The biggest challenge felons have after their release is finding a job.
A felon who has experience working in a restaurant may want to apply at SONIC.
This blog post will cover whether or not SONIC runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- SONIC Application
- SONIC Background Check
- Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
- Tips for Getting a Job at SONIC
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Employers like SONIC review an applicant’s background because they don’t want someone who doesn’t succeed after starting a job.
This is considered to be a, “bad hire,” which is someone who:
- Doesn’t produce quality work
- Has a negative attitude
- Doesn’t work well with other employees
- Doesn’t deal well with customers
- Doesn’t have the skills they stated on an application
- Has attendance problems
- Is dishonest on the job
The last issue is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem when applying at SONIC even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer typically views at least some of the following:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like SONIC to determine a candidate’s:
- Past mistakes
- Character
- Financial fitness
This allows an employer to identify hiring risks for security and safety issues for the company.
The criminal record review conducted of a background check includes examining criminal history files for any criminal offenses, which will reveal all convictions and non-convictions, including cases not prosecuted or ones dismissed.
Convictions can be reported with no time limit while a non-conviction will show up for seven years.
A crime will not show up on a background check if a felon has his or her record expunged.
SONIC Application
SONIC Drive-In is one of the largest drive-in fast food chains.
The franchise began in 1956 under the name Top Hat and became SONIC in 1959.
SONIC is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and has more than 3,600 locations across the U.S. in 45 states.
SONIC Drive-In offers customers the opportunity to order through a drive-in diner speaker typically used in the 1950s and 1960s.
The company slogan is, “Service with the Speed of Sound.”
SONIC Drive-In looks for applicants who can meet the physical demands of the job with a positive and upbeat attitude. Remaining cheerful and positive through the interview is important.
It is important to have reliable transportation, flexible scheduling, and the ability to work in a team environment.
The minimum age to work at SONIC is 16 years old.
The application process at SONIC begins with an online application, which includes several sections:
- Personal information
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Schedule availability
- Three references (not family)
- Educational background
- Employment history
- Applicant statement
The application and interview process takes less than one week.
An applicant begins by submitting information to a local restaurant.
After a review of the application, the hiring manager will call in any applicant the company may be interested in hiring.
There will be a one-on-one interview with a general manager lasting from 20 to 30 minutes.
An applicant may have an employment assessment testing basic math ability.
This is done to ensure applicants know how to give correct change on the job.
Entry-level positions include:
- Cook
- Food preparation
- Carhop
- Server
- Crew member
- Crew leader
Interview questions typically relate to the work environment, motivation for employment, and expectations of the job in addition to personal interests and a career goals.
Typical questions may include:
- How would you respond to an unhappy customer or employee giving you a hard time?
- Are you able to work on your feet for a long period of time?
- What days are you available to work?
- Why do you want a job at SONIC?
Physical abilities are important in getting a job at SONIC.
The interviewer may ask questions regarding the intended length of employment because of the high turnover rate in fast food jobs.
SONIC Background Check
Working in the food industry is a common area for felons to find employment.
SONIC often does hire felons.
During the application process, SONIC will ask for permission to perform a pre-employment criminal background check.
SONIC conducts background checks on anyone who may receive a job offer, looking for any felony conviction.
The company also may conduct a drug test later in the hiring process.
SONIC considers all job-related aspects of each candidate’s background and experience.
There are no specific policies in place related to candidates with a criminal or felony conviction.
A routine background check at SONIC takes approximately one week.
It is important for any felon applying at SONIC to:
- Know his or her criminal history
- Answer all questions
- Be honest
- Focus on the positive
All questions on the application regarding criminal history must be answered truthfully.
If a job is offered, an applicant will be asked consent to a background check, so not being honest will immediately disqualify him or her.
A background check is run for SONIC to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at SONIC by having his or her record expunged.
Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
Doing a background check on him or herself before applying at SONIC will allow a felon to know exactly what will be discovered when the company does their review.
A felon with any questions can contact an attorney.
It is essential to take action and not risk a chance on the results.
There are different kinds of personal background checks that a felon can run:
- From the court in which he or she was charged
- A credit report will help determine how financially responsible an individual is
- Driving records for any job involving driving, such as a truck driver
- An educational report through the National Student Clearing House
For someone wanting to do a background check on themselves, there are places that can help.
Tips for Getting a Job at SONIC
It is important to arrive on time for an interview, be open, and honest.
A few specific tips for getting hired at SONIC include:
- Be flexible in working different hours
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Maintain eye contact
- Speak clearly
- Be polite and respectful
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm for the job
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at SONIC.
Remember that most SONIC restaurants are franchises in which the manager determines the hiring policy.
Don’t hide the fact that you may have a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about that conviction without being emotional.
It is never a good idea to lie about one’s past on an application.
This could result in not being considered for a job if SONIC finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify you for the job and focus on highlighting them during the interview.
Take responsibility for past actions and explain how you’re putting your life in order.
Doing your own background check allows you as a felon to know what an employer will see on your record.
Remember that you are not defined by your crime.
Be willing to see yourself in a different light and to establish an honest life.
The best opportunity for success in a new life begins with having support from family and friends.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether or not SONIC runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had SONIC run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
