When we become adults, it is vital to find gainful work. The jobs we acquire are what will form the foundation for our careers. And it is from this that we build our wealth.
For those that land in prison, this path is derailed. Even just a year on the inside can lead to serious harm. This is mostly due to a tarnished reputation.
One of the most successful companies in the world is the Coca Cola Company (TCCC). It is a great place to work, with opportunities in various specializations. So, does Coca Cola hire felons?
With background checks bringing to light sordid pasts, it can be hard to find job success. But it all begins with getting your foot in the door. This is the one area that felons have the most difficulty with.
The top challenge remains convincing hiring managers that you are a worthy risk. However, if you do succeed, a company like Coca Cola can bring great fortune into your life.
As one of the most admired brands in the world, the company offers huge growth potential. They genuinely value talent and if you have it, you are assured excellent rewards.
As a multinational, the salaries are highly competitive, with great benefits attached. Career growth opportunities abound with plenty of development programs available.
The company currently has over 86,000 U.S. employees and enjoys over $30 billion in revenues. It has a presence in over 200 countries with over 300 bottling partners.
TCCC is a highly desirable employer anyone would be happy to work for. For felons who have suffered a setback careerwise, this is an ideal option. In a short amount of time, you can boost your finances, and restart building a career.
So the question thus remains, does TCCC hire felons. Let’s discuss below.
Does Coca Cola Hire Felons?
The company does not seem to have explicitly shared their hiring policies on this. The company has also not signed on for the Ban-The-Box initiative.
This campaign was set up to discourage employers from asking about criminal history in job applications. The question normally asked applicants to tick a box if they had previous convictions. Hence the call to Ban-The-Box.
Another second chance campaign is the Fair Chances Business Pledge. It similarly advocated for employers to give felons a fairer chance at competing for jobs.
If there are any hiring policies concerning felons, they have been kept internal.
However, there are many testimonials from current and former employees that confirm felon hires. Therefore, yes, TCCC does hire felons.
Their emphasis on hiring talent means they most likely focus on this before considering any felonious past.
Therefore, when applying for any job here, it is vital to consider the requirements. You have to demonstrate you are the best candidate for the job. Ensuring your profile and resume are well matched to the position is important.
Having sampled several anecdotal testimonials, we have a fair idea of how TCCC considers felons. To begin with, they do seem to adhere to state regulations when reviewing criminal past. Hence, depending on the state, if your conviction is less than seven years old, it will be revealed.
Also, many felons have work gaps and lack of work experience, Thus, it may be best to aim for entry-level positions. These are the easiest to secure.
Before we look at what crimes may exclude job applicants, let’s consider how background checks work.
Does Coca Cola Carry Out Background Checks?
Yes, they do. This is standard operating practice for most large employers. It helps them to mitigate risks.
A background check is a report on a candidate’s past. Criminal checks focus on whether the person has been prosecuted for or convicted of crimes.
Employers will often consider misdemeanor and felony offenses differently. Misdemeanors are lesser offenses that attract penalties of no more than a year in jail. Felonies are more serious with penalties of more than a year in prison.
Companies would not want to hire a person with a past that is at conflict with their role. So, the nature of the crime matters.
Nor would they want to hire a person likely to be harmful to their colleagues or clients. These can turn into costly liability issues.
However, the content of the background checks and how far back it goes will depend on state laws. Some states only provide information on convictions as far back as seven years. These include:
- California
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Nevada
- New York
- Texas
State laws can also vary in terms of whether convictions alone will appear. Some states will indicate all offenses, including those that resulted in a not guilty verdict. States that only indicate guilty convictions include:
- Alaska
- California
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- New York
Sadly, the majority of states will show most charges. Including not guilty verdicts and charges that were thrown out.
It is advisable to check your state laws or run your own background check. This way you will know just what potential employers will learn when evaluating you.
It would also appear that the company also drug tests new hires. If applying for a job here, it is best to avoid any illicit drugs, including marijuana.
Let’s now discuss how some convictions can be a weightier issue for employers like TCCC.
Felony Convictions That May Not Be Hired at Coca Cola
As mentioned, misdemeanor and felony offenses differ. As the more serious of the two, felonies are more frowned upon. Some of the crimes that are widely classified as felonies include:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Rape
- Armed robbery
- Arson
- Kidnapping
The sentencing for these crimes can vary from state to state. Overall, however, they are still viewed negatively. Even after having paid their debt to society, felons still suffer prejudice.
