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Do you want to work in health services? If you’re familiar with this industry, you might wonder: Does Express Scripts hire felons? Relaunch Pad reached out to the company with this very question. We also have the answers to other questions you might ask during your job search, such as:
- Does Express Scripts hire people with misdemeanors?
- What’s the interview process like?
- What do people say about working for Express Scripts?
- Does Express Scripts do background checks?
At Relaunch Pad, if we don’t have criminal backgrounds ourselves then we’ve worked to settle offenders in the community. We have a personal interest and the expertise to give you important information about how to get a job at Express Scripts with a felony.
Does Express Scripts hire felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
Here’s what we received from Express Scripts when we asked them about their policy:
“We consider all applicants who apply for positions, regardless of previous convictions.”
That’s amazing news!
Has Express Scripts hired felons in the past?
Yes, they told us they have.
Does Express Scripts hire people with misdemeanors?
The company didn’t answer this specific question. However, since they hire for felonies, we think you’re in the right place. These offenses are less serious than felonies, so you stand a better chance of being hired.
Is Express Scripts on the Ban the Box list?
You may already have heard of two initiatives that make the job application experience easier for former felons.
The first is Ban the Box. Employers onboard with this program don’t look at your criminal record until they’ve considered your qualifications for the position. In other words, they remove the criminal record check box from job applications.
The other initiative is the Fair Chance Business Pledge. Basically, this means what it says. When employers sign the Pledge, they commit to give all applicants a fair chance.
Unfortunately, Express Scripts is not on the Ban the Box list. What’s more, they told us that they ask about convictions on the job application in states where it’s allowed. We found no evidence that Express Scripts has signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge, either.
But, don’t put too much weight on this. They also said:
“We consider all applicants who apply for positions, regardless of previous convictions.” They’ll still consider your application, even if you have a record.
Does Express Scripts have special programs for hiring felons?
No, they don’t. But don’t let this bother you. Remember, these programs are not that common with employers.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?
The odds you can get hired at Express Scripts with a felony, in our opinion, are high.
We base this on the following:
- Express Scripts told us they’ve hired felons in the past. In fact, they’ll hire on a case-by-case basis.
- The company isn’t on the Ban the Box list, nor have they signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. However, the official statement we got from Express Scripts confirms they will consider your application even if you have a criminal record.
- However, certain felonies will impact your chances of getting hired.
What are some entry-level jobs?
As the largest pharmacy benefit management company in the United States, Express Scripts employs a lot of people. Large companies have more staff turnover, so there may be opportunities in your community.
Here are some examples of entry-level jobs:
- Shipping Pick Packer
- Pack and ship pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
- Use various warehouse equipment.
- Stock pack stations and supplies.
- Perform general housekeeping.
- Warehouse Assistant
- Unload trucks and unpack products.
- Compare purchase orders to products received.
- Ensure proper stock rotation.
- Production Clerk
- Ensure medication quality control including proper labelling and storage.
- Inspect patient-bound medications for defects, spills and quality concerns.
- Customer Service Representative
- Handle workers compensation calls from injured workers, insurance providers and adjusters, and pharmacies.
- Research and resolve problems.
- Help injured workers understand their pharmacy distribution program.
Be aware, these positions all require a high school or equivalent education. Also, some postings list basic computer skills and related work experience.
How to get hired at Express Scripts with a felony
Start by looking at Express Scripts’ Careers Blog. There are firsthand stories from employees about what it’s like to work for the company here. Also, there’s advice from recruiters about how to get hired at Express Scripts.
Search current job openings on the company’s career page and upload your resume. You can also sign up to receive email notifications of similar job openings as they come up.
Here are some tips for applying:
- Make sure you answer each question on the online application to the best of your ability.
- Take your time to properly word your answers where the form asks for more details. This is especially true if you’re explaining why you were terminated from a job or the circumstances of a criminal offense, for example.
- Create a list for yourself of supporting information the application asks for so you can gather it later.
