Yes, they do. As the company says in their official statement, this is done for every applicant during the hiring process. However, they also are quick to add that each applicant’s history is considered individually. Therefore, be honest about your record and explain you’re looking to be a loyal, long-term employee.
Unfortunately, your record will come out. But there are some states where this is limited.
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
Do you live in a state where employers only go back seven years to do a background check? If so, and you don’t have anything more recent on your record, you don’t have to worry. Here’s the list of states where this applies:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
Additionally, some states won’t look at any charges where you were found not guilty. Here are the states that have this practice:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
However, there are a number of states that consider your whole record, including not guilty verdicts. To that end, here is a list of those states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- DC
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana
- 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
According to glassdoor.com, United Supermarkets has a very good rating. This is based on 146 employee reviews. The company was rated 3.9 out of 5 overall, with 77% saying they’d recommend the company to a friend and a whopping 90% approving of the CEO!
Indeed.com also gives the company a 3.9 out of 5, based on 533 reviews. In this case, the highest marks were given for work life balance, culture and management.
Although the number of staff commenting is relatively small on these sites, feedback like this tells you United Supermarkets is a great place to work. More importantly for you as a former felon, you know they treat their hires well. This is really important as you build yourself back up!
What felonies United Supermarkets will not hire
The supermarket chain didn’t say there were specific charges that would stop you from getting the job. Read below for the charges that will cause you the most hassle.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
While we know they’ve hired felons in the past, certain felonies will make it harder to get hired. While no two companies have the exact same policies, there are some key offenses that will work against you here. For example:
- If you’re interested in working as a Delivery Driver, it makes sense that felony convictions for driving offenses will make it more difficult to get hired. More than one moving violation in the past three years, a suspension or at fault accident in the last three years, or DUI/DWIs in the past seven years will stop you from getting this position.
- If you’re looking at cashier or stocking jobs, theft will work against you. Be aware so you can prepare.
Essentially, your employer wants to make sure you’re a safe hire. They’re responsible for you, after all. So, you need to show them you’re a good choice. If you don’t fit the job you want right now, it’s okay to do something else until you do!
Look at the job description and ask yourself if your record will be held against you. If you’re not sure, go to a career center for some direction. They often have great tips for job seekers. On the other hand, they can tell you where to apply that better matches your skills if necessary.
Does United Supermarkets hire sex offenders?
The company didn’t say, unfortunately, and there aren’t any reports online that tell us yes or no.
Does United Supermarkets drug test?
Yes, a drug test is done at the same time as the background check. While the company doesn’t mention it in their official statement, United Supermarkets’ staff commenting online confirm they had to pass a drug test.
If you’re concerned you won’t pass your drug test, wait to apply. If you’re serious about getting a job here, it won’t hurt to sign up for AA or other free counseling services to help you succeed! In fact, you can use this as an opportunity to get clean if you need a little push.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
So now you know how to get a job at United Supermarkets with a felony. Have you been successful applying here? If so, what are some tips you have for your peers? Similarly, is there anything you wish you knew before?
We welcome your comments and wish you every success on your job search journey!