For a felon to avoid having their past affect job prospects, they should let time pass. As mentioned, background checks have time limits. If you allow this period to lapse, then your background check will not reflect this.
But as said, this can vary based on jurisdiction. It is best to review your state’s regulations and confirm.
The next best step is to compare the crime with the job role. Certain positions naturally disqualify certain felons due to the nature of the crime.
Those with violent convictions are unlikely to get hired. This would be risky for other employees and clients.
The same would go for those convicted of sex crimes and on the sex offender registry. Not only would it be risky given the various demographics the company deals with. But also the damage it could do to their reputation if it ever came out they hired a sex offender.
Those convicted of fraud offenses like embezzlement would likely be disqualified from finance or accounting positions.
Drug and alcohol offenses are also likely to disqualify those applying for driving positions.
TCCC does not deal with high-value merchandise. Still, theft convictions may not be ideal for warehouses or other positions involving products.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, you do not need to worry about being discriminated against. But keep in mind the company has a reputation to protect.
How to Apply for A Job at Coca Cola
Simply visit the official website for TCCC and click on the Careers page. Here you can review their listing of available positions.
You can customize your search according to location to help narrow down to prospects within your locality. Once you find a good lead, click through to find out the job role and requirements.
If the job advertised looks like a good match, you can click on the apply button. You will need to either login or create a new account.
You will be asked if you want to upload a resume. Be sure to have carefully crafted your resume. You can beef it up using work history from before you were arrested.
You can even use the work roles you performed in prison to demonstrate experience and responsibility.
As mentioned, there are many entry-level positions at TCCC that have minimal requirements. These are mostly production and warehouse jobs such as:
- Seasonal Production Worker
- Seasonal Variety Pack Operator
- General Laborer
- Factory Operator
- Forklift Driver
Many of these do not even require having a high school diploma or GED. It is, however, advisable to achieve this and more if you want to climb the career ladder.
Once you submit your application, the hiring team decides if you suit the position. If so, they will arrange a phone or video interview.
If you pass this stage, you will be taken through an assessment test. This multiple-choice test will gauge your personality and numerical reasoning.
Another assessment may also be conducted at company offices. This can include a written case study, group discussion, and sometimes role play.
A final interview paves the way for a conditional job offer. This is normally subject to you passing the drug test.
Let’s move on to how you can boost the chances of getting hired.
Tips to Securing a Position at Coca Cola
Many people have shared their experiences during the hiring process at TCCC. We will use this to indicate some key areas of focus that can improve your standing.
There are certain standard questions that candidates are asked during interviews. It is advisable to practice your responses beforehand. Think of what you will say and practice severally so it comes out as naturally as possible.
These questions can include:
- ‘Tell me about yourself’
- ‘Why did you choose to apply to TCCC?’
- ‘Why should we hire you?’
- ‘What experience do you have that makes you the ideal candidate for this job?’
- ‘How have you dealt with conflicts with past supervisors?’
This is also a chance to demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Familiarize yourself with the company’s core values, vision, and mission. Discover how they contribute to the local community and incorporate this into your responses.
Be sure to also practice your interviewing skills. Besides the answers you will give, ensure you behave accordingly. Etiquette matters.
At some stage, your felony convictions may come up. Rather than focus on giving excuses on what happened, focus on changes made since.
Make mention of whatever work you did on the inside that contributes to your suitability. Also, emphasize on any new skills or education you have attained since that also makes you a good candidate.
Given the various types of felons they have hired, TCCC seems to evaluate on a case-to-case basis. How long since the conviction, personality, and the nature of the crime seems to be most important.
It may be worthwhile to wait out the system so your background check comes back clean. Or seek an expungement of your records.
Conclusion
Working for a multinational is often lucrative. They have highly competitive salaries and great benefits. They also offer exciting opportunities both locally and abroad.
For a felon, to secure such a position can be life-changing. And luckily, TCCC is not inclined to be biased against felons. they want the best candidate for the job irrespective.
However, some crimes can be a disqualifier. It is vital to be realistic about your chances. Take into account the nature of your crime when reviewing positions at TCCC.
If you find a great match and your crimes will not bring conflict, go for it. Much of the assessment will focus on your personality. So, try to put your best foot forward.
Research the company and practice your answers to common interview questions. Learn to frame your responses in a way that gives the best impression.
At the same time, do not be discouraged if you fail. Tons of people apply for these jobs so competition can be tough.
There are many other major companies that are willing to give felons a second chance. Look up other possibilities and apply there also.