- A document such as a passport, permanent resident card or social security card will prove your eligibility to work in the United States.
- Think of other documents you’ll need when you’re called for an interview and collect them ahead of time. This includes your reference contact list, high school diploma or equivalent, course certifications, awards and letters of recommendation, etc.
And, when you get called for an interview, make sure to:
- Contact your references to let them know. This lets them get ready to answer questions about you when they’re called. You’ll also want to know their availability.
- Review the answers and explanations you gave on your online application. Think about how you’ll answer if you’re asked for more information. This is your opportunity to say what you’ve done to address any problems that led to committing offenses.
- Practice what you want to say when you’re asked why you want to work for the company, and what qualifications and skills you can offer. Getting comfortable responding to standard questions like these will boost your confidence.
- Make sure you’ve got your transportation worked out for the interview day and you know exactly where you’re going. Also, remember to make any personal arrangements, such as daycare, well ahead of time.
Here’s a link to information about the hiring process on the company website, including their background check. There are some great interview tips, as well!
A final piece of advice: Above all, throughout the application and interview process, be honest. This is true whether you’re answering questions about your education, work history or criminal background.
Dishonesty is a fast-track to being shown the door during the hiring process. In her article “Hiring managers share the top 3 lies that could cost you the job”, Ruth Umoh explains how lies have an impact on your chances.
Does Express Scripts do background checks?
Express Scripts does background checks. When we asked the company about this, they told us:
“Yes, we perform background checks prior to employment and continue to screen candidates ongoing as they are employed with us.”
It’s unclear what ongoing screening of employees refers to. However, we did find online information from employees about drug testing — more on this later.
The company’s application form asks for criminal history information. However, it also includes the following instruction:
“Do not disclose information regarding juvenile court proceedings or minor traffic violations. This will not automatically bar you from employment. All circumstances surrounding criminal disclosures will be considered. Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty or no contest to, been imprisoned, or been on probation or parole for any crime? (Misdemeanor or Felony)”
Interestingly, the form also specifies what you’re required to disclose about your record in particular states.
Here’s how background checks work across the country:
In some states, only the last seven years are considered in a background check. These states are:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
In very few states, companies won’t look at any offences where you were found not guilty. Here are those states:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
Be warned that employers in most states review your whole record in a background check. This applies to not guilty verdicts, even. These 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
Express Scripts gets similar ratings on the two sites we looked at.
They get 3.3 out of 5 on indeed.com based on over 34,000 employee reviews. The company scores highest for pay and benefits and work life balance.
The glassdoor.com rating is 3 out of 5. Here, there were more than 2,600 reviews. Forty-eight percent of people said they’d recommend the company to a friend and 74% approve of the CEO.
Furthermore, a current employee suggests that Express Scripts is “a better company than the ratings show.” The reviewer adds that the company has good work-life balance and benefits, and upper management is actively working to improve their reputation.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
Does Express Scripts hire felons? Seems like yes, but your felony will have an impact. If you have drug offenses in your background, you may have a more difficult time getting hired at Express Scripts. The hiring manager will want to know the circumstances of your crimes. In addition, if you’ve been addicted to drugs, they’ll want to know what you’ve done to address this.
Crimes on your record such as theft and fraud will also be an issue for this company. Since pharmaceuticals can be easily stolen, Express Scripts wants to make sure they have trustworthy employees.
Finally, if you’ve been convicted of assault the company may be concerned. Understandably, they’ll want to know you can work well with your co-workers and deal appropriately with customers.
So, it may be more difficult to get a job at Express Scripts with a felony like the above. Just remember that you’ll get a chance to explain the circumstances and make a good impression on the hiring manager.
Does Express Scripts drug test?
Yes, the company website confirms a pre-employment drug test is part of the hiring process.
Also, employees commented online that random drug tests are done every few months for current employees.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
Do you have other information about the company that will help our readers? Share in the comments below.
