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There are many jobs for felons in Indiana, Indianapolis, if you know where to look. Many former offenders say they would like to work, but find it difficult because they have felonies on their criminal record.
Our writers take great care in providing felons with the best possible information. We have done the research and contacted over 1,000 companies directly to ask about their hiring policy for former offenders. We then looked through local businesses to see what types of jobs they need to be filled right away and put together this list of the 10 best places to apply in Indianapolis when you have a record. We also put together a few tips for people with records, from people with records — our writers! Read on for more.
Jobs that hire Felons in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has a population of about 900,000 people, according to the 2019 census. With this many people, there are many jobs available, and there is a competitive job market.
Indianapolis has jobs that hire felons in the following markets:
- Education
- Food Service
- Hotel and Hospitality
- Manufacturing and Production
- Skilled Trade (professional mechanics)
The search feature on our website will allow you to filter your job search results based on the criteria that interest you.
Top companies that hire felons in Indianapolis
We focus primarily on entry-level jobs because that is where top companies often hire felons. Many of the jobs that hire felons are entry-level because applicants with criminal records tend to be at a disadvantage when applying for more competitive positions.
Indianapolis has several large companies that hire felons. Some have high employee turnover rates, and they need new employees all the time, which means they often post job openings. Looking at the most relevant industries in the area will help give you a good idea of the available jobs.
The following section will guide you through the available jobs using a list with jump-ahead text. Just pick the listing that interests you the most.
When applying for jobs as a felon, make sure you are honest about your conviction, only disclose the information if asked, and do not leave anything blank. Also, be prepared for common interview questions about why you were charged with felonies, so have some examples ready to answer.
We have a detailed guide on our website that will help you create an excellent resume to ensure you are few steps ahead of the curve.
New Era Technology
New Era Technology provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. With roles focused on communications technology, you’ll find a good home for your skills if you are computer literate or enjoy any degree of wiring or computer engineering.
Check out these positions oriented to entry-level workers:
- Customer Support
- Cabling Technician
- Fire Alarm Technician
- AV Engineers
- IT Support
Mr. Electric
Mr. Electric has become the number one electrical franchise in North America, with franchises across Canada and the United States. The company offers a full suite of services, including installation for all major brands, outdoor lighting, home automation solutions like smart thermostats, and refrigeration/furnace maintenance.
Here are some of their top entry-level positions:
- Electrician
- Customer Support
- Driver
- Technician
- Service Professional
Apple One
Apple One combines the best of Apple’s services to keep you entertained and informed, as well as iCloud storage for your photos, files, and more. With apps like iTunes Radio+, Music Unlimited+ or Pandora Plus, there are plenty of ways to enjoy music on all your devices! Services include photo backups with Photo Storage+.
These are some of their entry-level roles:
- Customer Support
- Store Clerk
- Administrative Assistant
- Accounting Clerk
Anthem
Anthem is a leading health benefits company dedicated to improving lives and communities and making healthcare simpler. Anthem has more than 107 million members worldwide, including 43 million people covered under its family of plans! They often need fresh hires, and have lots of roles to fill.
Some entry-level jobs here:
- Customer Care
- Sales Representatives
- Marketing Assistant
- IT Support
Cummins
Cummins designs, manufactures, and services diesel engines ranging from 2.8 liters to 95 liters and electrical generator sets with up to 3,500 kW of power capacity. These devices are effective in various industries that employ them for their efficiency and durability, such as mining or construction sites. If you aren’t shy about manufacturing work, this could be the place for you!
A few of their most accessible positions:
- Service Technician
- Engineer
- Sales Representative
- Data Analyst
Zimmer
Zimmer Biomet is the world-leading manufacturer of comprehensive joint replacement systems and related products used by surgeons on patients all over the globe. The company is headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, where it’s part of a medical devices business cluster that ranges from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Considering the size, there is lots of work here.
Check out these entry-level roles:
- Sales Associate
- Customer Support
- Warehouse Driver
- Administration
Thor
Thor Industries produces a wide range of recreational vehicles, such as motor homes and travel trailers. The company’s products include options from Airstream to Dutchmen — there are choices for any lifestyle! Thor RV manufacturing plants generally produce one vehicle at a time based on dealer order, so customers have unprecedented flexibility in choosing their custom model with features that meet their desires.
If this sounds like the place for you, consider applying to these kinds of jobs:
- Customer Support
- Order Picking
- Warehouse Driver
- Desk Clerk
Hacienda
This family-run restaurant chain is a leading Mexican casual dining group located throughout the Midwest. They offer appetizers, soups, and salads, burritos, fajitas, combos with their signature tortilla soup served in a bread bowl for dipping as well as sandwiches and desserts to satisfy any craving you may have! With restaurant experience, you might be a shoe-in. Without, you’ll likely get an interview.
