Does Ford Hire Felons in 2021?

Do you love working on your car? Better yet, if you’re a Ford owner, why not find out: Does Ford hire felons? The Ford Motor Company is the fifth largest automaker in the world. They rely on a large workforce, so you might also be interested in:

• Good advice for how to get hired at Ford.
• Does Ford hire people with misdemeanors?
• What employees say about the company.
• How does Ford do background checks?

At Relaunch Pad, we contact companies directly to ask about their hiring policy for former felons. That’s because we either have the same life experience as you or assist people who’ve been in your shoes. To that end, we’re going to help you figure out this job hunt thing. Read on!

Does Ford hire felons?

Official company policy for hiring felons

So far, we haven’t received this from the company. Their website doesn’t say anything specifically about it, either. However, they also state on their culture page that:

“Ford Motor Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. Ford Motor Company also is committed to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment such persons.”

Has Ford hired felons in the past?

Based on the comments that we’ve found online from employees, it seems that they have.

Does Ford hire people with misdemeanors?

We’re not sure. But, since they’ve hired people with felonies, they probably do.

Is Ford on the Ban the Box list?

No. We’re afraid that Ford isn’t on the Ban the Box list. The purpose of Ban the Box is to encourage companies to commit that they will consider an applicant’s job skills before their criminal history. This means that their job application forms don’t have a box for a criminal record.

Another program that helps ex-felons when they apply for work is the Fair Chance Business Pledge. Businesses that take the Pledge declare that they treat all applicants the same, even if they have a criminal background. Ford isn’t behind this initiative, either.

Does Ford have special programs for hiring felons?

The company doesn’t have any special programs for hiring felons. Having said that, they have a reentry program for salaried positions. So, if you’ve been out of work because you were incarcerated you just might qualify. Here’s a quote from their website that offers an explanation of how does Ford hire felons under this program:

“Ford’s re-entry program aims to help career re-launchers get back into the workforce. The program is looking for candidates who have taken a career break or have been underemployed for two or more years. Ford offers re-entry candidates a full-time position while providing tools to successfully re-acclimate [them] into the workforce.”

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

Here’s what we can tell you:

• We’ve reached out to the company and scoured their website but can’t find their official policy for hiring people with a criminal record.
• They haven’t stepped up to the plate to support Ban the Box or take the Fair Chance Business Pledge.
• Although they have no special hiring program for felons, they do have a job re-entry program that might qualify you to get a job at Ford with a felony.
• Online feedback from Ford employees is that they do hire people with criminal backgrounds.

Taking all this into account, we’d say the odds are average.

What are some entry-level jobs?

Maybe you haven’t finished high school yet. Then, the best example of an entry-level job is working on an assembly line putting together vehicles or components of them. This position is an Hourly Production Team Member. It requires working as part of a team, maintaining a safe working environment and following instructions.

Another good example of an entry-level job is working at a Ford dealership as an Automotive Service Technician. Even if you haven’t completed an apprenticeship, you qualify for an interview if you have eight years of experience or a combination of experience and education.

Then again, an Automotive Sales Professional job may interest you. Selling new or pre-owned vehicles at a Ford dealership relies on good communication skills, a positive attitude and knowledge of vehicle features. Previous sales experience is always an asset.

If you have your high school diploma or equivalent and some automotive knowledge, you may qualify to be a Service Advisor. This position is responsible for booking vehicle service appointments at a dealership. It also involves troubleshooting and resolving customer issues.

How to get hired at Ford with a felony

Start at Ford’s website to find job opportunities at the company. Don’t forget to read through their Careers FAQs. This explains where to find openings for salaried positions, how to apply to be a mechanic at one of the dealerships and how to get hired for hourly production work at a Ford factory.

To apply online, set up an account linked to your email and upload your resume. Better yet, here are two other ways that may help you get a job at Ford with a felony:

• Ask for an employee referral — If you know someone working at Ford who can vouch for your dependability and work ethic, you stand a good chance of landing a job!
• Apply at a Ford dealership — Nothing impresses a hiring manager more than an applicant who takes the time to personally deliver their resume.
  • Remember, Ford dealership service departments are busy places. Drop by when the shop is least likely to be hopping (tip: Avoid lunch hour and the end of the day) and ask to introduce yourself to the boss. This is one way to really stand out from other job applicants!

Here’s some helpful information from Ford’s website about what they look for in an employee. As a former offender, any intel you can get about who they want to hire will be to your advantage.

“Overall, Ford values employees who understand and have a passion for our business and our customers. Other characteristics we value (not an exhaustive list):

• Initiative, integrity and good corporate citizenship.
• Sound decision-making using facts and data.
• Continuous improvement philosophy and practice.
• Inclusion mindset: respect, listen to, help and appreciate others.
• Belief in skilled and motivated people working together.”

Does Ford do background checks?

Yes, expect to have a background check done. Employees confirm this online. There’s no particular information on the company website about what’s involved. Even so, be prepared that they may verify any information you put on your application or include in your resume.

In addition, here’s what we know about how background checks are done across the United States:

Companies in the following states are only required to check your criminal record going back seven years:

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

(* sometimes certain pay or salary brackets require one.)

There are also some states where employers don’t look at offenses where you were found not guilty. Here are the states where this happens:

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

Having said that, companies in a majority of states consider your full record. The following are these states:

• 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

Employees of Ford have a lot to say about working there that’s fairly positive. Over 4,500 reviews on glassdoor.com rate them quite high — 3.9 out of 5. In addition, a solid 79% say they’d recommend the company to a friend and 70% approve of the CEO.

Ford was most praised for having a good work environment and providing staff with opportunities for growth. They were most critiqued for their long work hours and lack of flexibility on when you can take a vacation.

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

Certain offenses may make it more difficult to get a job at Ford. For example, if driving a vehicle (even just on company property) is one of your job duties, driving convictions may cause you problems.

Violent offenses are another type that may make it harder to get hired. Ford’s operation depends on staff who can work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment. If you’re working on the line, in a service bay or in an office, you’ll do well if you can communicate effectively with others and resolve differences calmly.

Does Ford drug test?

Yes. Online feedback from employees confirms that you have to pass a drug screening before being hired.

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

What can you contribute to the discussion? Any experience you have is helpful!