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You want to make the best of your second chance — you just need someone who will give you one. Uber has helped change the way people work, but that begs the question: Does Uber hire felons?
At Relaunch Pad, we get in direct contact with companies to ask them if they hire former felons. We do the research so you can focus on getting the job!
Keep reading and you will find answers to these questions, and more:
- Does Uber hire people with misdemeanors?
- What is their recommended approach for applying?
- Does Uber do background checks?
- What entry-level jobs does Uber have?
Relaunch Pad knows how hard those with records have it on the job market. Some of our staff have records themselves! Relaunch Pad combines the wisdom of those who know the struggle with cutting edge research about each job. Finding a job might not be easy, but we work hard to make it easier for you.
If you want to get a job at Uber with a felony, you’ve come to the right place.
Does Uber hire felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
While we were not able to get in direct contact with an Uber representative, we were able to find encouraging research. In the section, Pathways for Second Chances, we found the following quote.
“We believe the answer is no. More than 70 million Americans have criminal records, which can make it difficult for them to get hired and make a living. Uber is part of a growing movement of companies and policymakers committed to giving people a second chance.”
Our research doesn’t end there, however. We looked into what jobs were available as well as a recommended approach for getting hired!
Has Uber hired felons in the past?
Uber has hired felons in the past, according to their website. We also found support for this from various sources online.
Does Uber hire people with misdemeanors?
Does Uber hire felons? We saw that they do. We have proof of Uber helping people get felonies knocked down to misdemeanors to qualify them for work!
Is Uber on the Ban the Box list?
The Ban the Box campaign lobbies to ban questions on applications which may let employers discriminate unfairly in the hiring process based on your criminal record. The Fair Chance Business Pledge, on the other hand, states:
“The pledge represents a call-to-action for all members of the private sector to improve their communities by eliminating barriers for those with a criminal record and creating a pathway for a second chance.”
Did you know Uber has always omitted the box? They make sure to let you know on their website. They also signed the White House Fair Chance Business Pledge in 2016.
Does Uber have special programs for hiring felons?
It depends on what state you’re in, but Uber does have special programs for assisting felons find work. For example, in California, they partnered with Defy Ventures, an organization which offers employment training to felons. California Uber associates also help those with felonies sign up for a program which helps their felonies turn into misdemeanors!
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?
We rank the odds of someone getting hired at Uber with a felony as high!
While it’s possible that Uber’s operations in certain states may be less friendly to those with records, the majority of our research shows that Uber hires felons. Not only do they hire them, they go out of their way to participate in programs which increase their access to well-paying work.
What are some entry-level jobs?
Driver-partner: A driver-partner is a contract position in which you will either use a personal vehicle or one leased through the company in order to provide rides for clients. A good driver-partner displays professionalism, cleanliness and timeliness. Not only are you on the clock, helping your passengers reach their destinations in a timely manner, you are also ensuring their SAFE arrival.
Interested in applying and getting hired? Keep reading and you’ll find out how to get hired at Uber with a felony.
How to get hired at Uber with a felony
All this info is great, but if you want to get hired, you’re going to need a game plan. Here is our recommended approach for getting hired at Uber.
First off, you should consult this page to see if you meet all the requirements. This starts with the basics — things like a driver’s license, car insurance and a bank account. If you complete that, you should go ahead and put in an application here. While the initial application does not ask for one, make sure to have a strong resume at the ready for any potential interviews or communications with hiring managers.
If you believe your chances are high (which you should if you meet all the requirements), you should start preparing. Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound. Things like having tight breaks and a well-cleaned, neutral smelling vehicle will go a long way in getting the job and getting good reviews from customers.
Uber drivers are rated by their passengers. While you can wear whatever you want, having a professional appearance will increase your chances of getting good reviews and higher tip amounts. If your car looks great and you look great as well, your passengers will be more at ease. They will believe you’re a professional who cares about details and that will show that you’re different.
Remember that little compromises here like covering up visible tattoos can only help you. The better rated you are, the more opportunities will come up.
Does Uber do background checks?
Many sources show that Uber does do background checks.
What to know about background checks:
For some states, seven years is the farthest a background check can go back. If your felony happened seven years ago or more, it may not be a problem for you in these states:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
In the following states, felonies in which you were declared not guilty will not show up on a background check:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
However, we have bad news. The states below make your entire record visible to background checks. Guilty convictions, not guilty — everything will be on the table. You may run into bigger challenges when applying here:
- 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
Uber scores an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars on Glassdoor. Workers praise the work environment as being both positive and accommodating. They liked the flexible hours and the ability to pick their own schedule.
The negatives are what you might expect. You may have to deal with passengers who will give you a hard time. You really don’t know what to expect until the person gets in your car. Speaking of your car, many workers said the wear and tear you receive on your vehicle is pretty extensive. Take that into account before trying to sign up!
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
Uber has been known to reject people who have been convicted for violent felonies. Also, anyone who has gotten a DUI or any felonies related to intoxication will also likely be rejected as well.
Does Uber drug test?
Uber does not offer preliminary drug tests. However, if passengers lodge a complaint, it is possible a drug test will be administered. Since this job involves driving, we recommend being completely drug free. Getting in trouble while on the job could lead to legal trouble.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences
Were you able to get a job at Uber with a felony? Share your tips for getting hired below!
