of explanation to the manager. If you’ve got a history of theft, The Giving Keys wants to be sure that you’re not going to steal any product.

A criminal background that includes assault-related charges may also be a problem. Since you’ll be working closely with other people, the company needs you to be a good team player. Conflict and unchecked anger in any workplace doesn’t get the job done.

Does The Giving Keys hire sex offenders?

We don’t know if The Giving Keys will hire people with sex offenses on their records, but we’d love to hear about it if they do!

Does The Giving Keys drug test?

We can’t say for sure.

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

Here’s your chance to tell us what you know! How does The Giving Keys hire felons in your experience?