UPS Hiring Overview For 2023

Is UPS on the Ban the Box list?

Ban the Box is trying to bring equality in the job search to former felons. Employers who agree to “ban the box” do not make candidates answer questions about whether or not they have been convicted of a crime on job applications.

Another initiative is the Fair Chance Business Pledge. In addition to banning the box, companies taking this Pledge “are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals, a fair chance to participate in the American economy.”

UPS hasn’t officially joined these efforts, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t open to hiring former felons. Their basic job application, which we examined, does not ask about a candidate’s criminal history, which is a good sign.

Does UPS have special programs for hiring felons?

UPS doesn’t have any specific programs focused on hiring former felons, or helping them in other ways. Keep in mind, however, that most companies don’t.

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

Because UPS did not respond to our request for information, Relaunch Pad ranks your odds of getting hired at UPS with a felony record as uncertain. They haven’t joined Ban the Box or the Fair Chance Business Pledge, but the job application doesn’t ask about a candidate’s criminal history. However, online reviews are mixed as to whether or not people with records can get jobs here.

What are some entry-level jobs?

The UPS careers page lists all positions available at each location, which includes package handlers (part-time and seasonal), drivers, seasonal positions, supply chain positions, technicians (automotive, plant and air) and corporate roles.

Their main entry-level positions are for package handlers and delivery drivers. Entry-level positions are very detailed about the physical demands of handling packages and being a delivery driver because it’s hard work. For delivery drivers, they also want to see that you can have a positive attitude when you interact with customers.

An entry-level position at UPS is a great place to start your next career. When you work hard and show them you’re committed, you will greatly increase your chances of being promoted into more advanced positions with higher compensation.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

Even though they’re not on the official Ban the Box list, they are committed to giving all candidates a fair shot at a position. So how do you get a job at UPS? You’ll want to shape up your resume to match what they’re looking for.

Take these steps before you apply:

• If you want to be a driver, make sure to highlight any previous commercial driving experience you have. If you’re interested in being a package handler, provide details about any previous jobs you had that were physically demanding and how you handled the physical challenges.
• Overhaul your resume so it does everything you need it to do. See our Complete Guide to Making an Incredible Resume (for Former Felons) for assistance.
• Getting a foot in the door at UPS is all about showing you can meet the physical demands of hard work with a positive, can-do attitude. The company wants to know it can count on you to show up on time and get the job done!

When you get invited to an interview, you’ll want to put your best foot forward. Here are some interview tips for UPS:

• The Basics: You want to show that you’re a dependable, reliable worker who is not afraid of hard physical labor. These are the key qualities for getting an entry-level position at UPS.
• Appearance: Wear nice, clean clothes, but nothing dressy. Package handlers get to wear casual clothing because they don’t interact with customers, but you still want to look nice for the interview. The same goes for delivery drivers, who wear UPS uniforms on the job. Just keep in mind that some people will assume you’ve done time based solely on your appearance, so take care to avoid looking that way.
• Mannerisms: Be confident without being arrogant or cocky and maintain good eye contact. Keep your answers short and relevant. Make sure you are comfortable but not so much that you forget you’re in an interview and use bad language.
• Job History: You may have some large gaps in your employment history because of your incarceration. Potential employers tend to notice this and ask about it. Feel free to say you went through some tough personal times, but are now moving forward in positive ways. Don’t feel like you have to mention incarceration or give any details about your record. Stay focused on the here and now and improving your future!

Part of figuring out how to get hired at UPS includes managing the background check. The company’s job postings mention that a background check will be done by a third-party screener. It’s not clear when they do the background check, but it will happen at some point during the hiring or training process.

If something comes up in your background check that UPS thinks disqualifies you from the position you want, it’s not clear if they will talk to you about it or just tell you you’re not eligible.

Here is some important information you should know about background checks:

Some states don’t even look at information that is more than seven years old. If your offense was six years ago, waiting a year before you apply is a good strategy. A felony conviction from seven or more years ago shouldn’t be a factor in the following states:

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

* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.

Other states don’t show the cases where you were found not guilty. The states that won’t include not guilty verdicts in a background check are the following:

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

There are still many states that will look at your whole record, including any not guilty verdicts. Those states 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

What do people think of UPS as a place to work? Their page on glassdoor.com shows a 3.4 out of a possible 5 stars based on nearly 12,000 reviews. Of those, fully 60% would recommend working for UPS to a friend.

People who work at UPS all seem to highlight how impressed they are with the pay and benefits, giving the company a 3.7 ranking out of 5 stars, which is high compared to many companies. But they also mention it’s hard work!

What felonies UPS will not hire

There are no straight-up nos from the company on this, but the reports online shed more light on potential barriers. Read on for more.

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

Does UPS hire felons? We think they are open to it, but some felonies might hurt your chances. The previously mentioned forums indicate that records including theft and/or assault (physical violence) could disqualify you.

For driver positions, they do ask questions about your driver’s license. They want to know if your license been suspended or revoked (except non-moving violations) in the past three years. They also want to know if you have you been charged with any DUI or DWI violations in the past three years. On top of that, they ask how many chargeable accidents or moving violations you’ve had in the past three years.

Does UPS hire sex offenders?

We don’t know. The company didn’t tell us, and online reports were nonexistent.

Does UPS drug test?

Drug tests at UPS depend upon the position and the shift. Delivery drivers can expect a drug test. For package handlers and other warehouse workers, it seems to vary from place-to-place and also by position.

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

Please help Relaunch Pad help others who are facing the same challenges you have faced. Did the information in this article help you get a job at UPS with a felony?

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