Introduction
If you‘re considering a career with UPS, one of the world‘s largest shipping and logistics companies, you‘ll need to pass a comprehensive background check before receiving a job offer. This process can be daunting, especially if you have concerns about your criminal history, driving record, or employment history.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about UPS background checks, from what they look for and how far back they go to what factors could disqualify you from getting hired. We‘ll also provide expert tips and advice on how to prepare for and pass a UPS background check, drawing on insights from professionals in the retail and consumer industry.
What is a UPS Background Check?
A UPS background check is a thorough screening process that the company uses to evaluate potential employees before making a job offer. This process typically includes a review of your criminal history, driving record, and employment history, as well as verification of your education and professional licenses (if applicable).
According to a survey by the Professional Background Screening Association, 94% of employers conduct some form of background check on job candidates. For companies like UPS, which operate in a highly regulated industry and handle valuable packages and sensitive information, thorough background checks are essential for ensuring the safety and security of employees, customers, and assets.
What Does UPS Look for in a Background Check?
When conducting a background check, UPS is looking for any red flags that could indicate a potential risk or liability for the company. Some of the specific factors they consider include:
Criminal History
UPS will review your criminal record to identify any felony or misdemeanor convictions that could disqualify you from employment. This includes offenses related to theft, violence, drugs, and sexual misconduct, among others.
However, not all criminal offenses will automatically disqualify you from working at UPS. The company evaluates each case on an individual basis, considering factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you‘ve taken steps to rehabilitate yourself since then.
According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 73% of employers have hired someone with a criminal record. However, the same study found that the most common reasons for not hiring an applicant with a criminal history were the nature of the offense (cited by 84% of employers) and the relatedness of the offense to the job (cited by 78% of employers).
Driving Record
If you‘re applying for a position that involves driving, such as a delivery driver or truck driver, UPS will also review your driving record to ensure that you have a safe and responsible history behind the wheel. They‘ll look for any moving violations, accidents, license suspensions, or other red flags that could indicate a pattern of risky behavior.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 6.7 million police-reported traffic crashes in the United States in 2019, resulting in over 2.7 million injuries and 36,096 fatalities. For companies like UPS, which operate a massive fleet of vehicles and employ thousands of drivers, maintaining a safe driving record is paramount.
Some of the most common disqualifying offenses for commercial drivers include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Speeding more than 15 miles per hour over the limit
Employment History
UPS will also review your employment history to verify the information you provided on your application and to check for any red flags or discrepancies. They may contact your previous employers to confirm your job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving, as well as to ask about your job performance, attendance record, and overall reliability.
According to a survey by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, 96% of employers conduct some form of employment verification as part of their background check process. The same survey found that the most common reasons for disqualifying an applicant based on their employment history were lying about their qualifications (cited by 85% of employers) and negative references from previous employers (cited by 63% of employers).
How Far Back Does a UPS Background Check Go?
The length of time that UPS will look back in your history during a background check depends on the specific type of information they‘re reviewing:
- For criminal history, UPS typically looks back 7-10 years, although this can vary by state and position. Some states have laws that limit how far back employers can consider criminal records, while others allow for a more extensive review.
- For driving records, UPS usually looks back 3-5 years, depending on the position and the state. Again, some states have stricter laws than others when it comes to how far back employers can consider driving violations.
- For employment history, UPS may go back as far as 10 years or more, depending on the position and the applicant‘s work experience.
It‘s worth noting that while UPS may not consider older offenses or violations as part of their initial background check, they may still discover them during the course of their investigation. In some cases, they may ask you to provide additional information or context about these older incidents to help them make a more informed hiring decision.
How Long Does a UPS Background Check Take?
The time it takes to complete a UPS background check can vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific position you‘ve applied for, the complexity of your background, and how quickly UPS is able to obtain the necessary information from third-party sources.
On average, most UPS background checks take between 1-3 weeks to complete. However, some may take longer if there are delays in obtaining records or if additional information is needed from the applicant.
