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Boeing is the largest aerospace company in the world and is also the leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems. But does Boeing hire felons?
Relaunch Pad is made up of former offenders and those who work with them, so we know how to help other former felons find jobs despite their past. In fact, we contacted Boeing directly and asked about their hiring policy to do just that.
Here are some things we found out from Boeing:
- Does Boeing hire felons?
- What is Boeing’s hiring policy?
- Does Boeing hire people with misdemeanors?
- Does Boeing do background checks?
- What is the recommended approach for applying?
So with all that in mind, let’s dive in to see how to get a job at Boeing with a felony.
Does Boeing hire felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
Boeing did not give us an exact answer concerning this question. Here is what we found out:
“Boeing is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with past felony convictions can apply at Boeing.com/careers just like any other applicant. Depending on what they choose, all applicants have the same opportunity.”
Has Boeing hired felons in the past?
Unfortunately, they didn’t give an exact answer. We were simply told they were unaware of any felons previously being hired.
Does Boeing hire people with misdemeanors?
It was not made clear if Boeing will hire individuals with a misdemeanor. We do know that Boeing does not ask on their application of past convictions, so you should be treated like an average applicant.
The one requirement for all the jobs we viewed was having U.S. security clearance. After reviewing the facts on how to get one, it appears to be just as difficult for people with a misdemeanor.
Is Boeing on the Ban the Box list?
Ban the Box is a campaign consisting of advocates for ex-offenders and civil rights groups who are trying to persuade employers to remove the question asking about criminal records on applications.
The Fair Chance Business Pledge also helps former offenders. Those companies who participate commit to fair hiring practices for all, including people with criminal records.
There was no evidence that supported Boeing being on the Ban the Box list or participating in the Fair Chance Business Pledge; however, they do not ask about any previous convictions on their application.
Does Boeing have special programs for hiring felons?
Many companies now have specific programs designed for hiring felons. Boeing is not one of these companies.
One such program is the Second Chance Jobs for Felons. This program offers support for felons in many areas, such as: Job training, federal bonding programs, mentoring, and food and clothing assistance.
While these kinds of programs provide great opportunities for felons, just because a company does not offer them does not mean you can’t be hired.
What are the odds of someone with a felony will get hired?
The odds of a former felon getting hired at Boeing are unfortunately low. We are not really sure if a felon could be hired here or not, because of the security clearance required. That said, it’s possible a qualified former felon will get hired.
What are some entry-level jobs?
When searching for entry-level jobs, here is what we found available and some duties required:
- Supplier Program Management — This position requires keeping up with materials ordered and used. Education required is a technical bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. Related work experience preferred.
- Procurement Analyst — Find quality goods or services at an acceptable price that meet Boeing’s needs. Education required is a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree with previous experience.
We also noticed that each of these jobs requires a full U.S. security clearance.
As you can tell, entry-level jobs at Boeing are going to require some specific skills. That said, let’s look at how to get a job at Boeing with a felony.
How to get hired at Boeing with a felony
According to Boeing, you need to apply online like any other applicant. But after reviewing what they deemed their entry-level jobs, it would honestly be very difficult for a former felon or someone with a misdemeanor to work here.
Many of their entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, with scientific and math skills. However, Boeing does have entry-level jobs that require basic office skills or experience; it’s simply the U.S. security clearance that would make this job out of our reach. However, that is not to say it’s impossible.
If this is somewhere you are determined to work, here is how to get hired at Boeing with a felony:
We recommend you start with making sure you have the skills for the job you are interested in. Then build an impressive resume so you can land an interview.
Boeing looks for candidates who have technical skills, including engineering and advanced math. If you’re hoping to land an entry-level job here, you’ll need to have post-secondary education and even some industry experience.
Any time you’ve worked in a supply chain — ordering supplies, organizing their delivery, keeping detailed records including accounts payable — you’ll want to highlight that. The skills you developed are right in-line with what they’re looking for.
You have skills that someone without a felony doesn’t, even if it is just the ability to survive. Use that, along with your other skills, to sell yourself and to out shine all the other applicants.
Who knows, someone might see that you are worth the effort and be willing to help you fight for the security clearance. We all know that sometimes that is all it takes . . . someone to help us fight!
Does Boeing do background checks?
Yes, Boeing does background checks. However, they didn’t say when the background check is done.
Something to keep in mind regarding background checks:
There are many states that now only look at an offence if it is less than seven years old. Here is a list of those states:
- California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
The eight states listed below do not look at anything that you were not convicted of:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
Unfortunately, there are some states that still look at everything. The following 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
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Company ratings
Boeing has 1,715 reviews on glassdoor.com, with a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. This is an average score. What did stood out was that most employees had been there for a significant amount of time.
Boeing also received many high ratings because they offer great benefits and tuition reimbursement for their employees.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
Honestly, since this company manufactures missiles, any felony or misdemeanor will make it hard to get a job here. You need to be able to get U.S. security clearance for all their entry-level positions. A felony conviction will not automatically disqualify someone for a security clearance, but certain felonies will. For example:
- Theft or embezzlement
- Substance abuse, like a DUI
- Possession of a controlled substance
The following would be positive factors for someone applying for clearance:
- The felony was not recent
- The crime was an isolated incident
- The crime was not voluntarily committed
- Acquittal was granted
- Clear evidence of rehabilitation
Does Boeing drug test?
We could not find anything that specifically touched on drug tests or screening. However, given the nature of the materials manufactured, it is more than likely that they do.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
So, what do you know about working here or being able to obtain a job at Boeing with a felony? Please let us know!
