Felons face many difficulties finding a job. Many employers reject felons because of their past criminal records. So, it is important that you apply for jobs that are felon friendly.
If you have some experience working in food industry then you can consider working at Cracker Barrel. As a felon, you might be wondering whether they hire felons and do they run background checks.
In this article, we will cover the following questions
- Does Cracker Barrel run background check?
- What is included in a background check?
- How long does it take?
- Can you get your records expunged?
- What is the application process and tips to get hired?
Does Cracker Barrel run background check?
Yes. Like many other restaurant chains, Cracker Barrels also runs background checks on applicants. This is done to ensure the safety of customers as well as other employees.
The employer is responsible for providing a safe working environment for everyone so they make sure they hire the right people. Also, employees are representatives of the organization and their actions directly reflect on the image of the organization.
What is included in a background check?
Generally, a background check for employment includes the following details:
- Criminal Records
- Educational History
- Work Experience
- Credit Report
- Driving Records
A background check usually happens after the interview process. While filling the application form, you have to consent to a pre-employment background check.
If you have a felony record, it will most likely show up in your background check. However, having a felony record will not automatically disqualify you from getting hired.
Cracker Barrel has hired felons in the past. But, factors like type of the offense, the time since the conviction, and your relevant skills play an important role in the hiring process. People with certain felonies like violent crimes, drug offense and sexual offenses will mostly likely be denied employment.
How long does it take for a background check to come back?
Usually, it takes 2-3 days but sometimes it might take up to a week.
Can you get your records expunged?
Some states allow expungement of felony records after a certain period of time. Usually, you can get you records expunged after 7-10 years depending on the state laws.
In some states, for example California, criminal records do not appear in background check after 7-10 years while in some other states, like Arizona, the records show up no matter how long it has been since the conviction.
About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is a chain of combined restaurant with a Southern Country theme. Founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, it now employees more than 70,000 people and has over 660 locations.
What is the application process and tips to get hired?
The Cracker Barrel job application is a typical job application that you can find on their website. To begin the process, you need to create an account on their website and fill in personal details like
- Name
- Residential Address
- Contact Number
- Email Address
- Work Experience
- Education History
- Details about relevant skills
- Your Latest Resume
You can also login to this account to check the current status of your application.
The minimum age requirement to work at Cracker Barrel is 16 years.
Some of the Entry Level jobs at Cracker Barrel are
- Cook
- Dishwasher / Busser
- Sales
- Host / Hostess
- Server
- Cashier
- Customer Service
After the online application process, you will be called for an interview. To increase your odds of getting hired, it’s important that you ace the interview. Here are some tips that you can follow while attending the interview –
Reach the venue on time. It shows that you are serious about this job. Showing up late creates an instant bad impression. Dress appropriately for the interview. Be polite, respectful and behave professionally.
Interview is a great opportunity for a felon to talk to the hiring manager in person. It’s a good idea to not hide your past and be open to talk about it. Explain your case and the circumstances. Highlight how you are a changed person now.
Put emphasis on the skills you have acquired that can help you at the job and add value to the organization. Mention any relevant work experience that you have or any volunteer work that you have been a part of.
Conclusion
Getting a job in a restaurant or a food chain is comparatively easier then getting into the corporate sector. If you have some skills handling finances, or if you have cooking experience or if you are just good at handling people then there are a lot of roles that you can find in the food industry.
In case you don’t get hired by popular restaurant chains, you can always try at local restaurants. Local business owners usually are more understanding and may overlook your past records. They are more willing to hire people from local communities.