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Looking for jobs for felons in Richmond, Virginia, can be challenging. There are so many jobs to choose from, but which are best for people with criminal records? We’re here to help with that. This article will give you some good tips and tools to use in your job search, as well as some specific companies and jobs to look for.
Jobs that hire felons in Richmond
Richmond is known as one of the best US travel destinations for history due to its many historic sites and museums. On the business side, it was on Forbes Magazine’s list of top cities for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Other interesting facts about Richmond are that the well-known poet Edgar Allen Poe grew up here and the famous Magnolia Green area of Richmond got its name from the ‘80s television series “Magnum P.I.” by combining the star character’s name (Magnum) and his frequent nemesis (Colonel Greene).
Richmond is also a major city and business hub for Virginia. It is known for having many different types of businesses including companies in the financial, medical, biotechnology, knowledge-based services, manufacturing, and transportation industries. It has become an attractive location for new businesses seeking to be close to top companies in these sectors.
You will find many opportunities in the Richmond area. If you want to focus your job search down to the best jobs that hire felons in Richmond, then take a look at the great search tool we have on our website below.
Top companies that hire felons in Richmond
If you are new to looking for a job as a former felon, you will need to take a step back and be open to opportunities you may have not considered in the past. Entry-level positions are always the best to target because they have the lowest requirements and may not do background checks.
A beneficial place to start out your search may be to look at employment agency jobs for felons in Richmond. Employment and temp agencies have lots of job listings, and they are familiar with the challenges you face.
Next we’ll jump into a list of good companies that hire felons in Richmond. These companies may be ones for you to try or give you ideas for your search that may lead you to other openings.
Reynolds (Reynolds Metal / Alcoa)
The key thing you need to have ready when you are starting out on your job search is a good resume. If you need some help in that area, then check out our guide to making a resume for people with a record.
Cavalier Telephone
Cavalier Telephone is an internet and telecommunications service provider and is part of Windstream Communications providing voice and data services to businesses, residential, and government customers. They were founded in 1998 and operate in the eastern US (16 states and DC). They have a number of entry-level jobs in customer service, maintenance, and their warehouse.
Some promising jobs for former felons:
- Service Consultant
- Customer Relations
- Telecommunications Operator
- Warehouse
- Maintenance
Performance Food Group
Performance Food Group is a major distributor of food and related products across the US. The company is an industry leader that competes with US Foods and Sysco, meaning there are a lot of good job opportunities. Performance Food Group delivers over 150,000 different products to customers and businesses, and has over 23,000 workers.
Some good opportunities to look for:
- Inventory Control
- Order Selector
- Forklift Operator
- Customer Service Representative
- Delivery Driver
Westrock
Westrock (formerly MeadWestvaco) is a large packaging company that provides packaging solutions for the health care, beauty and personal care, food, beverage, home and garden, tobacco, and agricultural industries all over the world. They were founded in 2002, are headquartered in Richmond, and have over 20,000 employees worldwide.
Some solid jobs for former felons:
- General Mechanic
- Millwright
- Maintenance
- Shipping
- Customer Service
Greater Richmond Transit (GRTC)
The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) is a local government-owned public service company serving the Richmond area. They operate over 150 diesel and CNG-powered transit buses serving approximately 45 routes. The GRTC is an urban-suburban bus line based in Richmond, and has a ridership of nearly eight million (about 26,600 per weekday). They have some hands-on jobs suitable for former felons.
Some great jobs:
- Repair Shop
- Customer Service Representative
- Driver
- Body Shop
- Maintenance
Reynolds (Reynolds Metal / Alcoa)
Reynolds Group Holdings is a packaging company started from the former Reynolds Metals Company. It was the second-largest aluminum company in the US and the third-largest in the world until it was acquired by Alcoa in 2000. Reynolds Metal was originally founded in 1919, is headquartered in Richmond, has over 15,000 employees, and consistently a lot of good job openings.
Promising jobs for former felons:
- Gluer
- Machinist
- Maintenance Technician
- Inventory Clerk
- Quality
Altria
Altria is a major holding company that owns some of the best known tobacco brands in the world including Marlboro, Copenhagen, Skoal and Black & Mild. They have been around for over 180 years and operate three tobacco companies in the US (Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and John Middleton) which have leading positions in the cigarette, smokeless tobacco and large machine-made cigar categories.
Some great opportunities, for former felons:
- Manufacturing Specialist
- Packaging
- Warehouse Associate
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Customer Service
Ukrop’s
Ukrop’s is a large retail company that operates a central bakery and kitchen producing baked goods and prepared meals. They were founded in 1937, have over 5,000 employees, and are based in Richmond. If you are into baked goods, then check out one of their locations in town.
