If you have a felony conviction in your past, finding gainful employment can be one of the biggest challenges you face. A study by the Prison Policy Initiative found that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals is nearly 28% – more than 6 times higher than the general population. This lack of access to steady work is a major driver of recidivism, with over 80% of felons being rearrested within 9 years of release.
Many companies are hesitant to hire former felons, even if your conviction was long ago and you‘ve worked hard to turn your life around. Fortunately, not every employer takes a hardline stance against hiring those with criminal records. Some have even discovered that giving second chances can be good for business and society.
Aldi, the popular discount grocery chain, is known for offering competitive wages and solid benefits to its employees. But does Aldi hire felons? Can you get a fresh start at Aldi if you have a felony in your background? As an expert in retail and consumer trends, with over 20 years studying the industry, I dove deep into Aldi‘s approach to hiring former felons. Here‘s what I found out.
Aldi‘s Official Stance on Hiring Felons
First, let‘s look at Aldi‘s official policy regarding applicants with criminal histories. In the Equal Employment Opportunity statement on the company‘s website, Aldi makes it clear that a past conviction is not an automatic disqualification:
"When considering criminal history information, ALDI complies with all local, state and federal laws, regulations, and administrative guidance. A conviction will not automatically disqualify any applicant from employment. Instead, we review relevant criminal history before making any employment decision and conduct an individualized assessment in every situation."
This means that Aldi evaluates each felon applicant on a case-by-case basis rather than instituting a complete ban on hiring anyone with a criminal past. The company looks at the specific details of your conviction and makes a personalized determination on whether to move forward with the hiring process.
This approach is in line with the recommendations of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC advises employers to conduct individualized assessments for applicants with criminal records, considering factors like:
- The nature and gravity of the offense
- The time that has passed since the offense
- The nature of the job sought
So in short, yes, Aldi does hire felons – at least in some cases. But a lot depends on the particulars of your background and circumstances. Let‘s examine some of the key factors that can impact your chances.
What Aldi Looks at When Considering Felon Applicants
According to sources who have direct knowledge of Aldi‘s hiring practices, here are the main things the company weighs when evaluating a job candidate with a felony record:
1. The type and severity of the felony
As you might expect, not all felonies are viewed equally by employers. A nonviolent drug possession charge from 5+ years ago will likely be much less of a red flag than a recent conviction for armed robbery or sexual assault. Crimes involving violence, theft, or sexual misconduct are especially tough to overcome in the hiring process.
Research has shown that employers are most averse to hiring violent offenders. A study by the Urban Institute found that only 12.5% of employers said they would definitely accept an applicant with a violent felony, compared to 62% who said they probably or definitely would not. On the other hand, a majority were willing to consider nonviolent drug offenders.
2. How long ago the felony occurred
The more time that has passed since your conviction, the better your odds of getting hired. At Aldi, background checks typically go back 7 years (though this can vary by state and position). So if your felony happened over 8 years ago, it may not even show up. But if it was within the past few years, expect extra scrutiny.
Many states have even passed "Ban the Box" laws that prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. The EEOC also recommends that employers consider criminal records only after an applicant has been found otherwise qualified. This gives candidates a chance to get their foot in the door and explain their circumstances.
However, Aldi‘s job postings and applications do still include questions about felony convictions. From an expert retail analysis perspective, this could put Aldi slightly behind the curve compared to other major employers. Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Starbucks are just a few of the major retailers that have removed conviction history questions from their job applications in recent years.
3. Evidence of rehabilitation and growth
Perhaps the most important factor is what you‘ve done with your life since your conviction. Aldi wants to see that you‘ve genuinely reformed and become a productive member of society. They‘ll look for signs like:
- Steady employment history
- Education and vocational training
- Volunteer and community involvement
- Successful completion of parole/probation
- Participation in rehabilitative programs
The goal is to demonstrate that you‘re not the same person who committed the original offense. You‘ve learned from your mistakes, developed new skills, and made positive contributions.
Many studies have highlighted the importance of post-conviction rehabilitation and employment in reducing recidivism. A report by the National Institute of Justice found that ex-offenders who found steady employment and maintained social ties were significantly less likely to reoffend. So by considering applicants who can show successful rehabilitation, Aldi is potentially contributing to safer communities.
4. Explanation of the circumstances
If you make it to an interview stage, hiring managers will likely want to hear directly from you about your conviction. This is your chance to provide context and take responsibility for your actions. A few key things to keep in mind:
- Be honest and straightforward about what happened
- Express remorse and acknowledge the harm caused
- Explain what you learned and how you‘ve changed
- Focus on your positive goals and future outlook
Remember, the interviewer is not just assessing your background, but also your integrity and self-awareness. They want to see that you‘re able to maturely reflect on your past and communicate what you‘ve gained from the experience.
