Whether you have an interest in working in field jobs like driving and maintenance or office jobs like brand marketing, sales, or IT, there might be a job vacancy that matches your skills at Republic Services. But do they hire felons? Let’s find out.
Does Republic Services hire Felons?
Yes. Republic Services hires felons for certain job roles like driving and maintenance. It depends on the type of record and the nature of the role. Not all felons may get hired for all job positions.
Republic Services has not posted any official policy for hiring people with criminal backgrounds. They are not a part of the Ban-the-Box campaign or the Fair Chance Business Pledge.
Companies associated with these initiatives do not ask questions related to criminal history in their initial application form to ensure a fair chance to felons.
However, it is not necessary to be a part of these initiatives to hire felons. Feedback from ex-employers on various public forums says that Republic Services has hired felons in the past.
There are certain factors that can play an important role in the hiring decisions when it comes to employing felons. The nature or seriousness of the crime is the most important factor.
Felons convicted of serious or violent crimes are less likely to get hired. Most employers look at records that are up to 7 years old. If your records are older than 8-10 years, then it should not create any hurdles in your hiring process.
However, this is not a general rule and not all companies have the same process.
Does Republic Services run background checks?
Yes, pre-employment screening is required for all employees. Background checks include identity verification, criminal history, past employment, and education records.
If you are applying for a driving job, driving records will also be checked. Any additional document like a Commercial Driving License (CDL) will also be verified.
The employer is required by law to take consent from the applicant before running a background check. Applicants are asked to sign a consent form during the personal interview.
Refusing to provide consent can be a good enough cause to reject the application. Also, refusing a background check will raise suspicion that you are trying to hide something.
Depending on the state in which you are applying for the job, background check results can vary. Some states include non-guilty verdicts and all arrest records.
So it is uncertain what information will show up in your background check report. You can run a background check on yourself to know for sure what needs to be disclosed.
Does Republic Services conduct drug tests?
Yes, a drug test is requested upon hire. In addition, throughout the year mandatory drug tests can be requested. Usually, the drug test is done using a urine sample or hair follicle test at a designated testing center.
How to get hired at Republic Services with a felony?
Republic Services is an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste. Through our subsidiaries, Republic’s collection companies, recycling centers, transfer stations, and landfills focus on providing effective solutions to make proper waste disposal effortless for 14 million customers.
They have more than 33,000 employees working across the U.S. They provide benefits like comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans, and vision coverage, health care and dependent care spending accounts, short and long-term disability and life insurance, employee discount programs, and more.
You can start by filling an application form along with an updated resume on their careers page. If selected, you will be called for a personal interview. Interview questions are based on the role and the required skills.
For example, a technician may be asked about the functioning of an air brake. The entire interview process can take up to 2-3 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Republic Services hires felons mostly for driving jobs only. But if your records are minor and you have the skills that are required for any other role you should apply and try your luck. Felons have limited opportunities.
So, it is important to apply for as many jobs as possible. Even if you don’t get selected at a few, it gives you valuable interview experience that surely helps in the next one.