For job seekers with a criminal record, one of the biggest concerns is whether an employer will conduct a background check and hold their past against them. This can make the job search feel daunting and hopeless at times.
The good news is that today, more and more companies are adopting fair chance hiring policies and giving candidates with felony convictions an opportunity to start fresh. Hobby Lobby, the popular arts and crafts retailer with over 900 stores nationwide, is one such employer that has shown a willingness to hire former felons.
So if you have a criminal history and are considering applying for a position at your local Hobby Lobby, here‘s what you need to know about their background check process and stance on hiring felons.
About Hobby Lobby
First, a little background on the company. Hobby Lobby is the largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer in the world, with stores in 47 states. Founded in 1972, the company now employs over 43,000 people and continues to grow year after year.
Entry-level positions at Hobby Lobby stores include cashiers, stockers, custom framing specialists, and crafting event coordinators. They also hire for various roles at their distribution centers and corporate headquarters. With competitive pay, good benefits, and ample opportunities for growth, Hobby Lobby is an attractive employer for many job seekers.
Hobby Lobby‘s Background Check Policy
According to research and reports from former Hobby Lobby employees, the company doesn‘t have a one-size-fits-all policy when it comes to background checks. Whether you will be subject to a check largely depends on the specific role you are applying for and the hiring manager at that location.
In general, entry-level positions like cashiers and sales associates are less likely to require a background check. Many employees in these roles have reported that they were hired on the spot without any sort of criminal screening.
However, those applying for management positions, jobs handling money, or roles in the distribution centers (which use heavy machinery), will almost certainly be subject to a background check. This is standard practice across the retail industry.
When Hobby Lobby does conduct background checks, they typically use an outside consumer reporting agency. These screenings tend to go back 7 years and look for any felony and misdemeanor convictions, as well as pending criminal cases. The check may also include a search of the sex offender registry.
Hobby Lobby is also known to perform pre-employment drug screenings for certain safety-sensitive positions, like those operating forklifts in their warehouses. However, this seems to be on a case-by-case basis as well.
Does Hobby Lobby Hire Felons?
Now for the key question – is Hobby Lobby open to hiring candidates with felony convictions on their record? Based on firsthand reports from former felons and information from online forums dedicated to felon job seekers, the answer appears to be yes!
While Hobby Lobby doesn‘t have an official policy stating they hire felons, there are numerous examples of the company giving those with criminal histories a fair chance. Many felons have shared stories of getting hired at Hobby Lobby with convictions ranging from drug charges to burglary and assault.
The company‘s co-founder and CEO, David Green, is an evangelical Christian and aims to run the business according to his biblical principles. This includes the belief in redemption and providing second chances. Green has spoken publicly about hiring felons, stating:
"We believe in second chances. We believe in giving people an opportunity. Felons can be very good employees if they‘re given the chance. There needs to be more grace and forgiveness."
That being said, Hobby Lobby will still take the type and severity of the conviction(s) into account, as well as how much time has passed since the offense. Those with violent or sexual offenses on their record may have a harder time getting hired than someone with a single non-violent felony from many years ago.
Your specific charge is most likely to be a factor if it relates directly to the duties of the job you are applying for. For example, a candidate with a history of theft or fraud may be passed over for a cashier position due to concerns about handling money. And those with DUIs on their record probably won‘t be considered for jobs that involve driving or operating machinery.
Ultimately, getting hired at Hobby Lobby with a felony will depend on the individual hiring manager‘s discretion. From the stories shared online, it seems that you have a better chance if:
- Your conviction is from the more distant past
- You have limited your criminal history to one or two incidents
- Your charges were non-violent and not related to sexual offenses
- You are open and honest about your past in the interview process
- You can demonstrate that you‘ve made positive changes and stayed out of legal trouble since
- You present strong references and/or examples of post-conviction employment success
How Hobby Lobby Compares to Other Retailers
While Hobby Lobby appears to be relatively felon-friendly, they are not the only major retailer willing to look past criminal records in the hiring process.