Promising jobs for former felons:
- Cashier
- Control Specialist
- Maintenance Technician
- Order Selector
- Production Associate
Verizon Data Services
Verizon Data Services Inc. is a major subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc. They are an industry-leading provider in the telecommunications industry. Verizon Data is based in Richmond and has over 3,800 workers. They have a lot of opportunities in their services and retail areas.
Some good job opportunities for former felons:
- Sales Consultant
- Retail Sales Representative
- Equipment Technician
- Wireless Sales
- Warehouse
Goodwill
If you like helping people and are looking for a good non-profit company to work for, then take a look at Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia. It was established in 1923 and is headquartered in Richmond. Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia has over 3,000 employees and an annual revenue of around $60 million.
Great entry-level jobs for former felons:
- E Commerce Listing Specialist
- Customer Service
- Store Clerk / Cashier
- Material Handler
- Donation Attendant
NewMarket Corporation
NewMarket Corporation and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture, blend, and market fuel and oil additives. The company is based in Richmond and has operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. NewMarket Corporation employs over 2,100 employees globally and has a number of entry-level customer service and labor positions. If a career in oil and gas is on your radar, this might be the place for you!
Promising jobs for former felons:
- Warehouse Associate
- Customer Relationship
- Mechanical Technician
- Business Specialist
- Facilities Technician
Trucking jobs for felons in Richmond
Driving a big rig is a great career for those who like traveling around the country. Trucking is a big industry nationwide that’s always looking for good drivers and hard workers, plus it’s known for giving former felons a chance.
Below are a few companies to check out for trucking jobs for felons in Richmond:
- Uriel Trucking Inc.
- Liberty Trucking
- Houff Transfer Inc.
- Abilene Motor Express
- Eagle Transport Richmond
Warehouse jobs for felons in Richmond
If you are in good physical condition and don’t mind some hard work, then consider warehouse work. Just about any sizable company with stuff to store has a warehouse, and they need people to work in them. If you have any background with using forklifts, you’ll be considered an asset!
Take a look at warehouse jobs for felons in Richmond:
- Riverside Logistics
- Alleghany Warehouse Company, Inc.
- Capital Warehouse Inc.
- The WDS Company of Virginia
- Crystal Creek Logistics
Temp agency jobs for felons in Richmond
If you are in a hurry to find a job and looking on your own is not working out, then you should consider temp agency jobs for felons in Richmond. Temporary employment agencies are in the business of finding jobs for all sorts of people, including the justice-involved.
Here are some good agencies in the area:
- Onin Staffing
- Insight Global
- Candidate Source
- Labor Finders Richmond
- Express Employment Professionals
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Richmond
Justice involved folks do get a small break in Virginia because of Ban the Box laws that prohibit employers from asking about prior criminal arrests, charges, or convictions on applications. Potential employers are allowed to ask during or after an interview, and can still run background checks.
Second chance programs are a good place to go if you need additional help, beyond finding a job. Take a look at the second chance and job training programs for felons in Richmond.
Resources for former felons in Richmond:
- Bridging the Gap in Virginia
- Mission: Our mission is to empower formerly incarcerated persons, veterans, at-risk youth, substance abusers and those suffering from homelessness. We help these groups of people overcome barriers that hinder their effective transition following military duty, recovery and/or incarceration into mainstream society with positive outlooks towards sustained success. We are driven by a commitment to restorative justice, environmental justice, and sustainability.
- Services offered: Education, Employment
- Boaz and Ruth
- Mission: Rebuilding lives and communities through relationships, jobs and economic revitalization.
- Services offered: Employment
- OAR of Richmond
- Mission: Provides evidence-based and person-centered approaches to empower those impacted by incarceration to find individual success.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Clothing and Household, Education, Employment, Family, Food, Housing, Legal, Transportation
- Virginia CARES
- Mission: To lead a state-wide network of reentry programs that reduces recidivism, promotes public safety and provides supportive services to assist returning citizens lead successful lives.
- Services offered: Education, Employment, Referrals
- Assisting Families of Inmates
- Mission: The mission of AFOI is to provide opportunities for regular, meaningful visitation, referrals to community resources, and other services that help families cope with incarceration and prepare for release and reunification. We strive to prevent the breakdown of relationships among inmates and their families by providing regular, meaningful visitation, support, referrals and education services. Our programs help families and loved ones throughout the period of incarceration and also prepare families for a successful transition when the inmate is released from prison back into our community. Assisting Families of Inmates is one of only a handful of such programs to provide these services in Virginia and across the United States.
- Services offered: Family
