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15 Top Ways for Finding Jobs for Felons in Memphis in 2023

By Last update August 4, 2022
Memphis Tennessee downtown

Memphis, Tennessee, is home to about 650,000 people. If you’re searching for jobs for felons in Memphis, you should know that the economy is diverse. There are many different kinds of jobs available, so we’re going to help you navigate the ones where you have the best chances

The city has been a major cotton market for decades. It’s also headquarters for some large manufacturing, transportation, finance and science and technology companies. In addition, Memphis draws a lot of shoppers and tourists.

We’ve dug into the data to find some of the biggest employers in Memphis. In fact, Relaunch Pad is unique because we research companies across the United States to find out how they hire former felons. So far, we’ve been in touch with over 1,000 businesses!

We do this because we care, and many of us have criminal records ourselves. So, we’ve got your back when it comes to finding out where the best entry-level jobs are.

Jobs that hire felons in Memphis

Memphis Tennessee cityscape

Our search tool can help you find jobs that hire felons in Memphis. You can search the main industries and largest employers, or get results based on certain skills or job titles.

Top companies that hire felons in Memphis

There are a ton of companies that hire felons in Memphis, spread over many sectors. The thing most of them have in common is that they have a lot of employees. This means they need to hire people for a number of kinds of jobs.

This is especially true for entry-level jobs, because people often use them as a stepping stone to better opportunities in the company.

These positions don’t require any experience or specialized education to get your foot in the door. Consider work that’s similar to what you’ve done before or you have a solid reference from.

Get started with your job search by clicking on the links below.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Outdoors Inc

International Paper Co.

Midtown Coin Laundry

Memphis Light, Gas and Water

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

The Fresh Market

Nike

Service Master

TruGreen

If you’ve handled customers in one type of business, you can probably catch on quickly to how to do it in another one. These are called transferable skills and, don’t worry, no matter how long your work history is you’ve got them! Remember, having a good resume when you have a criminal record is a must. Study the advice we have about how to make the most of your skills and work history. We’re confident it can help you land more than one interview!

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

If you’re local, you know Gus’s! Imagine working in this busy kitchen? The restaurant is always busy, and does a lot of online and delivery orders. If you can handle the heat, this might be the spot fo ryou.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Cook
  • Cashier
  • Line Cook
  • Custodial

Outdoors Inc

Getting out in nature is one of the greatest things about living in Memphis. Take your resume to Outdoors Inc if you want to work in the retail enviornment that leads to outdoor adventures. Perks include a discount on store purchases!

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Cashier
  • Stocker
  • Bike Mechanic
  • Team Lead

International Paper Co.

International Paper is a global leader in supplying paper and packaging products. They’ve been in business for over 100 years and are very focused on being environmentally-friendly. This is a place where you can be proud to work.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Cataloguer
  • Customer Support Specialist
  • Sales Representative
  • Driver

Midtown Coin Laundry

Laundromats make excellent places of employment when you’re getting back on your feet. They’ve got rotating shifts and a diverse customer base, which keeps work interesting. Plus, you’re going to become an expert at laundry!

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Launderer
  • Cashier
  • Tailor
  • Maintenance

Memphis Light, Gas and Water

More than 429,000 customers have their utility needs met by this company. The business prides itself on delivering reliable and affordable natural gas, electricity and water services. Although you may need some equivalent experience and training to apply for a lineman position, it’s not the only entry-level job.

 Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Lineman
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Customer Accounts Processor
  • Maintenance

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

A position with a large healthcare organization might interest you. If it is, consider applying with this hospital. Whatever entry-level work you do, you’ll get a great feeling from doing your part to take care of patients.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Housekeeper
  • Cook
  • Restaurant Server
  • Security
  • Patient Transporter

The Fresh Market

Have you been to The Fresh Market? They’re a popular local grocer with a focus on good produce they’ve compiled into meals to go for home cooking. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making meal delivery kits, this is your chance!

