If you have a criminal record, finding a job can feel like an uphill battle. Many employers are hesitant to hire felons, even if your conviction was years ago and you‘ve taken steps to turn your life around. The good news is that some companies are more open to giving felons a fair chance at employment. Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S., is known to hire felons for certain positions.
As someone with a felony on your record, you may be wondering: Does Kroger hire felons? What are my chances of getting a job there with a criminal background?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting hired at Kroger with a felony conviction. You‘ll learn about Kroger‘s hiring policies, what to expect during the background check process, which positions offer the best opportunities, and helpful tips to improve your odds of landing the job. Plus, we‘ve got inspiring real-life examples of felons who have built successful careers at Kroger.
Whether you‘re currently job searching or just starting to explore your options, read on to see if Kroger could be the right fit for you.
Overview of Kroger‘s Hiring Policies
First, let‘s look at Kroger‘s general stance on hiring job seekers with criminal convictions. According to Kroger‘s website, the company is committed to "providing equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants." This equal opportunity policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, and other factors—including conviction history.
In other words, Kroger does not have a blanket policy against hiring felons. The company evaluates each candidate on an individual basis. While a felony conviction doesn‘t automatically disqualify you from employment at Kroger, it is still a factor that will be considered during the hiring process.
Kroger is a major employer, with over 2,700 grocery stores across 35 states and more than 465,000 employees. Entry-level positions like cashier, stocker, and bagger provide a common starting point for workers looking to gain experience in retail and customer service. Management is also known to promote from within, creating advancement opportunities.
This means there are a variety of potential jobs for felons at Kroger, both part-time and full-time. However, the type of felony and how long ago it occurred will impact the likelihood of getting hired. More on that below.
What Felonies Will Kroger Hire?
Not all felonies are viewed equally in the eyes of employers. A non-violent felony from 10 years ago will be judged more favorably than a recent violent felony. Here are some of the main factors Kroger weighs when considering a candidate with a felony conviction:
1. Type/severity of the felony – Certain offenses will raise more of a red flag than others. Felonies involving violence, theft, sexual misconduct, or drugs are more likely to hurt your chances than a DUI or a white-collar crime. Misdemeanors are viewed less seriously than felony convictions.
2. Time since the offense – The more time that has passed since your conviction, the better. If it‘s been several years and you‘ve stayed out of trouble with the law, this shows you‘ve reformed. Old felonies have less relevance to your current character.
3. Number of convictions – A single felony offense is not as concerning as a lengthy criminal history with multiple convictions. A pattern of repeat offenses indicates a higher risk to the employer.
4. Relevance to the job – An offense will matter more if it directly relates to the duties of the position. For example, a theft conviction could prevent you from working as a cashier handling money. A DUI conviction may not be a deal-breaker for an overnight stocker job.
5. Evidence of rehabilitation – Employers like to see felons making an effort to put their past behind them. This could mean completing parole/probation, volunteering, pursuing education, or joining a support group. Recommendation letters from parole officers or other community members can help your case.
While Kroger doesn‘t publicly disclose which specific felonies it will or won‘t hire, these factors can help you assess your individual situation. In general, Kroger stores seem more willing to hire those with older, non-violent felonies who have a track record of rehabilitation. But don‘t count yourself out even if you have a more serious offense. It‘s always worth applying if you meet the basic job qualifications.
The Kroger Background Check Process
Before diving into job hunting tips, it‘s important to know what to expect after you submit an application to Kroger. Like most major retailers, Kroger conducts a background check on potential hires.
If Kroger is interested in bringing you on board after an interview, the hiring manager will ask for your consent to run a background check. This is typically done through a third-party service provider that specializes in employment screenings.
The background check will pull up information about your criminal history, including any felony convictions. In most states, the check will go back at least 7 years. However, some states allow background checks to go even further back.
In addition to criminal history, Kroger background checks also verify your identity, past employment, and education. The company wants to make sure all the information in your application is truthful and accurate.
The process usually takes anywhere from 2 to 7 business days. If nothing concerning comes up, you‘ll move forward in the hiring process. Kroger may also conduct a pre-employment drug test, so be prepared for that possibility.
If a felony conviction does show up on your background check, the hiring manager will likely want to discuss it with you. This is your opportunity to explain the circumstances, take ownership, and express what you‘ve learned. How you handle this conversation can make a difference in the final hiring decision.
Remember, Kroger doesn‘t have a strict policy against hiring felons. The company is willing to give people second chances. Be honest, be remorseful, and be ready to advocate for yourself.
Tips for Felons Applying to Kroger Jobs
Now that you know more about Kroger‘s stance on hiring felons, let‘s go over some tips to enhance your odds of success. Applying for jobs can feel daunting with a criminal record, but there are several things you can do to stand out as a candidate:
1. Target your job search – Start by looking at entry-level openings like cashier, bagger, stocker, and clerk. These positions have fewer barriers to entry and provide a foot in the door. Kroger frequently hires for these roles. Consider overnight shifts, as they tend to have a higher turnover rate.