Fellow arts and crafts store Michaels has stated they are open to hiring felons and that backgrounds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Home improvement giants Home Depot and Lowe‘s also have a reputation for giving felons a fair chance, as long as the convictions don‘t directly relate to the job at hand.
Other retailers known to hire felons include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kohl‘s
- Dollar Tree
- Aldi
- Kroger
- Waffle House
- Goodwill
- Burlington Coat Factory
In recent years, more and more companies are adopting fair hiring practices like "banning the box" (removing criminal history questions from job applications). Some are even partnering with re-entry programs to actively recruit formerly incarcerated individuals.
So while a felony record can still pose significant barriers to employment, job seekers with criminal pasts have more opportunities today than ever before. Hobby Lobby is just one of many employers who have shown a willingness to give second chances.
Tips for Applying to Hobby Lobby with a Felony
If you have a felony conviction and are planning to apply to Hobby Lobby, here are some tips to improve your chances of getting hired:
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Be strategic about the positions you apply for. You may have better luck with entry-level roles that don‘t involve handling money, interacting with children, or operating machinery. Avoid jobs where your specific conviction might raise red flags.
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Take advantage of seasonal hiring. Retailers like Hobby Lobby often have a surge in hiring around the holidays to account for increased business. Managers may be more willing to look past criminal records when they need to fill positions quickly.
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Be honest and upfront about your history. Hobby Lobby will likely uncover your conviction(s) in a background check, so it‘s always better to disclose this information yourself. Use the interview as an opportunity to briefly explain the circumstances, take accountability, and share how you‘ve grown since.
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Highlight what makes you a great candidate. Don‘t let your criminal record overshadow your skills, experience, and personality. Focus on your strengths and be prepared with specific examples of your qualifications for the role. Strong references can also go a long way.
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Show that you‘ve made positive changes. Be ready to discuss what you‘ve done to turn your life around, whether that‘s completing your sentence, participating in rehabilitation programs, gaining education/job skills, or doing volunteer work. Help the hiring manager see you for who you are now.
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Stay positive and persistent. Job searching with a criminal record requires resilience. You may face a lot of rejection along the way, but don‘t get discouraged. Keep putting yourself out there and applying. With some time and effort, you will find an employer ready to give you an opportunity.
Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
In addition to applying directly to felon-friendly companies like Hobby Lobby, there are many other resources available to help those with criminal records find jobs:
- 70 Million Jobs – A job board specifically for candidates with criminal records.
- Jobs For Felons Hub – An online resource center with job postings, success stories, and tips for felons.
- Ex-Offenders Job Center – A program that works in local communities to match felons with employers and provides job readiness support.
- Help For Felons – A nonprofit offering guides on jobs, housing, re-entry programs and more to assist felons.
- Career One Stop – A resource from the US Dept. of Labor with job listings, training opportunities, and tips for job seekers with criminal convictions.
Many cities and states also have local organizations dedicated to helping people with criminal records re-enter the workforce. Check with the department of corrections, career centers, or social services agencies in your area.
Key Takeaways
Hobby Lobby is a major retailer that has demonstrated a willingness to hire individuals with felony convictions. While background checks are conducted for some roles, they are not an automatic disqualifier.
The company‘s co-founder has spoken publicly about giving second chances, and there are many reports of successful hires with criminal records. Factors like time since conviction, nature of the crime, and relationship to the job duties are taken into account.
When applying to Hobby Lobby or any employer with a criminal history, be honest, highlight your strengths, and focus on how you‘ve changed for the better. With a strong interview and some persistence, you can find managers who believe in second chances too.
Remember – a felony in your past doesn‘t have to define your future. There are companies out there ready to look beyond your mistakes and value what you bring to the table today. Don‘t let a criminal record stop you from pursuing the career you want. Keep putting yourself out there, utilize job search resources, and stay hopeful. Your redemption story starts with your next opportunity.
