Does In-N-Out hire Felons?

If you have some experience working in the food industry or if you are a people person who enjoys working around customers then In-N-Out Burger can be your next workplace. But do they hire felons? Let’s find out

Does In-N-Out hire Felons?

Yes. In-N-Out hires felons for certain job roles. The hiring of felons is done on a case-by-case basis and there is no specific policy. 

In-N-Out Burger is not a franchise-run business but still, the hiring decisions are made by respective store managers. In-N-Out Burger does not have a common hiring policy for felons.

They do not have any special training programs for felons and are not a part of the Ban-the-Box campaign or the Fair Chance Business Pledge.

However, there have been instances in the past where they have hired felons for certain roles. So we can say that they do provide second chances to felons.

Usually, felons with minor offenses on their record have better chances of getting hired compared to those with serious and violent crimes on their record.

Also, records older than 7-8 years have a much lower impact on the hiring decisions. Felons who have work experience in the food or hospitality industry before and after the conviction might be preferred.

Does In-N-Out Burger run background checks?

Yes. In-N-Out Burger conducts background checks on all its new employees during the pre-employment process. Background checks can take up to 2 weeks to complete.

Usually, background checks include information on criminal records, driving records, and credit history.

But what information is used by In-N-Out Burger is uncertain. Most people have reported that the background check at In-N-Out Burger is lenient.

Hiring felons is a tricky situation for employers. Not conducting necessary checks can be considered negligence as the employer is responsible for the safety and well-being of other employees and customers.

On the other hand, rejecting applications on the basis of criminal records may be considered discrimination.

So employers usually don’t have a blanket ban on hiring felons but they conduct background checks to ensure that they maintain safety.

Does In-N-Out Burger conduct drug tests?

In-N-Out Burger does not drug test as a part of their hiring process. But they can ask an employee to appear for one if they have reasonable doubt.

How to get hired at In-N-Out Burger with a felony?

In-N-Out Burger is a leading drive-through fast-food restaurant chain that has over 330 outlets across 6 states in the U.S.

Unlike most fast-food chains, it is not a franchise-run business model. Each In-N-Out Burger outlet is owned by the company. They have both part-time and full-time positions available.

Employees get benefits like health/medical/vision insurance, free meals, discount coupons, company-sponsored events, and paid vacations.

Some of the job roles available at In-N-Out Burger are

Store Associate – The restaurant Associate position is what In-N-Out is all about; giving the customers the freshest, highest quality foods and providing them with friendly service in a sparkling clean environment. At In-N-Out, our work environment is fast-paced, fun, and team-oriented.

Each Associate is given an opportunity to advance within the In-N-Out Burger Levels of Development progressing from preparing produce and taking orders, to ensuring the quality of our fries and assembling our fresh, made-to-order burgers, to finally overseeing operations as a member of our management team.

Cleanup Associate – As a Clean-Up Associate you will enjoy the same benefits as any Store Associate with the important responsibility of maintaining our sparkling clean environment, preparing the store to open.

The Clean-Up Associate is also responsible for providing the final quality control check and must guarantee that the store environment presents a spotless image according to our high In-N-Out Burger standards.

A sample of these duties includes scrubbing the floors, cleaning the fryers, maintaining the patio and parking lot areas, washing the windows, and polishing the tile. Work shifts typically begin early (5:00 am or earlier) and are generally completed by mid-day. A great position for morning types or those who need afternoons off.

You can visit their restaurant jobs page on the website and view open job positions at your location. If you find any open position that matches your skills, you can fill in an online application and submit your resume.

Once submitted, your application will be kept active for 60 days. During this time, the management team will have access to review your application and may contact you to set up an interview.

At the end of the 60-day period, you may submit another application should you wish to continue to be considered for another position.

You may be contacted directly by phone or email to set up an interview if the management team finds that your qualifications could be suited for the position.

In the meantime, you are welcome to follow up on your application in person, by visiting the store you applied at and asking a member of management about the store’s specific hiring needs. 

Since they are in the people-centric business, smile and eye contact are very important. If called for an interview, make sure you appear pleasant and have a smile. Dress up and have a neat hairstyle. Appear hygienic.

If you have visible tattoos then wear clothes that cover them. Answer each question politely and be respectful towards the interviewer.