Americold hires some people with felony convictions. While the company isn’t a second-chance employer, employee reports confirm that it’s possible to get hired with a criminal record.
In Columbus, Ohio, an employee was hired with two felonies and a misdemeanor theft conviction (the felonies were four and five years old). In Ontario, Oregon, Americold hired a felon who was still on probation.
Does Americold Have a Felony Hiring Policy?
Americold’s hiring policy for people with criminal backgrounds isn’t publicly available. But we know that they hire on a case-by-case basis depending on the results of a criminal background check.
The company doesn’t publish a list of felonies that disqualify applicants, and it doesn’t say how old offenses need to be before you’re eligible to be hired. Some convictions will be harder to work around than others, though.
What Happens During the Background Check?
The background check comes after a conditional job offer. This gives you the chance to discuss the offense during your interview and mention any positive progress you’ve made since your conviction.
Americold will verify your identity, previous employment, and Social Security number, and run a search for criminal convictions.
If you applied for a driving job, your driving record and license status will be reviewed to make sure you meet current DOT requirements for CDL holders.
The lookback period depends on state law. Some states limit how far a background check can go, while others don’t impose any restrictions.
Ohio, for example, allows an indefinite lookback period, while California restricts employers to checking the last 7 years.
For CDL positions, Americold doesn’t allow drivers to have a DUI or drug-impaired-driving conviction within the previous five years. Drivers also face limits on moving violations and preventable accidents.
Does Americold Drug Test?
Be ready for a pre-employment drug test, although testing methods and the substances tested for vary depending on location.
Workers in Ontario, Oregon, and Clearfield, Utah reported taking a mouth-swab drug test, while Atlanta workers faced a urine test instead.
Marijuana testing for warehouse roles is location-dependent too. Recent employee reports say THC was included in Indiana, Texas, and at some Illinois locations.
A Syracuse, New York respondent said their facility didn’t test for marijuana. CDL applicants always go through a pre-employment drug test (urine sample). Federal rules require testing for marijuana even if the drug is legal under state law.
What Jobs Should You Look At?
Warehouse and transportation jobs at Americold include:
- Warehouse Associate
- Order Selector
- Repacker
- Meat Checker
- Loader
- Forklift Operator
- Sanitation Worker
- Yard Jockey (non-CDL position but cannot have a DUI)
- Local CDL A Driver
If you’ve got a DUI (or other driving conviction), applying for warehouse work could be a safer bet than trying for a Yard Jockey job or CDL position.
Can Americold Hire You While You’re on Probation?
According to employee reports, Americold has hired workers on felony probation in the past. If you’re on probation, expect hiring decisions to be taken on a case-by-case basis.
The nature of your offense will be important, as will compliance with your probation conditions.
If your conditions include a curfew, check the hours listed on the job posting to make sure you can work the hours your shift requires.
Should You Tell Americold About Your Felony?
Answer any questions about your criminal history honestly. Americold runs a background check, so they’ll discover your record if it’s within their lookback period.
If your interviewer asks about your conviction, briefly explain the charges and dates, then mention any positive changes you’ve made – getting a certification, completing rehab, or finishing your GED, for example.
Can Americold Withdraw a Job Offer Because of a Felony?
The job offer you receive will be conditional and depends on the outcome of the background check. If your felony doesn’t fall within their hiring guidelines, Americold can withdraw your job offer.
A conditional offer isn’t the same as being fully cleared to start work, and the HR department makes the final decision once your background check is complete.
Does Americold Hire Felons as Drivers?
Possibly, but drivers face extra requirements, and a driving-related felony could mean you won’t get hired. Americold requires CDL applicants to pass a DOT background screen and drug test.
Current driver listings state that applicants must not have any DUI or drug-impaired-driving convictions within the past five years.
They’ll also check for driving violations. A CDL applicant cannot have a conviction for a “serious or disqualifying traffic violation” within the last three years.
Is Americold Worth Applying To With a Felony?
Yes. If you meet the requirements on a job posting, you should apply. Don’t screen yourself out. Let Americold make that decision.
Americold does hire felons on a case-by-case basis, so put your application in and see what happens.
FAQ
How Long Does the Background Screen Take?
The normal turnaround time on background checks is 3 to 5 business days. Checks can take longer if there are delays with local courts responding to requests for records, or if you’ve got convictions in multiple jurisdictions.
How Long After a Conviction Does Someone Have to Wait to Apply?
There’s no minimum waiting period before you can apply to Americold with a felony conviction. Some employees report being hired with felonies less than 12 months old.
Does Americold Test for Marijuana?
Not always. Whether your drug test includes THC depends on the facility location and type of job you apply for. But if you apply for a CDL driving job, the DOT-mandated drug test always screens for Marijuana.