If you have a misdemeanor criminal record, you may wonder if it will hold you back from job opportunities, especially at a major corporation like Amazon. The reality is, having a criminal history can definitely impact your employment prospects, but a misdemeanor isn‘t necessarily a deal-breaker.
Amazon is known for their intense hiring process, which includes a comprehensive background check. But they also believe in giving people second chances. Whether your misdemeanor disqualifies you from working at Amazon depends on several factors. Let‘s take an in-depth look at their policies and practices around criminal records.
The Scope of the Issue
First, it‘s important to recognize just how common criminal records are in the U.S. workforce. According to a 2020 analysis by the Prison Policy Initiative, nearly 1 in 3 American adults has some type of criminal record – that‘s 70-100 million people. Many have only minor offenses, not felony convictions.
Yet having a record, even a misdemeanor, is a major barrier to employment. Research has found that having any criminal history reduces the likelihood of a job callback or offer by almost 50%. Over 90% of employers conduct background checks, and many have blanket bans against hiring anyone with a record.
This disproportionately impacts people of color, the poor, and those with disabilities, who are over-policed and over-criminalized. The compounded effects of a criminal record and other forms of discrimination make it even harder for them to find gainful employment compared to white applicants with the same record.
Amazon‘s Background Check Policy
So where does Amazon stand? They are both extremely selective in hiring and a huge employer, with over 1.1 million employees worldwide as of 2021. Amazon uses a third-party vendor to conduct background checks on job candidates, typically Sterling Backcheck or Accurate Background.
Amazon‘s background checks go back 7 years, which is the longest timeframe allowed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). They look for felony and misdemeanor criminal convictions at the federal, state and local level, as well as any pending cases.
Amazon says they evaluate each candidate on a case-by-case basis and that a criminal record is not an automatic disqualification. However, they do have strict criteria and certain offenses are especially concerning.
According to loss prevention experts, theft is the number one red flag employers look for on a background check. Retailers lose tens of billions of dollars to theft each year – up to $47 billion in 2018 according to a National Retail Federation survey. For a company like Amazon, hiring someone with a theft conviction, even a misdemeanor, presents a huge financial risk.
Offenses involving violence, like domestic violence or assault, are also extremely problematic from an employer liability perspective. Companies have to protect their staff and customers. In some states, employers can even be held liable for violent acts committed by employees on the job. So most err on the side of not hiring anyone with a violence history.
Ban the Box Laws
In recent years, there has been a growing "Ban the Box" movement to give job applicants with criminal records a fairer chance. These laws prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. This way, candidates can be evaluated based on their qualifications first.
As of 2021, a total of 37 states and 150+ cities and counties have passed Ban the Box laws. However, the specifics vary widely. Many only apply to public sector jobs. Some limit background checks until after a conditional job offer.
The EEOC has also issued guidance on employers‘ use of arrest and conviction records in hiring decisions. The EEOC says blanket bans likely violate federal discrimination law. Employers must instead conduct individualized assessments and consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and if it relates to the job duties.
Amazon does not ask about criminal records on their initial job application. But they will run a background check before making a final job offer. And while they say they make individual assessments, many misdemeanors will still be very hard to overcome.
What This Means for Applicants With Misdemeanors
If you have a misdemeanor on your record and you‘re applying to Amazon, here are some key things to keep in mind:
-
Be honest and upfront. Amazon will find out about your record, so it‘s best to disclose it yourself. Answer truthfully if asked about convictions on any application questions.
-
Provide context and take responsibility. When your background comes up, be prepared to briefly explain the situation, what you learned, and how you‘ve changed. Don‘t make excuses, but do share any mitigating factors. Express remorse and emphasize your rehabilitation.
-
Know your rights. Background check laws vary by state. If your conviction was 7+ years ago, Amazon shouldn‘t be able to consider it. And under Ban the Box laws, they may not be allowed to ask until the interview phase. You have the right to dispute any inaccurate information.
-
Be realistic. Certain offenses (theft, violence, felonies) will likely disqualify you from most jobs at Amazon, even if they happened years ago. More minor misdemeanors are potentially surmountable with enough time and an otherwise good record. But it‘s still an uphill battle. Have a backup plan.
-
Tailor your job search. You may have better luck with smaller employers who don‘t do background checks, or in industries that are more open to second chance hiring, like construction, manufacturing, or food service. Some companies even have special hiring programs for people with records.
-
Don‘t give up. Finding a job with a criminal record is daunting, but don‘t be discouraged if Amazon doesn‘t work out. Focus on jobs you‘re qualified for, highlight your strengths, and keep building a positive work history. Look for felon-friendly employers and staffing agencies. Persistence and positivity are key.
The Bottom Line
So, does Amazon hire people with misdemeanors? The answer is – it depends. Amazon looks at each applicant individually, but certain offenses, especially those involving theft, violence, or felony charges, are very difficult to overcome. More minor misdemeanors from further in the past are potentially surmountable, but still put you at a competitive disadvantage.
Amazon‘s hiring practices reflect the harsh realities that people with criminal records face in the job market. Background checks are ubiquitous, and most employers are very risk-averse. While Ban the Box laws and EEOC guidance are pushing for fairer hiring practices, change is slow. Having a record is still a major barrier, even for misdemeanors.
If you have a misdemeanor and you‘re applying to Amazon, be prepared for an uphill battle. Be honest, take responsibility, and focus on your qualifications and rehabilitation. But also be realistic and have a backup plan. There are 70-100 million Americans with criminal records – you‘re not alone, and with time and persistence, you can find an employer willing to give you a fair chance.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 1 in 3 American adults has a criminal record, and this greatly impacts employability
- Misdemeanors aren‘t automatic disqualifiers at Amazon, but certain offenses (theft, violence) are major red flags
- Amazon does background checks going back 7 years and wants to see evidence of rehabilitation
- Ban the Box laws and EEOC guidance are pushing employers to be fairer to applicants with records
- Job seekers with misdemeanors should be honest, provide context, know their rights, and have a backup plan
- Finding employment with a record is challenging but possible – don‘t give up!
