Introduction
Discussions about whether FedEx employs convicts have been brewing for some time now in different communities. They argue whether the company should either employ or not employ them. However, while the opposition believes that they should not be employed because they might tarnish the company’s image, proponents have argued that they should not be employed in various sectors to prevent them from going back to prison (they further contended that an idle mind Is the devil’s workshop even if it sounds like a cliché). Let us know ‘Does FedEx Hire Felons?’.
Does FedEx Hire Felons?
It is no doubt that people become convicts or felons based on their choice. Sadly, society tends to punish them forever because, in all honesty, convicted felons are as good as dead. This is because they have only limited opportunities. Interestingly, FedEx hire felons remains one of the top leading companies employing convicted people. Although the process is a rigorous one but this is a necessary step that is highly commendable. According to FedEx, “they will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the FAIR Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHOO) for the City of Los Angeles (LAMC 189.00)”. A cursory look at these steps would give a better understanding.
Steps for Employing a Convicted Felon at FedEx
It is pertinent to establish that there are different steps for different entry points, but we will look at similar steps for all entry points in this article.
- Step 1: Background check
- Step 2: Criminal Records
- Step 3: Drug Test
- Step 4: Interview
Reasons Why these steps are Important?
- Background check
Even without criminal records, a background check is a nitty-gritty process in an employment process. It gives your employer a view into the employee’s life. We would know even things the employee would not naturally discuss with the employer. For example, it would show your credit score, educational qualifications, family information, etc.
- Criminal Records
The employee claims to have turned a new leaf by serving their jail term. But, interestingly, the employer would have to know about their past lives and why they ended up in jail to know if they are fit for the role they are applying for. This is because they deal with complex goods that belong to other people and are valuable in most cases. So, people with multiple theft issues may find it hard to secure employment.
- Drug Test
Due to the high intake of hard drugs, the employee applying for a job at FedEx would be required to take a drug test. If the test comes out negative and it is discovered that the applicant still engages in the use of hard drugs, then he would not be employed.
- Interview
They observe their body language when responding to questions by interacting with them. With this, they get to know if they can do the same thing they were convicted for before. But, again, this helps them to get to know the employee.
Tips to help get a job at FedEx
- Acquisition of Skills and Certification: In the sequel to the above elucidation, convicted felons are not given an opportunity or a job. Now, it is up to the felon to show that they have what it takes to be employed, such as getting a certification. The internet has even made it much easier to gain an advantage by taking online courses in different fields such as data analysis, data science, and others. This would show a sense of responsibility and commitment to the applicant, and We can use this certification when acquired to enter different entry positions. (2) Curriculum Vita E, Resume and Cover Letter: After acquiring the necessary certification needed for the job application. Creating a professional CV is essential because it helps showcase the felon’s skills and talents. Preferably, it is advisable to pay a professional to have the CV done so that it can be well written. (3) References/Guarantors: These are essential people in a convicted felon’s life and cannot be ignored. They testify on behalf of the convicted felon in terms of their character and trustworthiness. Whenever they are applying for a job, they are expected to provide their names and signature.
What are the Right Jobs for a Convicted Felon Applying to FedEx?
Well, all jobs that are unconnected to why a person was convicted are the set of right jobs. This is because it helps to increase the chances of employment. For example, in the explanation given above, if it has been established that a person has multiple records of theft before conviction, they apply for any role that involves personal handling of customers’ goods, e.g., Truck driving or delivery. They might not get the job because of his previous theft record, which has deterred them from getting it.
Conclusion
Being a convicted felon limits people’s chances and disadvantages them, no doubt. But interestingly, FedEx has a record of employing felons after due diligence has been done. This has been done to give them a second chance at life. All that is needed is adequate preparation, recent qualifications, honesty, and application for roles unconnected to the crimes the felon has committed, and you will be considered for the job. Conviction does not make people less human.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
- How far back do they go for a background check?
There is no specific number of years, but they can go as far as eight years.
- How long does it take for the background result check to come back?
A few days or a few weeks at most
- Who pays for the background check?
The applicant
- When the background check comes out great, does it mean it is automatic employment?
No, other factors still need to be examined and put into consideration.
