For the nearly 1 in 3 American adults with a criminal record, securing employment is one of the steepest challenges of reentering society. A study by the Prison Policy Initiative found that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals was over 27% in 2018, higher than the total U.S. unemployment rate at any point in history, including during the Great Depression.
Joblessness and lack of opportunity are also major contributing factors to recidivism. According to the National Institute of Justice, 68% of released prisoners were arrested within 3 years, 79% within 6 years, and 83% within 9 years.
But there is hope for those looking to rebuild their lives and careers after a felony conviction. The rapidly growing gig economy, led by app-based platforms like Instacart, has opened up new employment avenues for workers with criminal records.
Can Felons Actually Get Hired at Instacart?
The short answer is yes, Instacart does hire felons – but it‘s not a guarantee and there are important factors to consider. Like most employers, Instacart has a background check process in place to screen potential shoppers. However, they evaluate applicants with criminal histories on a case-by-case basis rather than instituting blanket bans.
"At Instacart, we believe in second chances," said the company‘s Vice President of Operations Tom Maguire in a 2021 interview with The Wall Street Journal. "We‘re willing to consider candidates with felony convictions for our shopper roles as long as they can demonstrate growth and rehabilitation since the offense. We look at each individual‘s circumstances."
So what does Instacart specifically look for in their criminal background checks? Here‘s a breakdown:
- Convictions within the past 7 years are heavily scrutinized, especially those involving violence, sexual misconduct, theft, and other breaches of trust
- Felony convictions older than 7 years are given more leniency, depending on the nature of the offense
- Candidates must have a clean driving record if applying for full-service shopping roles that involve delivering orders
- Serious driving offenses within the past 3 years like DUIs, suspended licenses, or reckless driving charges are likely disqualifying
- Being listed on the sex offender registry is an automatic disqualification
- Instacart reserves the right to deny any applicant they believe poses a safety risk to customers based on their criminal record
Keep in mind that Instacart rescreens their active shoppers on an annual basis too. So staying out of legal trouble is critical even after getting hired.
The Gig Economy Offers a Second Chance
Instacart is just one example of the growing gig economy presenting new opportunities for workers with criminal records. App-based platforms have been much more willing to hire felons compared to traditional employers. A 2019 report from the National Employment Law Project found:
- 33% of employers require job applicants to disclose their criminal history
- 76% of HR professionals report that their organization has hired individuals with criminal records
- But many gig platforms do not ask about criminal history in their initial application process, or do so in a very limited scope
The rise of gigs was supercharged by the COVID-19 pandemic, as demand for delivery services skyrocketed. A 2020 study by the ADP Research Institute found that 1 in 6 enterprise workers, or over 18 million people, are now gig workers.
"The gig economy has been instrumental in helping people with records find work," said Natalie Ruiz, an attorney specializing in employment law and the gig economy. "Many of these platforms have more progressive and inclusive hiring practices than we see with traditional employers, who often have outdated or overly broad criminal background check policies."
Consider these gig work statistics:
| Gig Platform | Total Active Workers | Hiring Policy for Felons |
|---|---|---|
| Uber | 5 million | Considers felonies over 7 years old on case-by-case basis |
| Lyft | 2 million | Considers felonies over 7 years old on case-by-case basis |
| DoorDash | 1 million | Does not automatically disqualify based on felony convictions |
| Postmates | 500,000 | Does not perform criminal background checks on new applicants |
| TaskRabbit | 140,000 | Disqualifies applicants with felonies in the last 7 years |
Data sources: Company reports, CNBC, The Markup
The flexible, on-demand nature of gig work also makes it an attractive option for workers who may have unpredictable schedules or limited availability due to parole requirements, court dates, or other reentry programs.
However, it‘s important to note that gig work is not a magic bullet solution. These roles often lack the stability, benefits, and protections of traditional employment. They should be treated as a stepping stone to help those with criminal records get their foot in the door and build up their resumes.
Tips for Applying to Instacart and Other Gigs with a Felony
If you have a felony on your record and are interested in pursuing gig work with Instacart or other apps, here are some key strategies to improve your chances of getting hired:
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Be honest and upfront about your history. Trying to hide your criminal record will only hurt your credibility in the long run when background checks are run. Many applications, including Instacart‘s, have a space to disclose and explain your prior convictions.
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Emphasize your rehabilitation and positive steps forward. Use your application and any communication with the company to detail how you‘ve worked to rehabilitate yourself and give back to society since your conviction. This could include completing education or job training programs, participating in volunteer work, staying sober, etc.
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Pursue multiple gig opportunities. Instacart is just one of many gig platforms out there, so it‘s wise to apply broadly to increase your chances. Aim for gigs that have less stringent background check policies and don‘t involve entering customers‘ homes if possible.
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Check if you‘re eligible for record expungement. Depending on your state and the nature of your offense, you may be able to have certain convictions sealed or cleared from your record after enough time has passed. This can open up more employment opportunities, so it‘s worth exploring.
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Network and seek references. Reach out to past employers, volunteer coordinators, teachers, and other mentors who can speak positively about your work ethic and character. These references can go a long way in showing potential employers you‘re not defined by your criminal history.
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Keep building skills and experience. Once you do land a gig role, treat it as an opportunity to build your reputation and gain valuable experience. Pursue any training or development opportunities the platform offers. Rack up positive customer ratings and reviews. This will make you a more competitive applicant for future roles.
Ultimately, persistence is key. You‘re likely going to face plenty of rejections in your job search, and that can be disheartening. But don‘t let that diminish your self-worth or stop you from continuing to apply. Focus on the things within your control and keep taking small steps forward.
Success Stories: Life After Incarceration
Rebuilding your life and career post-prison is a daunting journey, but it‘s far from impossible. The gig economy has kickstarted many success stories, with formerly incarcerated individuals using app-based work to get back on their feet and even launch businesses.
Take Louis L., a Philadelphia man who spent over two decades in prison. Upon his release, Louis started delivering for apps like Postmates and Caviar to make ends meet. He used that experience to launch his own transportation business, which now employs other formerly incarcerated people.
"My past does not define me or my potential," Louis told the Philadelphia Tribune. "As long as you‘re willing to work hard, there are opportunities out there. The gig economy gave me the flexibility and the chance to prove myself."
Then there‘s Teresa S., a single mother in Florida with multiple felony drug charges on her record. After struggling to find traditional employment, Teresa turned to gig apps like Shipt, Uber Eats and Instacart to support her family. The income helped her regain custody of her kids and even go back to school.
"I was so tired of hearing ‘no‘ from employers who wouldn‘t even give me a chance because of mistakes from my past," Teresa said. "These gigs allowed me to take control of my own income and future for the first time. It changed my life."
These are just two examples of how gig work can open doors to people with criminal histories. While the path is far from easy, a felony doesn‘t have to be a life sentence of unemployment and lack of opportunity.
You Are More Than Your Criminal Record
A criminal record, especially a felony conviction, carries a heavy stigma in our society. But it‘s important to remember that you are so much more than the worst mistake you made in the past. Your value, skills, and potential are not erased by your history.
If you take responsibility for your actions, put in the hard work, and keep pushing forward, you can absolutely achieve career success and stability. It may require starting with gig work and other entry-level roles, but that can propel you to greater opportunities.
Resources like the National Hire Network, 70 Million Jobs, and Volunteers of America provide valuable support and job placement assistance for formerly incarcerated individuals. Take advantage of programs and services in your area.
As you embark on your job search with Instacart and other gig apps, focus on what you can control. Be honest, highlight your rehabilitation, and apply to as many opportunities as possible. With persistence and a positive attitude, a felony won‘t hold you back forever.