Chances are the last time you considered buying a home electronic, Best Buy came to mind. As the top consumer electronics chain store in the U.S., it is a favorite.
With almost a thousand stores and over 125,000 employees, it is also a major employer. For anyone looking to work in this segment, Best Buy is a good potential employer.
However, for those with criminal records, it may not be so easy. The question thus remains, does Best Buy hire felons?
Felons have a tough time finding decent work due to their history. Employers are inclined to be biased against them.
Felonies are the most serious category of crimes. They include such offenses as murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, drug trafficking, and more.
Many of these offenses feature a risk to the safety of others or their property. Such elements are thus not welcome in most businesses.
Especially those that offer retail services. This is because customer safety is considered of utmost importance.
To discover if new hires have criminal pasts, employers will run background checks. They then factor in these reports when making their final hiring decisions.
But background reports can often vary depending on where they are generated. This is because state laws can differ on what is allowed to be reported.
First, let us discuss why felons and others may want to work at Best Buy.
Why Work at Best Buy?
While retail jobs can sometimes be labor-intensive, they can also be rewarding. The company offers fairly competitive pay with good benefits.
They offer a range of health cover plans. These include medical, prescription, dental, vision, and accident covers. They also offer paid maternity leave and wellness programs for better health.
To help employees plan for their futures, they also offer financing plans. This includes 401(k) savings plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and an employee stock purchase plan.
Additional benefits include adoption assistance, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts. Those working at their corporate campus have access to extra benefits like a fitness center and child care.
For those that are motivated, it is a great place to climb the career ladder. Best Buy prefers to recruit internally meaning most management previously worked entry-level jobs.
Many lower-level jobs come with flexible schedules. This can be helpful to those who have to juggle school and child care.
So given the many benefits, how does one sign up?
Best Buy Hiring Process
Given that Best Buy is a tech company, they do prefer applicants sign up online. They have a dedicated careers page you can find via their official website.
Their job categories are divided into four. These include retail, corporate, seasonal, and military.
Most entry-level positions can be found under retail and seasonal categories.
Peruse all available jobs. You can narrow down to specific locations and job categories.
Each listing details the responsibilities, qualifications, and location for the job. If you feel you are a good fit, you can then click through to apply.
To apply, you will need to register an account on the website. You will have to provide a username and password. Alternatively, use one of your social media accounts to sign up.
Personal details you will need to provide include your name, age, email, and phone number. You will also need to upload a resume along with the application.
Once submitted and you qualify, you will be contacted by a recruiter. Sometimes the phone call will be the interview so it is advisable to be prepared. They will confirm the details provided in your resume and may ask some questions.
If you pass this phone interview, you will then be advised of the next one. The second interview is conducted by a hiring manager and in-person.
The interview will likely focus on your interpersonal and problem-solving skills. It is a good idea to study up about the company in readiness.
If you pass this interview, you will be given a conditional offer of employment. It allows for a background check and drug testing to be done. Thereafter you will be informed of orientation to begin work.
For those with felonies, the main concern is what happens when the background checks return.
Does Best Buy Hire Felons?
Best Buy definitely conducts background checks. This is confirmed by their privacy policy that states information shared may be used for such investigation during hiring. They however assure that personal data is kept secure.
These criminal background checks are only done after a conditional offer of employment. Candidates are given a consent form to authorize this.
There are indications that Best Buy does not disqualify candidates based on felonies. Rather, they look at if there is any correlation between the offenses and the nature of the work.
It also seems likely that Best Buy adheres to state standards when it comes to reporting. This means that if there are reporting limits, they will not go beyond them when considering criminal past.
Best Buy does appear to hire felons if they are the best candidates for the job. And their convictions do not relate to the job under consideration. This means hiring decisions are on a case-to-case basis.
Tips to Getting Hired
Knowledge is power. It is good to be sure of what Best Buy will discover when running a background check. Pull your own report.
This will help you prepare to address this issue during interviews. Being forthcoming is desirable. You can get ahead of the game by divulging this past and explaining it.
Always take responsibility and highlight the positive ways you have changed. A review of this report is also good in case there are errors. You can have corrections made that may help.
Another option may be to get your records expunged. An expungement can allow you honestly state that you have no criminal record. This will however depend on how old and serious the convictions were.
In some states, you can get a reduction. This could allow a felony to be reduced down to a misdemeanor. This is considered a less severe offense.
When going for your interview, be sure to do your research. Look up relevant facts and new information on the company and industry. Being knowledgeable can help bolster your chances.
Also, be sure to dress appropriately. Business casual is usually good enough for entry-level jobs.
Try to speak confidently and politely. Best Buy wants people that can communicate effectively. Demonstrate your passion for the industry and customer service.
Conclusion
Best Buy is a great company to work for. But first, you have to get your foot in the door. Certain offenses may make it difficult, so consider seeking an expungement.
Cleaning up your records can help make the hiring decision easier for Best Buy. But if you do not qualify for this, look at other ways to boost your image and resume.
Volunteer work and vocational training can help demonstrate how you constructively us your time. Also, consider the references you use. Try to find upstanding members of the community that can attest to your changed character.
Above all, do not give up. Even if you do not get a job at Best Buy, there are many other companies and careers to consider. Be strategic about what careers you choose and focus on employers that support second chances.