If you’re reading this article, chances are that you’re looking to be hired at someplace or the other to start making life, but have been having a tough time doing that owing to a felony you committed sometime in the past. This is not surprising, as people often make the mistake of assuming that no one can change their ways.
But obviously, you know, as you’re reading this article, that everyone is capable of change. A potential employer who would’ve looked at you as possible recruitment probably changed his mind a few seconds after learning that you’re an ex-felon. Chances of you having gone through such an ordeal and are high, but it is necessary to remember during times like these, that not all hirers and organizations discriminate their applicants based on criminal records.
One such organization is that of Lyft, one of the most famous ride-sharing companies in the continent of North America.
Company Overview
Being one of the major competitors of Uber, this company is one that is learning from the mistakes of other companies of its kind. The ride-sharing company offers its services on vehicles of different carrying capacities from cars to two-wheelers, to even cycle loaning.
Established in the summer of 2012, it is one of the companies which has seen exponential growth in the last seven years. With around 5,000 employees taking care of the back end and driving profiles, the company is one whose numbers are increasing exponentially due to the increased number of people who’ve begun to use cabs.
Although you might think that drivers are the only thing you can be at Lyft (at an entry-level), it’ll surprise you to know that there are other jobs that you can take up as well, including software development, marketing, information design and documentation, loading and stocking.
All software development people are paid in six-figure salaries ($100,000 to $250,000) per annum, and obviously, it is the hardest profile to get into as a beginner. Information design and documentation closely follow the software development wing in terms of salary with the six figures not crossing $200,000.
Marketing individuals follow next, with a varied range of salaries, which is then followed by loading and stocking, and driving profiles. Driving pays well, around $12 an hour, which is good money, when compounded and saved.
Will Lyft Hire You?
Although there is no conclusive proof that can be provided in this article, like the testament of an ex-felon who now works at Lyft, several sources on the internet do suggest that Lyft (and Uber, both) hire ex-felons. They do not have any specialized program for felons as such and are not supporters of the Ban-the-box movement.
Ban-the-box movement is a movement which entails for organizations to refrain from asking about criminal records in the written format, be it online or offline. This movement, as stated already, is not one that Lyft is a part of, and thus, your employment process might be a little more scrutinized than usual.
Considering that they do not support the movement, they are obviously also not an organization that’s taken that Fair Chance Business Pledge, which allows ex-felons to be judged on a par with someone having a clean record, and not be discriminated on something from the past.
Although these things may sound discouraging, you can still manage to make an impression provided your resume and application stand out. So, don’t lose hope just yet.
Does Lyft Do Background Checks?
Yes, they do. Considering that the lion’s share of their workforce is drivers, they obviously check the backgrounds of all applicants to ensure that the standing of the company does not reduce in the eyes of the consumer.
The background checks reveal everything on any record (in the state), to know about a person. Things that are sure to make it onto your background check include any conviction of a felony and misdemeanors. Special emphasis is laid on checking if your name is listed in the National Sex Offender Registry database. If that is the case, they will disqualify your application without any notification.
The extent of the check can range till 7 years, or even more, depending on the state you’re applying to get a job in. However, for the most part, offenses committed more than 7 years in the past are mostly overlooked, and if that’s your case, then you have an increased chance of being hired.
How to Get Hired at Lyft with a Felony?
It is no surprise that you’ll be scrutinized like crazy the minute you walk into the interview room. Not just you, anyone, for that matter, will be looked at closely. Recruiters will watch out for body language, facial expressions, or any hints at possible insubordination or unprofessionalism. However, there is no denying the fact that they’ll look at you more closely than others. This is because they’ll already know that you’re an ex-felon, from your application.
But there is nothing to worry about, if you take care of the following things to the best of your abilities, for there is a good chance that they might overlook your past felony.
1. Own Up To Your Actions
On the application form (way before they call you in for an interview), while you’re filling it, be truthful. It is well known that honesty is the best policy, and not without reason. So, be extremely candid on your application form. Do not fabricate any details, be it about the felony, or your resume.
Later on, in the interview, stick to what truly took place if they ask about your past. The recruiters will come to know the entirety of the story anyway, because of the background check. You might as well save them the trouble and spill the beans yourself. That way, you’ll get points for honesty. For all you know, it could be the thing that makes them want to take you in their ranks.
2. Disclose Everything
Being truthful is important. Now, just to make it clear, telling partial truth is also considered to be lying by many. There is a high chance that your interviewer or application reader may be one such person. Thus, do not leave out any details for them to imagine, or any for you to fabricate later on.
The recruiters will most definitely get to know the truth. Then, it may be too late to correct your folly. Always give them the full truth, and nothing but the truth.
3. Be Confident
This is a quality that will help your interviewer remember you among the throngs who’ll appear. To stand out from the crowd, develop your confidence. Express your confidence so that everyone around you feels it. Be sure to never act nervous.
4. Develop Your Skills
Now, while applying for any job, you must deserve the job. No matter how many times you convince yourself that you need the job for monetary purposes, a small part of you will surely pull you down provided you do not have the required skill set for the job. Thus, make it a point to earn the necessary skills before filling the online or offline application.
Once you have the skills, you must articulate your capabilities properly on your resume. You do not want to lose out on a good job prospect due to an underwhelming resume. Customize your resume in accordance with the position you’re applying for.
For example, if you are applying for a desk job, it would do you good do highlight similar experiences you’ve had and not on-site ones. However, you can also learn to be creative in your way of looking at things, and saying that even your on-site or hand-on experience gives you a better understanding of what the employees or the consumers need.
A good resume is the first step to getting a job, so do not compromise on this aspect at all.
5. Do Not Give Up Hope
Once you’ve given your interview, you’ll have to wait for a period of time. Then the hiring managers get back to you. You must stay patient during this time and not lose hope. The ongoing background check is a time consuming one. Do not call and bug the hiring manager every other day. Wait for around two weeks before initiating a call. This is so that they do not change their minds about hiring you, just because of your nagging.
However, if it has been very long, you should confirm the lack of a job to move on. In such times, it is advisable to call the manager.
6. Maintain Your Car and Persona
If you are a driver at Lyft, then it is imperative that your car not fall into disuse. You cannot maintain it in a substandard condition. This will affect your ratings, and consequently, your job itself. When carrying passengers, do not make conversation unnecessarily with them unless they initiate it. You do not want to come across as a chatty Cathy and lose your rating all at the same time.
7. Do Not DUI (obvious, but necessary)
If you get a job as a driver at Lyft, and you want to keep your job, then you’ve to bid goodbye to this cheap thrill. The company conducts random background checks occasionally. If they uncover something negative after you’ve got the job, they will end your contract immediately. Plus, there is no chance of you getting a job at Lyft again.
In a nutshell, getting a job at Lyft may be a tad harder than at other organizations that support Ban-the-box and have taken the FCBP. However, it certainly is not impossible. Increase your capabilities, and apply now, for any position you like, at Lyft. All the best!
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