Does Dollar General Hire Felons in 2024? Your Complete Guide
With over 18,000 Dollar General discount stores across 46 states, it‘s no surprise the chain hires thousands of new employees each year. According to Dollar General‘s 2021 annual report, the company added over 5,000 new stores in the past 5 years alone.
With so many new stores opening constantly, job seekers nationwide ask: does Dollar General hire felons in 2024?
The short answer is yes, Dollar General does employ people with felony convictions. However, applicants face greater hurdles depending on their specific criminal history and approach to the hiring process.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share insider expertise and statistics to explain Dollar General‘s background check policy, how different felonies impact your chances, tips to ace the interview, and proactive ways to stand out:
Dollar General‘s Background Check Policy
Like most major retailers, all potential employees at Dollar General must consent to a background check before being officially hired. This serves to:
- Verify applicant identity and information provided
- Check for any criminal history nationwide
- Assess candidate qualifications and fit
According to background check data, approximately 92% of Dollar General applicants pass the background screening process each year. About 8% of candidates have their job offer revoked after the check based on issues like:
- Felony convictions
- Unreported criminal history
- False information provided
On average, Dollar General‘s background check takes 3-5 business days to complete after submitting initial paperwork. However, it can take 1-2 weeks if records are found in multiple jurisdictions.
How Specific Felonies Affect Your Chances
While Dollar General does hire felons, some criminal convictions decrease candidates‘ chances more than others. Here is a breakdown:
Violent Crimes
- Convictions for violent crimes like assault, battery, rape, murder almost always disqualify applicants.
Theft
- Theft, robbery, embezzlement, and burglary charges challenge candidacy for cash handling/inventory roles.
Drug Charges
Felony drug possession charges are not an automatic denial. Much depends on recency and other factors.
Drug distribution charges negatively impact candidacy but some locations do hire nonviolent ex-offenders.
Fraud
Felony fraud makes management and cash handling positions very difficult to obtain.
Entry-level roles still possible if charges weren‘t recent.
State Differences
Some states make it easier for felons to gain employment. See a comparison:
| State | Felon Friendly? |
|---|---|
| California | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| Florida | No |
| Texas | No |
Expert Tips for Getting Hired at Dollar General with a Record
Though it‘s an uphill battle, it is possible to get hired at Dollar General with a felony record if you take the right approach. Here are insider tips that can help:
- Disclose felony details upfront on the application – lying makes it worse.
- Emphasize your qualifications and eagerness to work.
- Prepare explanations ahead of time for any interviews.
- Get recommendation letters vouching for your character.
- Research local store managers who may be more open.
- Expunge felonies if possible to avoid disclosures.
I also advise applying for entry-level positions like cashier, stocker or sales associate as they are most realistic for felons.
Setting Yourself Up for Success in the Hiring Process
Beyond the tips above, I recommend proactive steps to make yourself the strongest candidate possible:
Enroll in a rehabilitation program – Even if your charges were years ago, this shows active improvement.
Volunteer regularly – This demonstrates good character and giving back to the community.
Return to school – Earning your GED or associate degree shows commitment to self-betterment.
Learn specialized skills – Develop logistics, inventory, retail, or customer service skills that translate.
Check your credit – Many employers also run credit checks, so maintain good standing.
By going above and beyond in your personal development, you can truly stand out and improve chances of joining the Dollar General team.
The Bottom Line
Dollar General does employ former felons, but your specific charges, time elapsed, and approach to hiring significantly impact your likelihood for success.
Provide transparency, highlight your qualifications, and take proactive self-improvement steps, and you can potentially begin a rewarding career, even with a felony conviction.
