As of 2021, there were an estimated 19 million Americans with felony convictions on their records, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. That‘s about 8% of the adult population. For these individuals, finding steady employment can be one of the biggest challenges they face after serving their sentences.
A criminal record can follow you for life, making it difficult to pass background checks and get your foot in the door with many employers. Studies have shown that job applicants with felony convictions are about 50% less likely to receive callback interviews compared to those without records.
This guide will take an in-depth look at whether Tractor Supply, one of the largest retail chains in the country, hires felons. We‘ll examine the company‘s policies and practices, along with tips for applying and alternative employers to consider.
Understanding Background Checks
Over 90% of employers conduct some form of criminal background check on job candidates, according to a survey by HR.com. This usually happens after a conditional offer has been made. Screening can be handled in-house or farmed out to a third-party consumer reporting agency.
The depth of these checks can vary based on the position and the company‘s standards. Some only look at convictions, while others may also flag arrests, charges, and incidents that didn‘t lead to conviction. Certain offenses like violent or sexual crimes are generally seen as more serious than things like drug or property offenses.
How far back an employer can check your criminal history depends on state and federal laws:
- In California, most felony convictions can only be reported for 7 years. Convictions involving sex crimes, embezzlement, or forgery have no time limit.
- Pennsylvania also uses a 7-year cap on reporting felonies.
- Texas allows checks to go back 7 years unless the job pays more than $75,000 annually.
- Some states like New York and Nevada don‘t put any time restrictions on reporting felony convictions.
On a federal level, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires background check companies to follow reasonable procedures and verify negative information before reporting it to employers. Job applicants must also give written consent and be notified of their rights.
Tractor Supply‘s Hiring Policies for Felons
Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., with over 1,900 stores in 49 states. The company sells everything from animal feed and fencing to clothing and home goods. It employs over 42,000 team members in roles like:
- Sales associate
- Cashier
- Stocker
- Team leader
- Department manager
- Store manager
According to a spokesperson, "Tractor Supply does not have a blanket policy against hiring individuals with criminal histories, including felony convictions."
However, the company‘s job applications do ask candidates to disclose felony convictions within the past 7 years. And Tractor Supply confirms that they conduct background checks on all new hires.
"We evaluate each candidate on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the role they‘re seeking," the spokesperson explains. "Our goal is to provide a safe environment for team members and customers while also giving deserving individuals opportunities for employment."
Based on reports from current and former Tractor Supply employees on indeed.com and other job boards, it seems that felons are rarely hired in practice. Most say background checks are very thorough.
"I was hired at TSC with a 12-year-old nonviolent felony on my record," reports one sales associate in Texas. "But I had to go through a special approval process with HR and my conviction was barely within the lookback period, so I think I got lucky."
Other employees say it depends on individual store managers and their willingness to consider applicants with records.
"I know my store has hired a few team members with misdemeanors but not felonies," says a department manager in Ohio. "It would be an uphill battle trying to get a felon approved unless they had some really great qualifications and references. Just too much risk and liability involved."
Tips for Applying to Tractor Supply with a Felony
If you‘re a former felon interested in working at Tractor Supply, here are some tips to improve your odds of getting hired:
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Be honest on your application. Trying to hide your conviction will likely get you auto-rejected once the background check reveals the truth. Checking "yes" to the felony question will trigger the special screening process.
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Write a cover letter. This is your chance to explain your conviction in your own words and make a case for why you deserve a second chance. Highlight how you‘ve reformed and what you learned from the experience.
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Tailor your resume. Focus on skills and experience relevant to the position you want. If you took any classes or training programs while incarcerated, include those.
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Gather strong references. Ask former employers, volunteer supervisors, counselors, or other community members who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Avoid listing family.
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Apply to entry-level jobs. You‘ll likely have better luck starting out as a cashier or stocker than trying for a management role right away. Be willing to work your way up.