These are the most accessible roles for former offenders:
- Server
- Cook
- Dishwasher
- Bartender
Finish Line
With more than 660 stores in America, Finish Line has become a one-stop destination for all of your athletic shoe needs. Whether you’re looking to purchase new sneakers or simply want some fresh kicks with that crisp white sneaker look, they have something for everyone and every occasion! They also often need workers, so take your resume in today!
Entry-level jobs here:
- Customer Service
- Store Manager
- Management Assistant
- Associate
USI Property Management
USI Property Management has been providing quality rental properties throughout central Indiana since 1990. Their dedication to superior customer satisfaction makes USI your number one choice for discerning individuals searching for housing options across all school districts. They have a variety of roles to fill that you might be a fit for!
Some of their jobs with the lowest barriers to employment:
- General cleaning
- Administrative Assistant
- Property Management
- Business Development Assistant
Trucking Jobs for felons in Indianapolis
If you’re looking for trucking jobs for felons in Indianapolis, there are a few things you should take into account. Every state has different laws and regulations concerning who can or cannot transport materials within its borders. The safest way to determine whether you are compliant with your state’s requirements is to check with the specific agency that licenses drivers.
In Indiana, this agency is the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV provides detailed information on all Indiana transport laws, regulations, and requirements at this link: http://www.in.gov/bmv/2398.htm. Many states require drivers to obtain “for hire” (commercial) licenses to drive commercial vehicles.
We have a great guide on the trucking industry for people with criminal histories. Make sure to read this before applying to any of the trucking jobs listed below!
Here is a list of solid local trucking companies:
- Ten Road Express
- Martin Transportation Systems
- ECM Transport
- A to Z Logistics
- McLane Company
Warehouse Jobs for felons in Indianapolis
The best perk about warehouse jobs for felons in Indianapolis is that they give employees great flexibility with their schedules and allow them to take on some pretty exciting tasks like packing merchandise into boxes and loading trucks at lightning speeds.
It doesn’t matter if workers want more hours per week or less in a warehouse job because they pay an hourly wage based on how many pieces each employee completes within set periods.
Below is a list of some companies with warehouse jobs for felons in Indiana, Indianapolis:
- UPS
- Estes Express Lines
- Stitch Fix
- McFarling Foods
- Homegoods
Temp agency jobs for felons in Indianapolis
Staffing agencies are a great way to find temp jobs for felons in Indianapolis quickly. They can provide entry-level work fast, and when you need it right now, they should be on the top of your list!
We have an incredibly helpful guide on our website that helps you find the staffing agencies that are best equipped to help you!
Temp agencies jobs for felons in Indianapolis are like a dream come true for employers. These companies can provide an endless supply of workers, and they don’t even have to do the hiring.
Temp agencies offer many benefits to employers who need short-term employees on demand. They also allow managers to avoid the hassle and headache that comes with managing their staff while still finding quality people when needed quickly.
Here are temp agencies in Indiana, Indianapolis:
- Aerotek
- Ajilon
- Kingslee Rose
- AppleTree Staffing
- Career Solutions Group
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Indianapolis
Indiana is pretty against Ban the Box. Your employer can and likely will ask about your background and use it as a barrier to entry — unless you apply to the companies listed above, of course!
Second chance and job training programs are an excellent way for people who have made mistakes to educate themselves on workplace trends and look into new career possibilities. They can learn more about the business world, and businesses can find quality workers that they would not have been able to hire previously due to their criminal record.
Job training also allows people struggling with unemployment or underemployment to learn valuable skills and get back on their feet.
Below is a list of second chance and job training programs for felons in Indiana:
- Indiana Department of Corrections Re-entry Division
- Mission: The Re-Entry Division, utilizing evidence-based practices, promotes the assessment of each offender’s criminogenic needs and encourages a culture of accountability and collaboration. We value targeted programming to establish a comprehensive Re-Entry model that advocates for a skilled and ready workforce.
- Services offered: Education, Employment, Mental, Spiritual Services
- Public Advocates in Community Re-entry (PACE)
- Mission: PACE’s mission is to provide a variety of services to incarcerated and previously incarcerated individuals and their families to lead productive and responsible lives in their community.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Employment, Family, Housing, Mental Health
- RecycleForce
- Mission: RecycleForce, a 501(c)3 organization, is a social enterprise offering some of the most comprehensive and innovative recycling services around while providing life-changing workforce training to formerly incarcerated individuals. Using the revenue generated by its recycling business, RecycleForce is helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives by providing gainful employment and comprehensive social services.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Employment, Mental Health
- Volunteers of America – Ohio and Indiana
- Mission: Our programs serve formerly incarcerated individuals, some of whom are eligible for early release from prison due to judicial release, and/or have substance abuse issues in the Cincinnati, Dayton, Evansville, Indianapolis, Mansfield, and Toledo areas.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Medical, Mental Health
