If you have some experience working in retail stores and distribution centers then Five Below might have some job opportunities that might match your skills. If you are a people person and you like helping others then Five Below can be your next workplace. But do they hire felons? Let’s find out.
Does Five Below hire Felons?
Yes. Five Below hires felons for certain job roles like their stores and distribution centers. However, it depends on the type of charge, the seriousness of the offense, and the nature of the role.
Five Below is an equal opportunity employer. They do not discriminate among applicants on the basis of race, religion, caste, and other categories. We expect the same courtesy to be extended to felons as well. Five Below is not a part of the Ban the Box campaign or the Fair Chance Business Pledge.
Companies that support these initiatives do not ask questions related to criminal history in their initial job applications to avoid any bias or prejudices.
However, it is not necessary for a company to support these initiatives in order to hire people with a criminal history. Five Below has hired felons in the past.
Hiring people with a criminal history is a challenging task for an employer. Since the employer is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for other employees as well as for the customers, it is essential to hire the right people. Store jobs are customer-facing jobs.
Employees working in the stores are expected to be pleasant and welcoming. Their job is to help customers find the right product and sometimes deal with irate customers in a comforting and diplomatic manner. Someone who may lose their cool in such a situation will not be an ideal candidate for this position.
So felons with a violent past can be a risk and employers may not hire such applicants.
Similarly, felons who have been arrested for crimes such as shoplifting, theft, and trespassing that display dishonest behavior might also find it difficult to get hired for retail jobs.
Does Five Below run Background checks?
Yes. Five Below conducts background checks as a part of the standard hiring process. Typically, background checks include criminal history and previous employment and educational records.
If applying for a driving job a Department of Transport (DOT) check will also be required. A DOT check shows any accidents or alcohol/drug-related incidents that you have been a part of in the past seven years.
Depending on the stage in which you have applied for the job, background check reports may vary. Some states require background checks to include non-guilty verdicts as well as arrest records for offenses in which you were not convicted.
Most states include information for the past seven years but some states include all the available information. So it is uncertain what information can show up in the background check report.
It is advisable, to be honest about your criminal history when you get an opportunity to speak about it. Usually, hiring managers do ask about criminal records during a personal interview.
Being honest about your records gives you an opportunity to put forward your side of the story and explain the circumstances under which you were convicted.
While talking about your criminal background, always take a positive approach. Highlight any work experience or skills that you have acquired since you are release as it shows that you are willing to bring about a change in your life. Also, most companies appreciate honesty and you always have a better chance at getting the job by being honest.
Any information that you try to hide will most certainly come out during a background check and you will lose the opportunity to provide a reasonable explanation.
Does Five Below conduct drug tests?
Yes. Five below conducts drug tests as a part of their hiring process and it is mandatory to clear the drug test in order to get an employment offer. Additionally, if you are applying for a driving job, a DOT drug screen may be required.
How to get hired at Five Below with a felony?
Five Below is a rapidly growing specialty value retailer offering a broad range of trend-right, high-quality merchandise targeted at the teen and pre-teen customer.
Five Below’s dynamic assortment of merchandise includes everything from sporting goods, games, fashion accessories and jewelry, to hobbies and collectibles, bath and body, candy, snacks and beverages, room decor, stationery and school supplies, books, cell/tablet accessories, novelty and “gag” items, and seasonal items.
They have more than 1000 stores in 39 states, 5 warehouses, and corporate headquarters.
Some critical skills to have for working at Five Below stores
- Strong self-discipline and focus required.
- Must be very thorough and detail-oriented.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
- Highly organized and detailed
- Ability to adapt to a changing environment
If you wish to work at Five Below, you can start by visiting their careers page and search for a job that matches your skills. They have job opportunities at their stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices.
You can directly apply online for the job opening. If shortlisted, you will be called for a personal interview.
Final Thoughts
Retail jobs have flexible schedules and are often preferred by felons who want to complete their education or skill training along with the job. If you have been convicted for minor offenses and your records are older than 5-6 years, you have a good chance of getting hired if you match all the other skill and experience requirements.