Are you skilled in the home improvement field? If so, you may have considered Menards, but asked yourself: Does Menards hire felons?
Here at Relaunch Pad we love to find answers to questions just like this and more. That’s why we contact companies directly to ask them about their hiring policies for former felons.
See, many of us have been in your shoes and know exactly what you face during the job search. How can we possibly relate to the struggle of finding a job with a felony? Actually, many of us at Relaunch Pad are former felons too. We’re now using that experience in helping make your job search a little bit smoother.
We’re able to by asking questions like:
- Does Menards do background checks?
- What convictions might have a hard time getting hired?
- Does Menards hire people with misdemeanors?
- Does Menards drug test?
- What is the best approach in applying?
How about we get started and see how to get a job at Menards with a felony?
Does Menards hire felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
Unfortunately, we were unable to make contact with anyone at Menards to ask them about their hiring policy. However, we’ll keep trying to reach someone. But in the meantime, we have searched high and low to see what we can find about Menards hiring felons.
So you’re probably still wondering: Does Menards hire felons? Well, let’s see what we found.
Has Menards hired felons in the past?
After looking at an online source, we found that Menards has hired people with felonies before! However, it will depend on what the felony is and how long ago it happened. Decisions are up to each hiring manager.
But how do you get hired at Menards with a felony? Continue reading to see what we uncovered.
Does Menards hire people with misdemeanors?
Getting hired with a misdemeanor can be as challenging as with a felony. However, they’re willing to hire former felons! If that’s the case, they’re more than likely to hire someone with a misdemeanor too.
So come on, let’s see how to get a job at Menards with a felony.
Is Menards on the Ban the Box list?
People without a criminal record have begun to realize the struggle former felons have in finding a job. That’s why the Ban the Box campaign and the Fair Chance Business Pledge were created. These initiatives help individuals with criminal records get back into the workforce.
The Ban the Box campaign is used to urge employers to remove questions concerning criminal history from their applications. This allows those with a criminal past a fair shot at employment. How? Without the question, it’s your skills and not your record being focused on.
The Fair Chance Business Pledge is the agreement that was made by employers who are committed to fair hiring practices for all applicants, including those with a criminal past.
Menards doesn’t support either of these initiatives. But that’s okay, because we already know they don’t ask about your criminal record on their application. How do we know? Well, we went as far as filling out our own application to get all the facts for you. We’re nothing if not thorough!
Does Menards have special programs for hiring felons?
No, these aren’t offered by Menards. However, most companies don’t have programs like this. The good news is that these programs don’t have to be offered for a company to be willing to hire a former felon.
But let’s keep moving forward to see how to get hired at Menards with a felony.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?
Applying at Menards with a felony? The odds of you being hired here are high. Everything we found in online sources supports that they have and will hire someone with a felony conviction.
What are some entry-level jobs?
Menards is a home improvement store, so many of their entry-level jobs will be customer service positions.
- Cashier — Assisting customers with their purchases while operating a cash register and providing excellent customer service.
- Stocker — Placing merchandise on shelves for customers.
- Shipping/Receiving — Receive incoming materials and assisting customers pick up of their orders.
How to get hired at Menards with a felony
When applying with Menards here is what you can expect:
Application
As most companies now do, the application process is done online. Their applications are listed for the positions available by location. However, we did notice each location included a general application. This is so you can apply even if there isn’t an opening for the position of your interest. Menards will send you updates about job offers if you sign up for that. This is a great service! They tell you when there is a job opening for the position you want.
You will be asked questions about your experience pertaining to the job which you are applying, so make sure you have the skills needed. For example, if you are applying for the stocker position you will want to be sure to include any experience you have had stocking shelves or unloading materials. So that kitchen and canteen job you had while incarcerated paid off after all!
They also ask about what type of job interests you. Be honest! This is a question that can help them place you in a position where you will be the happiest.
Resume
Menards specifically asks on their application for you to explain any gaps in your work history. This is why we recommend you use our guide to polish how you talk about your experience and skills.
Any classes you attended or trade you completed can also be used on your resume. Those jobs you had while incarcerated (as previously mentioned) should be used as well. Here are a few examples:
- Chapel worker
- Canteen worker
- Kitchen worker
- Laundry attendant
Each of these jobs include customer service and communication skills.
Interview
Here is a quick checklist for the interview:
- Be neat and presentable.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
- Bring at least two copies of your resume with you.
- Greet the interviewer with a nice firm handshake, while making eye contact and smiling.
- Before leaving, thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
We always recommend that you use the interview as the opportunity to inform Menards about your background. This gives the interviewer the chance to ask any questions they may have. And it also provides you the opportunity to explain the situation and how you have grown. If you have questions or concerns of your own, the interview is the best time!
Does Menards do background checks?
Yes. Even though Menards doesn’t ask about your criminal history on their application, they will run a background check. When filling out the application, Menards lets you know they’ll do one during the hiring process
Here is something to keep in mind regarding background checks:
Lucky for you there are some states that will only look at offenses less than seven years old. They are as follows:
- California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
These states see only guilty convictions:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
Sadly, there are states that will look at everything. These include:
- 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
Menards’ company rating was a 3.3 out of 5 stars on glassdoor.com. The negative ratings came from the long hours, crazy scheduling, and difficulty balancing work and home life. However, Menards was praised for offering quick promotions. It appears the pay isn’t too bad, either. That is always a great thing to hear!
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
We didn’t find anything regarding a specific conviction Menards may not consider. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean they will not hire someone with these convictions— it just means they may be a little tougher on individuals with these convictions. However, there are a few that we think may have a hard time getting their foot in the door.
- Violent offenses generally always have a harder time with any customer service type position. Menards deals with the public, so any position that interacts with the public may not be the way to get your foot in the door.
- Theft crimes may be looked at with strict guidelines. There would be some expensive materials/tools and cash that most positions would have access to.
Does Menards drug test?
Yes. Menards will make you consent to a drug screen in order to be considered for employment.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
Have you worked at Menards? Or know someone who was hired with a felony? Please let us hear about your experience. We love feedback!