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Does Bass Pro Shops Hire Felons in 2021?

By Last update May 22, 2019
jobs for felons, company profile, Bass Pro Shops, sporting goods, sporting goods store, retail

Finding work can be rough for former felons. A few skills and the right job can help you get back to a normal life, so let’s look at a sporting goods store as we answer: Does Bass Pro Shops hire felons?

Bass Pro Shops is the leading retailer of outdoor gear and apparel with 200 locations nationwide. So if you’re interested in all things outdoors, let this article help you get a job at Bass Pro Shops with a felony conviction! We’ll take a look at the following questions:

  • Does Bass Pro Shops hire people with misdemeanors?
  • How do I apply?
  • Does Bass Pro Shops do background checks?
  • Do they drug test?

Are you wondering why we’re so invested? Many on our team have dealt with our own felony convictions or are professionals who have worked closely with former felons. So we understand. We’ve been there and know what it’s like. That’s why we directly contact companies and ask them if they hire former felons.

Without further delay, let’s look at how to get hired at Bass Pro Shops with a felony record.

Does Bass Pro Shops hire felons?

jobs for felons, company profile, Bass Pro Shops, sporting goods, sporting goods store, retail

Official company policy for hiring felons

At this time we’ve been unable to make contact with Bass Pro Shops to ask if they hire former felons. We’ll continue our efforts. In the meantime, keep reading to learn what our research uncovered on how to get a job here with a felony

Has Bass Pro Shops hired felons in the past?

Our online sources confirm that they haven’t. This is likely because the company sells firearms and ammo, but will get into that a bit more later.

Does Bass Pro Shops hire people with misdemeanors?

Online sources aren’t clear on this. However, some say they’ll hire those with misdemeanors if the convictions are at least seven years old.

Is Bass Pro Shops on the Ban the Box list?

Are you wondering what exactly is the Ban the Box list? Ban the Box is a campaign to end the box on applications that ask if a person has had any misdemeanor or felony convictions. The Fair Chance Business Pledge is part of this campaign. It was created by the Obama Administration and urges companies to look at an applicant’s skills, talents and work history before judging their past mistakes.

Unfortunately, Bass Pro Shops is neither on the Ban the Box list nor signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. But remember that they sell firearms, so it makes sense that they’ll need to know about your record.

Does Bass Pro Shops have special programs for hiring felons?

Bass Pro Shops doesn’t have any special programs for felons at this time. However, your local employment agency might, so be sure to check that out and take advantage of any programs they offer.

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

Low likelihood of being hired with a felony

Our team has done thorough research and gives your odds of getting hired at Bass Pro Shops with a felony record as low. Employees have access to and sell firearms so it’s really hard for people with records to get hired at places like this.

If you were charged with a misdemeanor, your odds might improve a bit.  After all, they’ve hired people with misdemeanors that are over seven years old on an individual basis.

What are some entry-level jobs?

Bass Pro Shops offers a variety of entry-level jobs. These include sales associates, cashiers and restaurant positions. If you have experience selling merchandise, running a cash register or working in a restaurant, Bass Pro Shops may have a position for you. Starting off in one of these positions will give you the opportunity to learn the company and its operations from the ground level.  This will set you up for promotions within the company as well as give you the opportunity to learn new career skills.

How to get hired at Bass Pro Shops with a felony

We know the odds of getting hired at Bass Pro Shops are low. However, we’re going to give you some information to spruce up your resume and improve your chances at getting an interview.

The first thing you’ll need to do is visit the company’s career page. Here you can search by job category, job type or location. Once you’ve found a position you’re interested in, complete the online application.

While completing the online application, it’s best to have your resume handy. This will help with accurate dates, previous company names, positions and duties. If you need help creating a resume, Relaunch Pad has a resume guide specifically for felons. You can also check out your local employment agency or workforce development office for extra assistance.

You’ve created a resume, submitted your application and scheduled your interview. You’re doing great. Don’t stop now! Next we’ll look at some tips to help you nail the interview:

  1. Dress to impress. You need clean clothes and hair. It’s also smart to hide your tattoos and piercings until you’ve heard the company policy on them. They will see your record, but they don’t need to see you as a criminal. Don’t leave it up to the interviewer’s imagination or potential bias.
  2. Keep your eyes open and sit up tall. Keeping your eyes bright and open will show you’re paying attention and not bored. Sitting up tall will also show you’re not a slacker and that you’re interested in what they’re saying.
  3. Have a positive attitude. If you walk into your interview with a bad attitude, your chances of getting the job will go down. Positions at Bass Pro Shops deal mainly with the general public, so they are going to want to hire someone with a positive attitude and great personality.

Does Bass Pro Shops do background checks?

Yes, our online sources show Bass Pro Shops will do a full background check on all prospective employees.

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

Some states don’t care about convictions that are more than seven years old. However, if your charge is from six years ago, you’ll want to wait a year before applying. These 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.)

The eight states on this next list don’t bother with anything cases where you were found not guilty:

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

However, be aware if you live in these states. They can and will see your entire record, including the not guilty verdicts.

  • 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 rating

We jumped online to do some research on Bass Pro Shops ratings. On glassdoor.com, they have a 3.4 out of 5 rating. Most of the positive reviews are the employee discounts, benefits and paid time off. The negative reviews mostly have to do with upper management and that it takes a long time for promotions.

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

Does Bass Pro Shops hire felons? It doesn’t look like they do, but there are some felonies that will make it even more difficult. For example, any gun-related offenses or violent crimes are going to make it impossible to get hired at Bass Pro Shops because they sell guns and ammo to the public.

They likely won’t look too kindly on theft charges, either. Their stock is pretty mobile and potentially dangerous, so they need to make sure it stays where it’s supposed to. You’ll also have access to some sensitive information in the customer accounts, so less physical forms of theft will also be frowned upon.

Does Bass Pro Shops drug test?

Sources say Bass Pro Shops will perform a drug test before an offer of employment is made.

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

Were you able to use the information in this article to get a job at Bass Pro Shops with a felony? Tell us about it. You’ll be helping our community and others who are in your shoes.

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Leah Smith
Reentry Educator

Leah is a Reentry Educator with The Relaunch Pad. A recovering addict and mother of three, her two oldest adult children are dealing with their own addictions and problems, one being recently released from prison and the other is currently incarcerated. Her goal is to give hope to not only her own children, but to others in similar situations.