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If you have ever considered a job in the food or service industries, why not combine the two and work at a grocery store? So, does Acme Markets hire felons? We want to talk about how to get a job at Acme Markets with a felony because grocery stores are great places to work since they have a variety of positions and room for advancement. Basically, they have great entry-level jobs to get you going again!
We’ll also cover some other important questions you may have in mind:
- Does Acme Markets do background checks?
- Does Acme Markets drug test employees?
- What kind of positions do they offer?
- How can I ace the interview?
Relaunch Pad spoke to Acme Markets directly so we could give you the best information possible. We also did our own research into the company to give you insider tips. Now, let’s find out how to get a job at Acme Markets with a felony.
Does Acme Markets Hire Felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
We asked Albertsons LLC, Acme Markets’ parent company, if they had policies regarding hiring those with a felony conviction. Here is what they told us:
“Albertsons LLC conducts criminal background checks as part of our normal hiring practices. Every job offer is conditioned upon completion of this background check and each and every job applicant’s history is considered on a case-by-case basis. All applications for employment are accepted online.”
Okay, we know that’s not a specific answer. It’s a good thing we have more to work with, thanks to our research!
Have they hired felons in the past?
Acme Markets did not comment about if they have previously hired felons, but that’s okay. We have confirmation from other sources that Albertsons has indeed hired felons in the past. Great!
Now let’s find out how to get hired at Acme Markets with a record.
Does Acme Markets hire people with misdemeanors?
We didn’t find any information directly from the company regarding this, but we think they do. Since they hire felons on a case-by-case basis, there is no reason to think it is different for more minor charges.
Is Acme Markets on the Ban the Box list?
Ban the Box is a campaign advocated by civil rights groups, along with the Fair Chance Business Pledge, that have worked to stop discrimination against former felons looking for employment. Ban the Box has had great success in convincing companies to remove criminal history questions from their applications. The Fair Chance Business Pledge has gone even further, encouraging businesses to take a chance on those looking for a second chance.
While we could not find information about whether Acme Markets or their parent company have “banned the box,” we did fill out an online application and were not asked any questions about criminal history.
Does Acme Markets have any special programs for hiring felons?
We could not find any programs offered by Acme Markets that focus on helping former felons get a job with the company. Please make a point to check with job placement agencies and workforce centers in your area, as they are usually equipped with information that specifically helps those with a record get a job.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?
We think there are average odds of getting hired at Acme Markets with a felony. We have information that they have hired felons in the past, but since we have no concrete proof from the company, we cannot give better odds.
They did tell us that they hire on a case-by-case basis, so it will likely depend the types of charges on your record. Does Acme Markets hire people with misdemeanors? We don’t know for sure, but it is likely that they do.
What are some entry-level jobs?
Acme Markets is one of the largest grocery chains in the Northeast and there are plenty of positions available. Don’t think that just because they are a grocery store that every position is food related. We found a wide variety of positions when we browsed their openings.
Some examples of entry-level positions include:
- Shelf Stockers
- Food Services Cook
- Food Service Food Packager
- Dishwasher
- Cashiers
- Bakery Workers
- Produce
- Meat Department
- Pharmacy Jobs
- Starbucks Baristas
- Delivery Drivers
These jobs usually include shift work and there is also room for advancement.
How to get hired at Acme Markets with a felony
Acme Markets’ hiring process is done through their parent company, Albertsons LLC. The first step will be to browse through available positions on their job portal. You can narrow it down to the location you’re looking to get hired at as well as by the type of position you want. Don’t narrow your search too much, as you may find a job in a city close by or another position that interests you.
Once you find a position that interests you (or multiple positions), complete the online application. If you match the requirements, the company will contact you for an interview. Be ready to answer questions about your criminal history.
You’re going to need a great resume. You can check out some fantastic tricks and tips by clicking here.
Always go to interviews dressed for success, as if your financial livelihood depended on the outcome. Many local job agencies will provide you with clothes for work if you don’t have any. Make sure you look respectable.
Your interview is that first impression everyone says is so important. On that note, if you have any visible tattoos, cover them up if you can. Until you know what the company policy is regarding tattoos, it is better to play it safe.
They will ask what experiences you have that qualify you for the position. Have an answer ready.
While you may think this is hard to answer, we assure you that you have experience. For example, if you held a job in prison. Think about the positions you may have worked:
- Clerk
- Librarian
- Kitchen worker
- Dorm worker
- Medical staff helper
- Maintenance crew
- Landscaper
Each of these jobs gives you a particular set of skills and many are applicable to Acme Markets jobs. Those prison jobs gave you organizational and time management skills. If you had to work directly with staff and inmates, then you certainly gained customer service skills.
Another skill that many inmates gain in prison is negotiation skills. Whether trying to avoid confrontation with fellow inmates or staff, these skills really come in handy when applied to situations outside of prison.
Since former felons are at a disadvantage when it comes to getting hired, it is up to you to convince a potential employer that you are capable of handling the job. Don’t shy away from your convictions or say they don’t mean anything.
Admit that you’ve made some bad decisions in the past, but you’ve worked hard to improve yourself and are ready for a fresh start.
Does Acme Markets do background checks?
Yes, Acme Markets do use background checks as part of their hiring process. They have said each applicant is considered on a case-by-case basis, so they will likely look at the entirety of your record and the nature of the charges.
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
Some states are better than others when it comes to background checks. The ones below do not even look at offenses that are more than seven years old. Here are those states:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
*sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.
There are a few states that show guilty verdicts, but not cases in which you were found not guilty. Here is a list of those states:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
There are still plenty of states in the US that look at a person’s entire record when it comes to background checks. This includes all verdicts for your lifetime, both guilty and not guilty. Here are 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
Company ratings
Acme Markets has not fared too well in reviews on the site glassdoor.com. They have an overall average of 2.8 score out of a possible 5 and only 37% of respondents say they would recommend working at Acme Markets to a friend.
When reading through the reviews, we found complaints about ineffective managers. We also saw many complaints about low pay. Part-time workers seemed to be the most dissatisfied, with many saying they did not receive enough hours to justify staying with the company.
However, this is good news for you. As a former felon, you may have to slightly lower your expectations when it comes to finding that perfect company to work for. You may have even better chances of getting hired at a company that has slightly negative reviews.
On the positive side, many people liked the shift flexibility and the friendly working environment. Full-time employees said that they liked the benefits.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
We know you may still be wondering, does Acme Markets hire felons? As with many jobs, they hire on a case-by-case basis. That means that there are particular convictions that may have trouble getting hired.
Grocery stores are public places that see many guests come through daily. Because of this, those with sex crime convictions will likely be denied employment opportunities for any positions that deal directly with the public. People with these convictions may have better luck getting jobs like unloading delivery trucks in the back of the store.
Grocery store managers will scrutinize those who have theft convictions more than others, particularly if there is a long history of similar crimes (robbery, burglary, larceny, etc.). This makes sense when you think about it, so look for another position if this is you.
Does Acme Markets drug test?
We could not find any information specifically from the company, but on glassdoor.com, many people said they had to take a drug test upon getting hired.
Have you applied for a job or worked here before? Share your experiences!
Okay, now we want to hear from you. If you have worked at Acme Markets before or know information about their hiring process, we would love to hear from you.
Any information you can share will go a long way towards helping men and women who have a felony conviction get back on their feet.