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Stocker
  • IT
  • Cashier
  • Food Production Specialist
  • Grocery Team Member

Nike

How does being part of a well-respected athletic wear company sound to you? Nike has a large workforce in Memphis and a big distribution center. So, you should be able to find a good entry-level job there.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • Forklift Operator
  • Exception Processor
  • PMV Operator
  • Operations Specialist

Service Master

How would you like to work for a well-established company like Service Master? They provide cleaning, maintenance and restoration services for business and residential customers.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Commercial Cleaner
  • Janitorial Associate
  • Construction Helper
  • Office Administrator

TruGreen

If you’d like to work in lawn maintenance, check out TruGreen. It has a reputation as America’s number one lawn and landscaping company. Being outdoors and getting your hands dirty making something of beauty is a great way to spend the work day!

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • General Laborer
  • Field Sales
  • Warehouse Technician
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Cashier

Trucking jobs for felons in Memphis

Do you think there’s nothing better than getting behind the wheel and heading out on the open road? Then, you might be already thinking of looking for trucking jobs for felons in Memphis.

Trucking companies are known for hiring ex-felons. This industry is a very busy one and they’re always hiring. Some companies will even pay for your training!

If your driving record is clean, they’re a great industry for entry-level work. 

Here’s where to find trucking jobs for felons locally:

  • Cooper Freight Service, Inc
  • Easley Transportation
  • JNJ Express
  • Ozark Motor Lines
  • Estes Express Lines

Warehouse jobs for felons in Memphis

There are some excellent entry-level warehouse jobs for felons in Memphis. The city has a number of very big distribution centers, and warehouses are known for needing lots of labor.

Many jobs tend to be low-skilled. Therefore, there’s a good chance you can get hired on without any experience. If you show that you’re ready to learn and can demonstrate a good work ethic, you’ll be on your way!

Here are some of the largest Memphis warehouses:

  • XPO Logistics Supply Chain
  • DHR Supply Chain
  • Nickey Warehouses
  • Mallory Alexander International Logistics
  • Patterson Warehouses

Temp agency jobs for felons in Memphis

It’s a good idea to include temp agency jobs for felons in Memphis in your job search.  

Many companies will hire entry-level workers through employment agencies. This is one of the best ways to get hired quickly for short-term work. The temp agency staff do a fantastic job of helping you find work that’s a good fit with your skills and experience.

Once you start in a temporary position through an employment agency, it’s easier to get on permanently with an employer. 

Here are some agencies to consider:

  • Labor Staffing of Memphis
  • The Onin Group
  • PrideStaff
  • Arrow Workforce Solutions
  • Diverse Staffing Memphis

Second chance and job training programs for felons in Memphis

Here’s great news if you’re a former felon applying for jobs in Memphis. In 2020, the city passed a Ban the Box law making it illegal for employers to ask about your criminal record when you fill in an application form. You’ll be on the same footing as someone without a blemish on their background.

Aside from Ban the Box, here are some second chance and job training programs for felons in Memphis:

  • Nehemiah Justice Reconciliation Program
    • Mission: We will gather those in distress or trouble; Those who are in debt or poverty; and those who are discontented, or dissatisfied, and in need of direction. Our purpose for gathering them is to train disciples of Jesus Christ that will work fearlessly to take back inner cities of America. We will establish missions, churches, and Christian businesses to minister to distressed people and spread the good news of Salvation, which is through Christ alone.
    • Services offered: Employment, Food, Housing, Transportation
  • Midsouth Sober Living
    • Mission: Living in a MIDSOUTH Sober Living (MSL) center provides individuals with the opportunity to learn to live outside of the structure of a rehabilitation program while maintaining their alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle.
    • Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Housing, Medical, Mental Health
  • Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry (TPOM)
    • Mission: Reuniting with God, family and community.
    • Services offered: Education, Employment, Family, Housing, Legal, Mental Health, Spiritual Services
  • Transformation Project
    • Mission: The mission of the Transformation Project is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by transforming the lives of addiction-related offenders, their families and future generations through the power of God, thereby reducing repeat offenses and crime.
    • Services offered: Spiritual Services
  • Shelby County Office of Reentry
    • Mission: To help citizens returning from incarceration navigate a holistic network of community services designed to restore dignity and confidence while providing opportunities for individual and family success.
    • Services offered: Education, Family
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Sandy Bell-Murray
Reentry Educator

Sandy Bell-Murray worked for more than thirty years for the Ontario public service, mainly in adult and youth justice. She began as a Probation and Parole Officer, then became a policy analyst, program supervisor and manager. Currently, she delivers workshops focused on building personal resilience and managing stress. She is an active member of Toastmasters International.