Does Amazon Warehouses Hire Felons in 2024?

Amazon has seen explosive growth over the past decade, with global headcount expanding from 56,000 in 2011 to over 1.6 million employees today. This rapid expansion has led to hundreds of new fulfillment centers opening across North America.

In 2022 alone, Amazon opened over 250 new warehouses, creating more than 150,000 new full-time and part-time jobs. And the hiring spree continues into 2023.

Massive Warehouse Job Creation

Amazon recently announced plans to open 23 new fulfillment centers in 2024. According to investment firm Cowen, they are on track to hire another 150,000 warehouse workers this year.

To put Amazon‘s warehouse job creation into perspective, here are some key stats:

• More than 650,000 people in North America work in Amazon fulfillment centers
• New warehouses employ 2,000 to 3,000 workers each on average
• Amazon has created over 700,000 warehouse jobs in the U.S. since 2010
• Hourly fulfillment roles have grown at a 27% annual rate over the past 5 years

This exponential growth provides opportunities for many seeking employment, including those with criminal records.

Amazon‘s Background Check Policy

Amazon conducts pre-employment background screening on all job candidates, including those applying for warehouse associate roles.

According to their background check disclosure form, Amazon‘s checks include:

• Criminal history for the past 7 years
• Sex offender registry checks
• Global sanctions and enforcement lists
• Other public records

So if you have a felony conviction, it will likely appear on your background check report. However, that does not necessarily disqualify you from employment.

Felony Convictions and Eligibility

Not all felony convictions are judged equally when it comes to getting hired. The type of offense and when it occurred play a major role in eligibility.

Here is a comparison of different felony convictions and how they impact your chances of getting an Amazon warehouse job:

According to workplace policy experts, Amazon evaluates felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. They look at recency, severity, remorse shown and your overall readiness to work responsibly.

Tips for Felons Seeking Amazon Warehouse Jobs

If you have a felony record and want to get hired by Amazon, focus on presenting yourself as an excellent candidate beyond your past mistakes. Here are some top tips from HR professionals:

• Disclose convictions upfront – Don‘t try to hide your record as it will show up on the background check. Be transparent.

• Highlight personal growth – Emphasize how you‘ve turned your life around and are committed to making positive choices.

• Get strong references – Have managers and others vouch for your work ethic and character. This provides 3rd party validation.

• Pick the right roles – Apply for warehouse positions suited to your background. Avoid anything with driving, machinery operation, etc. if related past offenses exist.

• Interview well – Come prepared to address your background briefly while keeping focus on your qualifications and eagerness to work.

Hiring managers want to see felons moving forward responsibly. Demonstrate this, and you can show Amazon you deserve an opportunity.

The Outlook for Felon Hiring in 2024

With Amazon expanding fulfillment operations rapidly, qualified workers are in high demand. This creates real job possibilities for felons who apply smartly.

Carter Aberg, a veteran HR professional, predicts that "Amazon will continue opening their doors wider to candidates with criminal histories as long as they prove themselves to be ready to work hard and contribute positively."

So for motivated individuals, warehouse roles present realistic opportunities at Amazon. While your background presents challenges, the odds can work in your favor with preparation and perseverance.