Introduction
As one of the largest private employers in the United States, Walmart offers a wide range of job opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, for those with misdemeanors on their record, the prospect of securing employment at Walmart may seem daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll delve into Walmart‘s hiring policy regarding misdemeanors, explore the factors that may impact your application, and provide expert advice and resources to help you navigate the hiring process.
Understanding Walmart‘s Approach to Hiring Individuals with Criminal Records
Walmart recognizes the importance of providing second chances to individuals who have made mistakes in the past. According to a 2018 report by the Prison Policy Initiative, Walmart employs approximately 1.4 million associates in the United States, making it one of the largest employers of individuals with criminal records. In fact, a study by the Charles Koch Institute found that Walmart employs more than 12,000 individuals with felony convictions in the state of Florida alone.
This commitment to offering opportunities for those with criminal backgrounds is reflected in Walmart‘s partnership with organizations such as the Charles Koch Institute and Stand Together. Through the "Opportunity Hiring Pilot Program," Walmart aims to provide jobs and support services to individuals with criminal records who have demonstrated a commitment to turning their lives around.
The Impact of Misdemeanors on Your Walmart Application
While Walmart does hire individuals with certain types of misdemeanors, the specifics of your offense and the length of time that has passed since the incident can significantly impact your chances of being hired. According to a survey of HR professionals conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 74% of employers reported that they would be willing to hire an applicant with a misdemeanor conviction, depending on the nature of the offense and the requirements of the position.
However, certain types of misdemeanors may automatically disqualify you from employment at Walmart, particularly those involving violence, theft, or serious drug offenses. A 2019 study by the background check company GoodHire found that violent offenses, such as assault or domestic violence, were among the most commonly disqualifying misdemeanors for employers across industries.
Walmart‘s Background Check Process and Timeline
When you apply for a position at Walmart, the company will conduct a thorough background check that typically spans the previous seven years. This process is outsourced to a third-party company, such as backgroundchecks.com, and can take up to ten business days to complete. The background check will reveal any felony or misdemeanor arrests and convictions on your record during the specified timeframe.
It‘s crucial to note that if you have had your record expunged, it will not appear on the background check. However, Walmart may utilize additional databases and resources to gather information on potential employees, including US Alias, VERIFY, county criminal records searches, national sex offender searches, address and name history reports, and national security records searches.
Misdemeanors That May Affect Your Walmart Application
While some misdemeanors may not automatically disqualify you from employment at Walmart, others can significantly hinder your chances of being hired. Below, we‘ll explore the types of misdemeanors that may raise red flags for Walmart hiring managers.
Violent Offenses
As an employer committed to ensuring the safety of its associates and customers, Walmart takes a firm stance against hiring individuals with a history of violent behavior. Misdemeanor offenses such as assault, battery, or domestic violence will likely result in automatic disqualification, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident.
According to FBI crime statistics, there were over 1.2 million reported cases of aggravated assault in the United States in 2019 alone. Given the prevalence of violent offenses and the potential liability they pose for employers, it‘s understandable that Walmart would prioritize the safety of its workforce and customers when considering applicants with these types of misdemeanors.
Theft Offenses
As a retail giant, Walmart is particularly cautious about hiring individuals with a history of theft or shoplifting, even if the offenses are classified as misdemeanors. A 2017 survey by the National Retail Federation found that retailers lose an average of $1,922.80 per shoplifting incident, with a total annual loss of $48.9 billion across the industry.
If you have a theft-related misdemeanor conviction within the past seven years, it may be challenging to secure a position at Walmart. However, the company may be more willing to consider applicants with older or minor theft offenses, particularly if they can demonstrate a track record of rehabilitation and honest behavior in the years since the incident.
Drug Offenses
Walmart maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use among its associates. While minor drug offenses, such as possession of small amounts of marijuana, may not automatically disqualify you from employment, more serious drug-related misdemeanors can significantly impact your chances of being hired.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 36 states have legalized medical marijuana use, and 15 states have legalized recreational marijuana use as of 2021. However, Walmart‘s drug policy applies regardless of state laws, and the company may choose not to hire individuals with drug-related misdemeanors, even if the offense is no longer illegal under state law.
Misdemeanors That May Not Automatically Disqualify You
While certain misdemeanors can be significant barriers to employment at Walmart, others may not necessarily prevent you from being hired. Below, we‘ll discuss some examples of misdemeanors that may not automatically disqualify you, depending on the circumstances and the length of time that has passed since the offense.