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Consider expungement. Some states allow you to seal or clear certain offenses from your record after enough time has passed. This can greatly improve your chances.
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Follow up. After submitting your application, call or email the hiring manager to reiterate your interest and qualifications. Thank them for considering you and offer to answer any questions.
Why Companies Should Hire Felons
Beyond giving individuals second chances, there are several compelling reasons for employers to consider hiring those with criminal records:
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Untapped talent pool. Many felons have valuable skills and experience that can translate to the workplace. With proper training and support, they can become loyal, productive employees.
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Reduce recidivism. Studies show that ex-offenders who find steady employment are much less likely to re-offend and wind up back in prison. A job provides purpose, stability, and a legal income.
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Increase diversity. People with records are a cross-section of society, representing all races, genders, ages, and backgrounds. Hiring them can boost diversity and bring new perspectives.
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Tax incentives. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers businesses a credit of up to $2,400 for hiring felons within a year of their conviction or release. Some states have additional credits.
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Improve reputation. Companies known for giving second chances often see a positive public response and media coverage. It can make both customers and employees feel good about supporting the brand.
Of course, employers must balance these potential benefits with concerns about safety, liability, and protecting vulnerable populations. But with proper screening, supervision, and accommodations, many felons can be successful hires.
Felon-Friendly Employers
If Tractor Supply doesn‘t pan out, don‘t give up your job search. While many companies are wary of felons, others have more welcoming policies:
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Starbucks doesn‘t ask about convictions on initial applications and considers felons for most roles unless prohibited by state/local laws. They partner with re-entry organizations.
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McDonald‘s removed questions about criminal history from U.S. job applications in 2019. Candidates can now share and explain convictions in later stages.
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Delta Airlines evaluates felons for certain positions with a 10-year lookback period for background checks. They‘ve also partnered with prisons for skills training.
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Total Wine & More only asks about very recent convictions (past year) and will consider any felon whose offense doesn‘t relate to the job duties.
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Kohl‘s doesn‘t do background checks for most entry-level positions and has hired felons as associates, stockers, and warehouse workers. Management may vary by location.
For more ideas, check out directories like Jobs For Felons Hub, Help For Felons, and the National H.I.R.E. Network. There are also staffing agencies that specialize in placing felons and re-entry programs that offer job readiness training.
Resources for Felons
Here are some other helpful resources for felons navigating employment and reintegration:
- 70 Million Jobs – Job board for people with criminal records
- Honest Jobs – National job search engine for ex-offenders
- America Works – Workforce development agency with re-entry services
- Goodwill Reintegration Program – Help with job readiness, digital skills, financial planning, and mentoring
- Prison Fellowship – Christian nonprofit offering in-prison and re-entry programs
- Ban the Box Campaign – Initiative to remove criminal history questions from job applications
Your local American Job Center and state Department of Labor may also have resources for convicted job seekers. And if you‘re a veteran, definitely reach out to the VA for assistance.
Conclusion
Based on Tractor Supply‘s background check policies and hiring practices, it seems that getting a job there with a felony is an uphill battle. Most felons will be screened out unless their convictions are old or relatively minor. It‘s always worth applying, but go in with realistic expectations.
Remember, a rejection from Tractor Supply or any other employer doesn‘t define you or your future. There are plenty of companies that will look beyond your past and value the skills and experience you bring. Focus on those opportunities and keep persisting.
Finding a job is a critical step in rebuilding your life after a felony conviction. Stable employment provides income, self-sufficiency, and a sense of purpose. It can be a long, discouraging process, but don‘t lose hope.
Take advantage of job readiness programs, community resources, and support networks. Refine your resume and interview skills. Consider additional training or certification to boost your credentials. Be honest yet strategic in how you discuss your background.
With the right preparation, mindset, and opportunity, you can overcome the stigma of a felony and find a fulfilling career path. Employers like Tractor Supply may be missing out, but their loss can be another company‘s gain. Your conviction doesn‘t have to define you forever.
