A few years ago it was really difficult to get a job if you had a felony on your record. Most companies would not hire felons. Those who did hire you would discriminate against you when it came to wages and rights. Thankfully, over the past decade, we have seen drastic changes in job policies. These changes have made it easier for people with felonies to get a job and helped many people start new lives.
If you are someone who had a criminal record in the past and is wondering whether Dollar General hires felons or not, then you have landed at the right place. This article will answer all your questions and help you get a job more easily.
Company Overview
Dollar General is a family-owned business founded in Scottsville, Kentucky in 1939. It is an American chain of retail stores that sells a wide variety of affordable household items and snacks under its different subsidiaries. It has become one of the most profitable retail chains in the U.S. with a revenue of $25.6 billion in 2018. The company currently runs 15,000 stores in the U.S. and employs 130,000 employees altogether.
Entry Level Jobs at Dollar General
The company offers many entry-level jobs that are perfect for people starting a new career or a new start all over again. Most of these jobs require minimum experience and skills while offering tons of benefits and a safe working environment. The average hourly wage at Dollar General ranges from approximately $7.78 per hour for Sales Manager to $15.43 per hour for Warehouse Worker.
| Job | Salary (per hour) |
|---|---|
| Cashier | $8.27 |
| Stocker | $9.20 |
| Forklift Operator | $15.71 |
| Senior Collector | $15.93 |
| Order Filler | $14.97 |
| Store Manager | $13.60 |
| Warehouse Worker | $15.43 |
| Janitor | $11.00 |
| Food Preparation Worker | $8.00 |
| Unloader | $11.90 |
Will Dollar General Hire You?
It is imperative to know where your employer stands on discrimination against ex-felons that are trying to start a new life. This way you can judge companies beforehand and apply to only those that you feel comfortable working with. As far as public information goes, Dollar General provides equal opportunities for everyone. This ensures that the company has a safe and equal working environment for men and women, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they hire felons. Even so, it is still an advantage for you so far.
According to recent reviews and reports, it seems like they are open to hiring felons without any issues. Many ex-offenders that have worked with Dollar General in the past have come forward with their testimonies. Many of them got hired and treated lightly by the company. They recommended that if you want to get hired, you need to be honest and forthcoming.
And although Dollar General is not on the ‘Ban the Box’ list or a part of the Fair Chance Business Pledge, the company still seems to be hiring people equally based on their merit regardless of their past. This makes Dollar General a great opportunity to try if you are charged with a felony record.
Besides Dollar General, you can also find opportunities at Aldi, Amazon, and Big Lots.
Does Dollar General Do Background Checks?
In short, Yes. Dollar General does conduct thorough background checks on all its potential employees with the help of a third party. However, this does not mean that they will be doing so without your consent. If you decline to the background check, you will be automatically disqualified, but once you have given your consent for a background check, then the company will try to gather all your history for the last 8 to 10 years. They will go through your social media accounts, past jobs, employer reviews and more to ensure maximum compatibility with their company policies and working environments. If you have a felony on your record in the past 7 or 10 years, then it will be harder for you to get a job as Dollar General avoids hiring people with recent felonies.
Dollar General considers some convictions harshly. Candidates with such felonies on their records are not considered for a job with the company. These felonies include crimes like theft, violence, assault, arson and sex-related crimes. In case you are someone who has such felonies on their past record, then it would be a good idea to skip Dollar General and look at other potential employers.
Besides, they also perform a mandatory drug test. This drug test will help the company identify potential employees that use illicit substances. You will be disqualified immediately if your test is positive. The company uses a combination of urine and swab test to check for illegal substances. If you are someone who uses recreational drugs, then it might be a good idea to stop using such substances before you submit your application for the job.
How to Get a Job at Dollar General With a Felony?
Dollar General is a huge American corporation that owns a number of brands including Good & Smart, Nature’s Menu, Forever Pals, Heartland Farms and much more. They regularly hire employees and are known for their safe and rich working environment. Although the company does not have any dedicated programs to help felons recover, its equal opportunity program ensures that there is no discrimination in the overall work environment. If you are looking to submit a job application at Dollar General, then there are a few things that you should take care of. This list of tips will not only help you apply your application to the best of your capabilities but also help you realize some of the drawbacks you might face during the hiring process.
1. Prepare for Uncomfortable Questions
Dollar General does not support the ‘Ban the Box’ campaign. This campaign is aimed at helping former convicts and ex-felons by removing sensitive questions about their past from job applications. Most employers that are not a part of this campaign still feature sensitive questions about past felonies on their job interview forms. These might often be uncomfortable for most ex-felons. Dollar General may have such questions on their application forms. If they do, you should not be surprised.
2. Network with Current Employees
Search for an in-store vacancy as this will give you a chance to find a job near your residential area and within walking distance. Going in-store will also give you a first-hand look at the working culture and you might even network with employees that are already working there. There are high chances that you might be able to find someone that can help you better with your questions regarding the hiring process for ex-felons. Even if there is no vacancy, make sure you drop your resume at the office. This will not only build up trust with your employer but will also let them know that you are eager and willing to work.
3. Be Honest
Be accurate, honest and truthful on your job application. Starting a new job is like starting a new relationship. If you keep secrets and hide things from the start, then the relationship will not be smooth soon. On the other hand, if you are honest with your employer in the application form, there will be little room for surprises. This is crucial as there will be third party background checks. If you are candid with your answers, it will help you get hired. Your candid attitude will also prove to be very beneficial for you as a person in the long run.
4. Do Your Homework
Do your homework seriously before showing up at Dollar General’s doorstep for the interview. You should read up on the company’s work environment policies, dress codes, rules, and regulations. This will help you tune yourself according to the company’s needs. You will stand out from the rest of the candidates.
Go online and read about people that have appeared for Dollar General Interviews for tips and the most common questions. This will be a great advantage if you are a person that gets extra nervous during such opportunities.
5. It’s Tough – So Prepare for The Worst
Lastly, Dollar General has hired people with felonies and misdemeanors in the past. But the company does not have a dedicated program for felons. This may be difficult if you have been recently released. The company receives thousands of potential applications every day, thus making it even harder for you to apply for a job.
However, do not worry too much because it does not reflect badly on your resume in case you are not selected. You can always go for other employers that have a dedicated ex-felon program – those are ready to welcome you and help you start a new life.
>>> Click Here to Apply for Available Jobs at Dollar General