Finding a job is hard, but a felony conviction tends to make it even harder. You may think a gas station chain would be a guarantee hire, but does RaceTrac hire felons?
Did you know Relaunch Pad looks to answer questions just like this and more? How? By contacting companies directly to find answers to questions concerning their hiring policies for former felons.
In fact, our team at Relaunch Pad is made up of ex-felons and those who work closely with them. This is how we know the best questions to ask on behalf of former felons looking for work.
We ask questions like:
- Does RaceTrac drug test?
- Does RaceTrac hire people with misdemeanors?
- What is the best approach for applying?
- Does RaceTrac do background checks?
Does RaceTrac hire felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
When we reached out to RaceTrac, here is what we were told:
RaceTrac believes in creating a culture of diversity in its stores by hiring employees of all backgrounds, including those who have had prior felony convictions and are seeking employment. We consider relevance, regency and level of severity of the felony when choosing whether or not to hire someone with a felony on their record. RaceTrac asks about prior convictions on employment applications and performs background checks on all it of its potential new hires before the job offer has been extended.
Has RaceTrac hired felons in the past?
When we contacted RaceTrac, we asked them if they hired felons and they told us they do! This is always great news to hear.
Let’s continue reading so we can provide some advice on how to get hired at RaceTrac with a felony.
Does RaceTrac hire people with misdemeanors?
Since they already told us they hire people with felonies, we assume they’re also willing to hire someone with a lesser offense. All of our online sources said they hired felons, but didn’t mention misdemeanors.
Is RaceTrac on the Ban the Box list?
Are you familiar with Ban the Box? This campaign was created with the former offender in mind. It’s used to support and urge employers to remove all questions regarding previous criminal convictions from their applications. Limiting what information is provided also helps keep the employer’s focus where it should be — on your skills.
Regretfully, RaceTrac was not found to support Ban the Box.
Another program that’s assisting former felons is the Fair Chance Business Pledge. This is a statement made by companies that agree to use fair hiring practices for those with or without felony convictions.
There was nothing to show that RaceTrac has signed the Pledge, either.
But let’s move forward to see how to get a job at RaceTrac with a felony.
Does RaceTrac have special programs for hiring felons?
No, RaceTrac doesn’t offer these programs. However, we did find that they provide an opportunity to earn a scholarship for any two to four year school. This is a great offer for any job.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?
Does RaceTrac hire felons? Yes, they told us they do! So, this means the odds of being hired at RaceTrac with a felony are high.
This is always great news! So let’s move on to see how to get a job at RaceTrac with a felony.
What are some entry-level jobs?
RaceTrac’s main focus is their customers. Here are two of their entry-level positions:
Store Associate — Customer service, cleaning and stocking. This position is available for both full- and part-time positions. Communication skills are always a plus in any customer service position, but no qualifications were specified.
Co-Manager — Duties will include overseeing the store, supervising team members and assisting with accounting.
How to get hired at RaceTrac with a felony
After researching RaceTrac, we used all the information we gathered and put together a few suggestions to help you in applying. They are as follows:
Application & resume
RaceTrac has an online application, so in order to apply, you will need access to a computer. They also request an uploaded resume!
Most people hate doing their resume. If that is the case for you, make sure you check out our guide that assists you with making your resume stand out. It even shows you how to add the skills you gained while you were incarcerated! Your jobs in the canteen, laundry and kitchen all required customer service and stocking skills, so should be added to your resume as experience.
We even created a dummy account to get a look at their application. One of the final sections in their application is for felony convictions. They ask for your last incarceration dates and your parole officer’s name and contact information.
Interview
The interview process will be the final step. When you’re dressing for your interview, make sure you’re presentable. An outfit that would be appropriate for a church event is a great selection. Arriving 10-15 minutes early allows the interviewer to observe your willingness to stick to your schedule — and this is something that is always important.
This is your opportunity to address your background head-on. We already know that they will perform a background check, so get it out of the way! Flip it so it’s a strength. How? By addressing the circumstances that lead to your incarceration, you can explain how you learned from that situation. Plus they can ask any questions they may have as well.
Does RaceTrac do background checks?
Yes, they told us that there will be a background check performed.
Here is something to keep in mind regarding background checks:
Did you know that there are states that only look at an offense if it’s less than seven years old? Here are those states:
- California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
These states will look at only guilty convictions:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
There are several states that will still look at everything. They are as follows:
- 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
RaceTrac was given 3.2 out of 5 stars on glassdoor.com. That’s not a great score, so let’s look and see what happened.
Pros — There is plenty of room for growth, and it’s a great place to develop a good work ethic.
Cons — Benefits aren’t all that great, there are no breaks and the work is very repetitive.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
There may be a few offenses that will make it difficult to get hired at RaceTrac.
Since we know most of their jobs will require you to handle cash, credit cards and merchandise, a theft or fraudulent use of a credit card charge may be something they won’t overlook.
Also, people with violent or sexual offenses may have a difficult time because RaceTrac’s entry-level positions require working with the public.
Does RaceTrac drug test?
When we contacted RaceTrac, they didn’t say anything about a drug screen. Unfortunately, our research didn’t show anything, either.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
What can you tell us about working or being hired at RaceTrac with a felony? We value any feedback you can provide!