Certain brands do an excellent job of marketing themselves. FedEx is just such a brand that has managed to become easily recognizable globally.
They are a courier delivery firm that operates internationally. The company has 2,000 locations in the U.S. and over 500,000 employees around the world.
It is a huge employer in a thriving industry. It is not surprising that even felons would want to join the bandwagon. But does FedEx hire felons?
The courier services business has accelerated in recent years thanks to online shopping. Now with the pandemic, people are even less inclined to go out shopping. Hence the high demand for employees in the industry.
From package handlers to warehouse workers, there is a strong need for staff. But what does it mean when one is a felon?
Felons are considered the worst class of criminals. The offenses are the most severe and often attract a penalty of more than a year in prison. Because of this, employers are often less likely to choose them over non-offenders during hiring.
They are considered a higher risk to re-offend. And given the nature and severity of their crimes, that the incidents may be serious. No business wishes to put their other employees, assets, or customers in danger.
These are however just poor pre-conceived notions. Felons often make for very good employees. They have more to prove and are willing to work harder.
Let’s look at why they may want to work at FedEx.
Why Work for FedEx?
As an industry leader, FedEx offers highly competitive salary and benefits packages. Even for entry-level jobs. Some package handlers can earn as much as fast-food chain managers.
Some positions offer very flexible work hours. This is helpful to those that have other obligations like school, senior, and child care.
They offer good health and dental insurance. They also offer reasonable paid vacation time, including holiday pay. FedEx also runs a partial tuition reimbursement program for full-time employees, even at the lowest level.
The company also offers some support for helping employees achieve a better work-life balance. They aid in child care, adoption, disability, and wellness.
Employees also get to enjoy shipping discounts. Another financial incentive is its stock purchase plan. It allows employees to institute salary deductions towards buying FedEx common stock.
Hiring Process at FedEx
FedEx has its own careers page on its official website. Here you can start by browsing open positions.
They provide a listing of job titles. When you click on one, it then moves on to a listing of all such jobs across various locations.
This listing also indicates which of the FedEx companies is hiring. Some jobs will also add the pay rate at this point.
Once you click through on a job, you get even more information. They will indicate the department, shift, and if a full or part-time job.
They will also indicate the variety of benefits attached. Requirements and qualifications are also provided.
Once you find a job that suits your abilities, you can then apply. There is an “Apply” button that will take you to the login screen. You need to register or login using a valid email account.
Once you complete the online application, you will be asked to take an assessment test. Different jobs may call for different types of tests. They can gauge everything from personality to accounting ability.
If you pass the test you will be invited for an interview. This may be done in-person or on phone. The number of interviews will also depend on what level of job you are seeking.
At the end of the interviews, you will be asked to complete a consent form for background checks. If you pass this stage, you will be notified of an offer and orientation, or not.
Does FedEx Hire Felons?
According to the careers page, the company does subscribe to Philadelphia’s fair chance hiring law. This means they do not consider criminal history until a conditional offer of employment is made. This gives felons a chance to make a good impression and prove their worthiness before the final stage.
They also indicate that they apply similar laws from San Francisco and New York. This means qualified felon candidates are still given a reasonable chance at securing a job as others.
Many online employee testimonials seem to support this. Both former and current employees confirm that the company does hire felons, depending on certain factors.
Many states have credit reporting limits. This means their background checks will only go so far back. Most states have a limit between 5-10 years.
In such cases, if the conviction is old, it may not appear and help in securing a job. Some states, like Illinois, have no limits so any incident will appear in the report. This factor makes the state in which you apply for a job at FedEx matter.
The nature of the offense also seems to have a bearing. Those with violent or sexual offenses are likely to be disqualified. So too are those with drug and theft convictions.
DUI offenses may affect one’s ability to secure a driving job. So if the offense relates to the job, it may prove a problem.
They also look at what kind of work history one has had since. Those that have proven reliable for a long time may be considered.
Those with low-level offenses without repeat offending are more likely to secure employment. If they have good references, a solid work history, and have been honest, their chances are better.
Conclusion
FedEx has an established track record of hiring felons. But you have to prove yourself the best candidate for the job.
And be willing to accept low-level jobs that are most plentiful. Though they can be physically demanding, the pay is often good.
And be aware that depending on certain factors, your criminal history may still factor in. More so if the conviction was recent, you lack a good work history, and if the offense was severe.
If the law permits, you should consider pursuing an expungement. An expunged record means you can honestly state that you have no criminal record. And that it will not appear in a subsequent background check.
In some states, it may also be possible to more easily secure a reduction. This means getting your felony reduced to a misdemeanor.
These reliefs are however mostly available in low-level offenses that have not been repeated. Check with an attorney to see if you qualify.