Traffic Violations
Minor traffic offenses, such as speeding tickets or illegal lane changes, are generally not disqualifying factors for employment at Walmart. According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 26.4 million adults in the United States have a criminal record, with a significant portion of these offenses being traffic-related.
However, more serious traffic violations, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI), may be cause for concern, particularly if the position you are applying for involves operating a vehicle or heavy machinery.
Disorderly Conduct
Depending on the severity and circumstances of the offense, a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct may not automatically disqualify you from employment at Walmart. Disorderly conduct charges can encompass a wide range of behaviors, from public intoxication to disturbing the peace, and the specific details of the incident will be taken into account during the hiring process.
A study by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers found that disorderly conduct charges account for approximately 7% of all misdemeanor arrests in the United States. While a single misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct may not be an automatic disqualifier, a pattern of such offenses could raise concerns for Walmart hiring managers.
Public Intoxication
A single misdemeanor charge for public intoxication in the distant past may not necessarily prevent you from being hired at Walmart, especially if you can demonstrate that the incident was isolated and that you have taken steps to address any underlying issues with substance abuse.
However, multiple or recent public intoxication charges may be viewed more seriously, as they could indicate an ongoing problem with alcohol or substance abuse that could impact your ability to perform your job duties effectively and safely.
Minor Drug Offenses
As mentioned earlier, Walmart has a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use among its associates. However, a minor drug offense, such as possession of a small amount of marijuana, that occurred several years ago and has not been followed by any subsequent offenses may not automatically disqualify you from employment.
The specific details of the offense, as well as the laws in the state where the incident occurred, will be taken into consideration during the hiring process. It‘s important to note that while some states have legalized or decriminalized certain drug offenses, Walmart‘s drug policy applies regardless of state laws.
Tips for Applying to Walmart with a Misdemeanor Record
If you have a misdemeanor on your record and are interested in applying for a position at Walmart, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success:
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Be honest and transparent: When filling out your application, it‘s crucial to be truthful about your criminal history. Attempting to conceal or lie about a misdemeanor will only hurt your chances of being hired if it is discovered during the background check process. Honesty is always the best policy, and Walmart hiring managers are more likely to view your application favorably if you are upfront about your past mistakes.
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Provide context and evidence of rehabilitation: If you have the opportunity to discuss your misdemeanor with a hiring manager, be prepared to explain the circumstances surrounding the offense and the steps you have taken to learn from your mistake and improve your life since then. This may include completing community service, participating in counseling or rehabilitation programs, or obtaining additional education or training. By demonstrating that you have taken responsibility for your actions and have made positive changes in your life, you can help to alleviate any concerns that the hiring manager may have about your criminal record.
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Highlight your strengths and qualifications: While your misdemeanor may be a factor in the hiring process, it is not the only aspect of your application that will be considered. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate for the position. This may include your work ethic, customer service skills, teamwork abilities, or any other qualifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. By focusing on your strengths and the value you can bring to the company, you can help to shift the focus away from your criminal record and onto your potential as an employee.
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Consider applying for positions that align with your background: Depending on the nature of your misdemeanor offense, some positions at Walmart may be more suitable for you than others. For example, if you have a minor drug offense on your record, you may have a better chance of being hired for a stocking or warehouse position than a customer-facing role such as a cashier or sales associate. By targeting your job search to positions that align with your background and qualifications, you can increase your chances of finding a good fit at Walmart.
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Take advantage of resources and support services: There are many organizations and resources available to help individuals with criminal records navigate the job market and increase their chances of success. These may include reentry programs that provide job training and placement assistance, legal aid organizations that can help with expungement or sealing of criminal records, and online resources such as the National Hire Network and the National Reentry Resource Center. By taking advantage of these resources and support services, you can gain valuable skills, knowledge, and connections that can help you in your job search at Walmart and beyond.
Conclusion
Walmart‘s hiring policy regarding misdemeanors reflects the company‘s commitment to providing second chances to individuals who have made mistakes in the past and have demonstrated a willingness to learn and grow from their experiences. While certain types of misdemeanors, such as violent offenses or theft, may automatically disqualify you from employment at Walmart, many other misdemeanors will not necessarily prevent you from being hired, depending on the circumstances and the length of time that has passed since the offense.
By being honest about your criminal record, focusing on your strengths and qualifications, and taking advantage of available resources and support services, you can increase your chances of successfully securing a position at Walmart and building a rewarding career with the company. Remember, your past mistakes do not have to define your future, and with hard work, determination, and a commitment to personal growth, you can overcome the challenges of a misdemeanor record and achieve success in your chosen field.