Real-Life Examples of Felons Hired by Aldi
Of course, it‘s one thing for a company to say they‘re open to hiring felons, but what does it look like in practice? I scoured online forums and job boards to find real stories from former felons who were hired by Aldi. Here are a few examples:
"I have a felony drug charge from 2012. Aldi still gave me a chance and I‘ve been working there for over a year now. I was upfront about my background in the interview and they appreciated my honesty. As long as you‘ve grown and stayed out of trouble, Aldi will treat you fairly." – James M.
"I applied to Aldi about 5 years after I completed my sentence for felony burglary. At first I was scared to even try, but I‘m so glad I did. The hiring manager listened to my story and believed that I was truly rehabilitated. I‘ve been an asset protection associate for 3 years now and I‘m so grateful Aldi took a chance on me." – Lisa T.
"I won‘t lie, getting hired at Aldi with a record wasn‘t easy. I have a violent felony from when I was 19 and it definitely came up. But I had great references from the jobs and volunteer work I did after release. I think that showed I was a changed person. I‘ve been a shift manager for over a year now." – John R.
These examples, while anecdotal, show that Aldi is willing to look beyond an applicant‘s worst mistakes. Those who demonstrate growth, accept responsibility, and are otherwise qualified have a path to employment. As Lisa‘s story shows, Aldi will even hire felons into sensitive roles like asset protection with the right combination of circumstances.
However, it‘s also clear that felons face an uphill battle, especially those with violent offenses. Only one example involves a violent crime, compared to lower-level drug and property offenses. But across the board, time since offense and evidence of rehabilitation seem to be the biggest difference-makers.
Tips for Felons Applying to Aldi
Now that you know Aldi at least considers felon applicants, how can you maximize your chances of getting hired? Here are some key tips from industry insiders and former felons who have gone through the process:
1. Wait until the interview to disclose if possible
While Aldi‘s applications do ask about felony convictions, some states and localities prohibit this practice. If you live in an area with Ban the Box protections, you can legally wait until a conditional offer to disclose your record. This allows you to wow them with your qualifications first.
Former Aldi hiring manager Sarah C. says "I always preferred to meet candidates face-to-face before knowing their history. It‘s easier to contextualize that way. If someone has an amazing interview and then I learn about an old conviction, I‘m much more likely to advocate for them."
2. Gather your documents and references
Make sure you can provide official documentation of your conviction, sentencing, and rehabilitation. This includes court records, parole/probation certificates, and any diplomas or training certifications you‘ve earned since. Having this info organized and ready to go shows you‘re proactive and transparent.
Stellar references are also crucial. Reach out to former employers, volunteer supervisors, teachers, counselors, or anyone else who can speak to your character and work ethic. Make sure they‘re prepared to advocate for you if called upon.
3. Practice your explanation
Describing your criminal history is uncomfortable, but it‘s a conversation you need to be ready for. Write out a concise summary of what happened, what you learned, and how you‘ve changed. Have a friend or family member role-play the discussion with you until you can deliver it confidently.
Some key phrases recommended by employment coaches:
- "I accept full responsibility for my actions"
- "I‘ve worked hard to become a better person"
- "My mistakes don‘t define who I am today"
- "I‘m committed to being a positive contributor"
Remember, the goal is to shift focus from your past to your future potential. Talk about your skills, your goals, and your enthusiasm for the role.
4. Network and seek resources
Finally, don‘t go it alone. In addition to friends and family, there are organizations and agencies that specialize in helping felons find work. Some resources to look into:
- National H.I.R.E. Network – Provides info on job search, expungement, and legal aid for ex-offenders
- 70 Million Jobs – Employment platform specifically for people with criminal records
- America Works – Offers job placement, training, and support services for hard-to-place candidates
- Goodwill Industries – Many local chapters have re-entry programs that help ex-offenders build skills and find work
You may also have state or county agencies that offer similar resources. Don‘t hesitate to reach out, attend job fairs, or network with others in your situation. The more connections and support you have, the better.
Conclusion
So can you get a job at Aldi with a felony record? The answer is a resounding "it depends." Aldi does not have a blanket ban on hiring felons, but they carefully consider each applicant‘s unique circumstances. Factors like the nature of the offense, time since conviction, and rehabilitation efforts all play a role.
Violent crimes and recent convictions will be the hardest to overcome, since they reflect more strongly on a candidate‘s current risk level. Aldi must balance a desire to offer second chances with the need to maintain a safe environment for employees and customers.
But if you‘ve put in the work to reform yourself and can demonstrate your value, there is a path forward. Aldi is one of many employers discovering the benefits of looking beyond a person‘s worst mistake. With the labor market constantly evolving, many experts predict companies will become increasingly open to nontraditional hires.
My advice? Be patient, be persistent, and don‘t count yourself out. Take advantage of the resources and protections available to you. Most of all, focus on telling your story of growth – that‘s what employers really want to hear. Your criminal record may be a factor, but it doesn‘t have to define your future.
