Home and office deliveries have become much sought after service. Many businesses today have had to modify their business models to accommodate this. As more people shop online and are discouraged from visiting stores, it has become the norm.
As such, there is a growing demand for companies and employees to perform these tasks. UPS is amongst the biggest shipping and logistics firms that offer these services.
For anyone with a criminal record looking to join the industry, there may be some concern. Chief being, does UPS run background checks?
Background checks are reports generated from research into criminal databases. This can include court records, sex offender registries, county, state, and federal criminal databases. The aim is to find out if a person has been convicted of any felonies or misdemeanor crimes.
Because state laws on such reports can vary, so too can the contents. The reporting limits can range from between 5-10 years in most states. Some will only allow convictions, while others will permit even arrests to be included.
All of this can have a devastating impact on a person’s ability to find work. Many employers tend to discriminate against those with criminal records. Especially if they involve theft or violent acts.
Before we consider how to mitigate such effects, let us discuss why UPS makes for a great employer.
Why Work at UPS?
As mentioned, the shipping business is a growth industry. People now feel more at ease ordering goods remotely. They rely on companies like UPS to arrange delivery of their purchases.
This means plenty of steady work for employees. This in turn means a steady paycheck. Even during economic downturns, this industry continues to see good demand for services.
Whether part-time or full-time, a job at UPS can be lucrative. Though the workload can be tough and hours long, the pay is highly competitive.
The company also does a good job of ensuring staff is well equipped. Those that make deliveries have vehicles that are well maintained.
Employees also enjoy good access to group health coverage plans. Much of this is paid for by the company. These plans cover basics such as health, dental, cancer, and vision.
The company has also developed a variety of pension and welfare benefit programs. These include matched contribution plans to help boost retirement savings for employees. They also offer group life insurance and disability insurance covers.
Employees also enjoy the benefits of paid vacation time and sick leave. There is a good chance for career advancement. Those in non-corporate positions may also appreciate the casual dress code.
For those looking to further their education, the company does offer several options for tuition assistance. There are also other in-house training programs to aid career advancement.
UPS also runs special programs designed to boost diversity and inclusion, women leadership, and veteran support.
With all these perks, you may be wondering how to join this workforce. Let’s explore below.
The Hiring Process
Jobs at UPS are generally categorized into 4 groups. Delivery and warehouse, technicians and fleet, engineering, and corporate. The jobs can also be full-time, part-time, or seasonal.
Seasonal jobs tend to come up during holiday periods. This is when extra package handlers and drivers are then needed.
These jobs can however be physically demanding. Candidates are expected to be able to handle packages of up to 70 pounds.
To get started, you will need to apply online. Visit the official UPS website and go to the careers page.
You will find available positions listed. Details include location, shifts, pay, and responsibilities.
To however apply, you will need to create a login account. To register you will need to provide personal and contact info. This will include your social security number, email address, and phone number.
Once you complete and submit the online application, you need only wait for a response. If your application is accepted, you will be contacted by a recruiter.
Your application is however only valid for 60 days. Thereafter if you have not been contacted, you will need to reapply to be considered afresh. If contacted, the recruiter will give you an appointment for an interview.
Different facilities and hiring managers have different ways in which they handle interviews. Some will take candidates on a tour of the facility, while others will get straight to the interview. There is no set format here.
The interviews are typically short and done one-on-one with an HR manager or facility supervisor. For most entry-level jobs there is just one interview. Seasonal job interviews may involve as many as 10-15 candidates being interviewed at once.
More senior positions may result in a panel interview for each candidate. The interviews may also be more than one.
Does UPS Run Background Checks?
Yes. UPS does run background checks on all hires. However, this does not mean they disqualify everyone with a record.
Managers have some discretion when it comes to hiring decisions. UPS has no policy against hiring those with felony or misdemeanor convictions.
Hiring managers will make a decision based on a case-to-case basis.
However, certain offenses are deemed worse than others. Those with convictions in theft, violent offenses, and drug trafficking are less likely to get hired.
This is due to safety concerns and liability issues. The company has to ensure the safety of other employees and customers. They also have to ensure the safe custody and handling of packages.
They are also less likely to hire someone that was recently convicted and is a repeat offender. Those that have old convictions and have built up a good resume since have better odds.
Tips On How to Get Hired
Honesty is important to employers. Hiding the truth that will be later revealed anyway gives a bad impression.
Take a chance by being forthcoming during your interview. Explain what happened and take responsibility. Highlight the positive changes you have made since then as a person.
Be willing to start at the bottom. You can apply for seasonal or part-time work to start. Prove yourself a reliable worker and this can lead to full-time employment.
During the interview, be sure to impart a good impression. You only get one chance on this.
Dress appropriately and arrive on time for your interview. Be respectful and enthusiastic in your demeanor.
Refer to your past good work history and include strong references. They will want to know you are capable of performing well on the job as promised.
Conclusion
UPS is a great employer for those with the necessary skills and resolve. Even if you start out doing seasonal work, you can easily rise to be a full-timer. You need only to maintain good performance.
Having a criminal record does not necessarily mean you lose out. More so if the offenses are relatively minor and old. You can boost your chances by proving yourself a reliable and hardworking personality.
Also, be willing to keep trying. Even if you do not secure an offer now, you may still get one later. Keep reapplying, especially around the holiday period.
And do broaden your horizons. The shipping industry does offer good pay, but there are other career options. Look for other well-paying careers and employers that can be a good fit, even with a criminal record.