There are limited opportunities for felons trying to build their life after release. A lot has changed in the recent years with government initiatives and corporate stepping up to provide opportunities to felons but on the ground, it is still tough to get a job for a person with felony on their record.
If you have a valid driving license and are interested in working at a driving job then Sysco can be your next employer. But do they hire people with criminal records? Let’s check that out.
Does Sysco hire felons?
Yes, Sysco hires felons on a case-by-case basis.
It will depend on the nature of the offense and the job position but in general they are open to hiring felons. They also run a background check prior to an offer of employment.
There are multiple factors that can impact the hiring decision. Sysco and a lot of other companies look at the nature of the offense for which the person has served time.
If the person was convicted for violent crimes like assault, burglary, arson or for sexual crimes then they will most likely not get hired. Also, the time duration since the felony occurred plays an important part.
A person who has maintained a clean record since the release has a better chance of getting the job. Also, if you have some work experience after your release then it makes you a strong candidate.
One time offenders have a better chance of getting the job compared to repeat offenders. People with DUI or DWI will most likely find it difficult to get hired unless their records are very old.
Does Sysco run background checks?
Background checks are conducted by Sysco as a part of their standard hiring process. It’s important for you to be honest about your criminal records if asked during the application or interview process.
Sysco is generally a felon friendly company and you have better odds of getting a job by being honest.
Background checks can go back upto 7 years but depending on the state that you have applied in, it can go back further also. Some states even include non-guilty verdicts in background check reports.
So what information will come out in background check reports is uncertain. So the best practice is to disclose all your records and have a discussion with your hiring manager.
In some states, you can get your records expunged or sealed after a period of 8 to 10 years. Not all records can be expunged but most non-violent records can be expunged. Expungement criteria is set by the state laws and many vary across states.
You can consult a lawyer to see if this is an option for you. Records that are expunged do not show up in background checks and can improve your chances of getting employed.
Does Sysco run drug tests?
Drug tests are a part of the hiring process at Sysco. They ask employees to submit a urine sample at a designated testing facility for a 10 panel drug test. Drug tests cannot be retaken and the results are final.
If you are on any medication then it is better to disclose it during the interview process to avoid unwanted complications.
How to get hired at Sysco with a felony record?
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home.
Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the food service and hospitality industries. With more than 57,000 associates, the company operates more than 326 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 625,000 customer locations.
Sysco provides employees a lot of benefits like medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, paid leaves and discounts from merchants on electronics, apparel, travel and food.
Some of the felon friendly roles at Sysco are in driving/transportation, maintenance and warehouse management.
You can visit their careers page and browse through open job vacancies in your location. You can directly apply from the portal by filling in personal details. If your profile is shortlisted then you will be called for a face to face interview.
There can be multiple rounds of interviews. In general, the hiring process at Sysco is fast paced and they don’t make you wait too long.
Final Thoughts
Sysco is generally considered as a felon friendly company. If there are suitable job openings that match your skill set then you should definitely apply. They also provide good benefits and comparable pay.