After returning from prison, the biggest challenge felons have is finding jobs for felons.
In looking for work, a felon who has experience in retail may want to apply at Costco.
This blog post will cover whether or not Costco runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- Costco Application
- Costco Background Check
- Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
- Tips for Getting a Job at Costco
Contents
What Is Included in a Costco Background Check?
Employers like Costco 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 question is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem when applying at Costco even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer may view:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like Costco 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.
Costco Application
Costco is a retail company founded in 1976 as the Price Club that operates in various parts of the world.
Costco is a membership warehouse club that provides name brand and generic merchandise.
Costco has more than 71,000,000 members with more than 600 locations in the U.S.
All applicants at Costco must consent to a background and a credit check.
Many of the positions available at Costco involve handling money, which may restrict a felon’s opportunity to be hired there.
The credit check is done to determine an applicant’s history of handling finances.
It is recommended to complete the application online rather than submitting a paper application.
The minimum age to work at Costco is 18 years old.
The first section of the Costco application asks for personal information.
Then, there are questions regarding whether an applicant will submit to:
- Criminal background check
- Employer reference check
- Credit check
Also asked is whether or not he or she can legally work in the U.S. along with a question regarding availability.
An applicant must also provide information regarding:
- Work history
- Specific job skills
- Educational background
- References
Available entry positions at Costco include:
- Cashier
- Cashier assistant
- Customer service representative
- Membership assistant
- Produce stocker
- Baker
- Cake decorator
Interview questions at Costco include:
- How would you help an upset customer?
- Can you work as part of a team?
- What do you consider good customer service?
- How did you prepare for the interview process?
- Describe a time when you had a disagreement with a supervisor and how you handled it.
- What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
- What makes you interested in a job at Costco?
The interview process at Costco takes approximately two or three weeks, including the background and credit check.
The hiring process typically begins with a phone call to schedule a face-to-face job interview.
This interview may include a question-and-answer session with a store manager and typically takes place with a combination of supervisors and managers.
A group interview may be in the first stage of the hiring process period. After this, any interview will be in a one-to-one setting.
An entry-level applicant should wear business casual clothing.
It will help to demonstrate enthusiasm to work as part of a team in a retail store.
An applicant should display a positive outlook and demonstrate competence.
Costco highly values honesty and trustworthiness.
Costco Background Check
Yes, Costco actually runs a background check on anyone being considered for a position.
Costco hires felons based on certain factors, including:
- Time since release
- Type of felony conviction
- Manager’s personal views
- Number of other applicants
If you are dishonest regarding a criminal history, you will be denied employment for a current application and for any future positions.
Each felon applicant will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
When applying for a job at Costco, it is important to be honest and open about a criminal background and felony convictions.
A background check is run for Costco to protect itself, its employees, and its customers.
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at Costco 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 Costco will allow a felon to know exactly what will be discovered when Costco 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 Clearinghouse
For someone wanting to do a background check on themselves, there are places that can help.
Tips for Getting a Job at Costco
A few tips at getting hired at Costco include:
- Be flexible your availability
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Arrive early for an interview
- Dress appropriately
- Be polite and respectful
- Use a firm handshake
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at Costco.
Don’t hide the fact that you 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 Costco finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify you for the job; focus on highlighting them during the interview.
Take responsibility for past actions and explain how he or she is putting life in order.
Doing his or her own background check allows a felon to know what an employer will see on his or her record.
A felon needs to remember that he or she is not defined by his or her crime.
The best opportunity for success in a new life begins with having support from family and friends.
After all, felons do make good employees.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether Costco runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Costco run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
