A felon encounters many challenges after being released from prison, the biggest of which is finding a job.
In looking for work, a felon who has experience working in a retail office store might want to apply at Staples.
This blog post will cover whether or not Staples runs background checks.
- What is Included in a Background Check?
- Staples Application
- Staples Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at Staples
Contents
What is Included in a Background Check?
Companies, like Staples, review an applicant’s background to avoid hiring 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 even if they are committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer, like Staples, may view:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer to determine a candidate’s:
- Past mistakes
- Character
- Financial fitness
This allows an employer to identify hiring risks for security and safety issues within the company.
Staples Application
Staples is one of the largest office supply distributors and was founded in Boston in 1986.
Currently, there are more than 2,200 Staples stores in the world, with 1,600 of those in the U.S., employing approximately 80,000 people.
Staples values collaboration, dedication, and hard work with a major focus on customer service.
Emphasizing customer service experience will increase your chances of being hired there.
The hiring process includes an application, a one-on-one interview, and a question-related job profile.
An application at Staples can be submitted online or in a local store location.
The job application at Staples is long and typically takes about an hour to complete.
The application process will begin with creating an account on Staples’ website.
Required information to create an account includes:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- Email address
- Social Security Number
There will be a number of pre-employment questions focused on the particular job, including questions like:
- How much experience do you have with customer service?
- How confident are you in your ability to provide Staples customers with the highest level of customer service possible?
Availability and scheduling preferences will also be asked.
There will be a chance to upload a resume and include your education level along with two references, excluding family members.
Following this will be an assessment with questions to be answered, “True,” or, “False,” like:
- When you need to, do you take it easy at work?
- You don’t care what people think of you.
- You are a thrill seeker.
There are many different positions available at Staples, including:
- Cashier
- Copy and print center expert
- Customer service
- Technology associate
- Furniture associate
- Office supply associate
- Inventory associate
- Service desk associate
- Delivery driver
Staples Background Check
During the application process, Staples will request permission to perform a pre-employment background check.
Not consenting to the background check will terminate the application.
A background check is run at Staples to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
There is no stated company policy regarding hiring felons.
In cases like these, it may mean that being hired for a position with a criminal conviction may be difficult.
Nevertheless, a company such as Staples cannot simply refuse to hire someone because of a felony conviction.
This would constitute discrimination.
An applicant can be turned down if there is a position-related reason for doing so or if hiring someone would affect safety within the company.
A background check at Staples may vary from one location to another.
This is because states have somewhat different laws about how long ago a background check can investigate.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at Staples by having his or her record expunged.
Tips for Getting a Job at Staples
In addition to having his or her criminal record expunged, suggestions for a felon to increase his or her chances to be hired at Staples are:
- Being flexible and willing to work various hours
- Having reliable references
- Being ready to provide a current resume outlining job skills
- Being honest about all personal information and history
- Arriving early for an interview
- Dressing appropriately
- Being polite and respectful
- Speaking up clearly and showing enthusiasm
Don’t hide the fact that you have a felony conviction if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about the conviction without being emotional.
It is never a good idea to lie about your past on an application.
This could result in not being considered for a job if Staples 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.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether Staples runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Staples run a background check?
What was that like and were they successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