2. Be honest and upfront – It‘s better to disclose your felony conviction early in the process than to wait for the background check. When asked about criminal history on a job application, answer truthfully. You can provide a brief explanation in the additional comments section.
3. Highlight your strengths – Rather than dwelling on your past, focus on your skills and positive attributes. What do you bring to the table? Do you have previous retail or customer service experience? Are you a quick learner who works well in teams? Use your resume and interview to showcase why you‘re a strong candidate.
4. Gather references – References can go a long way in vouching for your character. Reach out to past employers, volunteer supervisors, teachers, or other community members who can speak positively on your behalf. Ask if they‘re willing to provide a reference letter or take a call from a potential employer.
5. Prepare for the interview – Do your research on Kroger and think about how your skills align with the job duties. Prepare answers to common interview questions ahead of time. Be ready to have an honest discussion about your conviction and what you‘ve done to get back on track. Practice with a friend or family member to build confidence.
6. Follow up – After submitting your application, follow up with the store after a few days to express your continued interest. If you interview, send a thank-you note reiterating why you‘re a strong fit. Following up keeps you top-of-mind and shows initiative.
7. Be persistent – You may face rejection, but don‘t get discouraged. Continue putting in applications at various Kroger locations and with other retailers. The more opportunities you pursue, the greater your chances of finding an employer ready to give you a chance. Keep a positive attitude and don‘t give up.
Kroger Employee Benefits
Why consider a job at Kroger with a criminal record? In addition to being a major employer with many entry-level opportunities, Kroger offers generous employee benefits. These perks help enhance job satisfaction and financial security. Benefits include:
- Competitive pay (average hourly wage is around $16)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans and 401(k) savings
- Paid time off and vacation days
- Employee discounts on groceries
- Career advancement opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement
- Disability coverage
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance programs
Benefits eligibility depends on your position and whether you‘re part-time or full-time. But overall, Kroger is known for investing in its associates. The company has a promote-from-within culture and offers on-the-job training to help employees succeed.
For felons re-entering the workforce, finding an employer that provides benefits and a path to advancement is huge. It allows you to gain stability, build your resume, and work toward bigger career goals. A job at Kroger could be the launching pad you need.
Success Stories
You might be wondering, does Kroger really hire felons? The answer is yes. While the company doesn‘t share specific data, there are a number of success stories out there.
Take the example of John, who got hired at Kroger after serving time for a drug charge. He started as a part-time bagger, proved himself as a hard worker, and eventually got promoted to full-time stock clerk. He‘s been with the company for over two years now.
Then there‘s Maria, a single mom with a decade-old felony. She applied to several Kroger stores before landing a position as an overnight stocker. Her work ethic caught the eye of management, and she‘s now in training for a supervisor role.
These are just a couple examples, but they illustrate that Kroger is open to giving felons an opportunity. It might take persistence and a few applications, but it‘s possible to build a stable career with the supermarket chain.
Resources
Getting hired is just one step in the re-entry journey. There are many organizations and programs dedicated to helping felons find work and successfully transition back into society. Here are a few helpful resources:
- National H.I.R.E. Network – Provides job search assistance, training, and other re-entry services
- CareerOneStop Ex-Offender Resources – Job search guide with tips for former prisoners
- Jobs for Felons Hub – Online job board and resource center for felons
- Help for Felons – Information on job assistance programs, housing, and legal advice
- 70 Million Jobs – Staffing agency that connects companies with talent who have criminal records
- Local non-profits – Look for re-entry programs offered in your city or state
- Temp agencies – Some specialize in helping ex-offenders find temporary-to-permanent job placements
- Network – Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, or acquaintances to see if they know of any job leads
You don‘t have to job search alone. These resources are designed to provide the tools and support you need to overcome obstacles and find meaningful employment.
Key Takeaways
Let‘s recap the main points about getting a job at Kroger with a felony conviction:
- Kroger does hire felons, but not for every position or every conviction
- The company evaluates candidates with criminal records on a case-by-case basis
- Factors like type of felony, time since conviction, and rehabilitation efforts all play a role in the hiring decision
- Be prepared for a background check and to discuss your conviction
- Target entry-level positions like cashier, bagger, or stocker to get your foot in the door
- Be upfront, highlight your strengths, and provide solid references
- Take advantage of Kroger‘s employee benefits and opportunities for advancement
- Don‘t get discouraged by rejections—persistence is key
- Tap into job search resources for felons to boost your chances of success
Landing a job with a criminal history isn‘t easy, but it‘s absolutely possible. Kroger is one of many companies open to giving second chances to those with a felony record. By understanding the hiring process, focusing on your strengths, and leveraging available resources, you can build a rewarding career path. Believe in yourself and don‘t let your past define your future.