According to a survey by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, the average turnaround time for a background check is 3-5 business days. However, the same survey found that 28% of employers reported that their background checks take longer than 5 days to complete, with 5% reporting that they take more than 2 weeks.
Tips for Passing a UPS Background Check
If you‘re concerned about your ability to pass a UPS background check, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of success:
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Be honest and upfront: One of the biggest mistakes you can make during the background check process is trying to hide or misrepresent information about your past. UPS will eventually discover any discrepancies or omissions, and lying on your application is grounds for immediate disqualification. Instead, be honest and upfront about any red flags in your background, and be prepared to provide context and explanations as needed.
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Provide context for any red flags: If you do have a criminal conviction, driving violation, or other issue on your record, don‘t try to sweep it under the rug. Instead, be proactive about explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident and what you‘ve done to learn from the experience and turn your life around. UPS may be more willing to consider your application if you can demonstrate that you‘ve taken responsibility for your actions and have made positive changes in your life.
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Obtain copies of your records: Before applying to UPS, consider obtaining copies of your criminal history, driving record, and employment records. This will give you a better understanding of what UPS will see when they conduct their background check, and allow you to identify any errors or inaccuracies that may need to be corrected. You can typically obtain these records from the relevant government agencies or third-party providers.
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Consider expungement or sealing: If you have a criminal record that‘s eligible for expungement or sealing, it may be worth pursuing this option before applying to UPS. Expungement removes the conviction from your record entirely, while sealing hides it from public view. However, keep in mind that UPS may still be able to access sealed records in some cases, so it‘s important to be upfront about your history even if you‘ve had your record sealed.
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Highlight your strengths: Even if you have some blemishes on your record, that doesn‘t mean you‘re not a strong candidate for the job. Focus on highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications in your application and interview. Emphasize your commitment to safety, reliability, and customer service, and provide examples of how you‘ve demonstrated these qualities in your previous work or personal life.
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Seek legal advice: If you have serious concerns about your ability to pass a UPS background check, or if you believe that you‘ve been unfairly disqualified from a job opportunity based on your background, it may be worth seeking legal advice. An attorney who specializes in employment law can help you understand your rights and options, and advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.
Resources for Job Seekers with Criminal Records
If you have a criminal record and are concerned about your ability to find employment, there are several resources available to help you navigate the job search process:
- The National HIRE Network: This organization provides resources and support for job seekers with criminal records, including a database of employers that are willing to hire individuals with a criminal history.
- The Ban the Box Campaign: This national campaign advocates for fair hiring practices and the removal of questions about criminal history from initial job applications.
- The Federal Bonding Program: This program provides fidelity bonds to employers who hire individuals with criminal records, which can help alleviate concerns about potential risks or liabilities.
In addition to these resources, many states and cities have passed laws and initiatives aimed at promoting fair hiring practices and reducing barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records. For example, some states have implemented "ban the box" laws that prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications, while others have established programs to provide job training and placement services for individuals with criminal records.
Conclusion
Passing a UPS background check can be a daunting prospect, especially if you have concerns about your criminal history, driving record, or employment history. However, by understanding what UPS is looking for and taking proactive steps to address any red flags, you can increase your chances of success and land your dream job with this industry leader.
Remember, the key to passing a UPS background check is honesty, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By being upfront about your history, providing context and explanations as needed, and focusing on your strengths and qualifications, you can demonstrate to UPS that you‘re a reliable, trustworthy, and valuable asset to their team.
If you‘re still feeling unsure or overwhelmed by the background check process, don‘t hesitate to seek out additional resources and support. Whether it‘s consulting with a legal professional, connecting with a job search organization, or seeking guidance from a trusted mentor or advisor, there are plenty of people and organizations who can help you navigate this challenging but ultimately rewarding process.
At the end of the day, passing a UPS background check is just one step on the path to a successful and fulfilling career in the retail and consumer industry. By staying focused on your goals, being persistent in your job search, and continuing to develop your skills and experience, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your full potential.
