Does Grubhub Hire Felons in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
Wondering if you can work for Grubhub with a felony record? With over 300,000 drivers, Grubhub relies heavily on background checks to screen applicants. But could they still be an option for felons seeking flexible income? We did the research so you know what to expect.
It‘s Unlikely, But Not Impossible
Out of the nearly 2.3 million felons released from prison yearly, studies show 60-75% remain unemployed a year after release. The odds seem daunting.
However, for those committed to turning their lives around, gig jobs like Grubhub delivery could provide much-needed income without the barriers of extensive interviews and rigid corporate policies.
That said, Grubhub does state that having a “criminal conviction will not necessarily bar you from driving with Grubhub.” So while it’s difficult, getting approved with a record is still possible in some situations (more details below).
Here’s Why It’s Harder for Felons to Get Approved Now
In the past, Grubhub reviewed applications manually, allowing room for explanation from applicants with records. But not anymore.
Grubhub now uses Checkr – an automated background check platform that uses AI, machine learning, and defined rules to instantly approve or deny applicants.
- Over 75% of gig economy companies rely on Checkr, screening over 50 million Americans yearly.
- Any application flags – say felony convictions – get labeled “consider” but often no human review.
- With over 10,000 new driver applications daily, manual reviews are time-intensive.
The verdict? The shift to automation has slashed approval rates for felons. According to Checkr’s 2021 Background Check Benchmark Report, roughly 1 in 3 candidates get automatically filtered out.
For those who still manage to get approved, it‘s often due to older convictions no longer showing up or irrelevant offenses. According to screening expert James Ellis:“For food delivery, disqualifying convictions tend to be violence, theft, sexual offenses, and fraud” – not minor drug charges for example.
When Might Felons Still Get Approved?
While increasingly rare, there are still scenarios where applicants with records pass Grubhub’s background checks:
Older Convictions
- In CA and NY, checks only go back 7 years for criminal offenses.
- According to employee screening provider GoodHire, California candidates with convictions over 7 years old have just a 10% rejection rate.
Specific States
- States like Oregon, New Mexico limit background check usage for employment eligibility. Grubhub may bypass automatic record filtering there.
Strong Rehabilitation Evidence
- Having extensive work history, sheltered employment referrals, or character references indicating rehabilitation may help.
- But given Checkr‘s automation, unlikely a human reviewer even sees those aspects.
Delivery-Only Roles
- For roles with minimal customer interaction like delivery, Checkr sets wider filters than say caretaker roles.
- So offenses like petty theft or low-level drug charges may not lead to an instant reject decision.
While the opportunities are scarce, some flexible income is better than none if you have limited options.
Key Criminal & Motor Vehicle Deal Breakers
Grubhub primarily screens for criminal records and motor vehicle history. Checkr searches national databases for charges like:
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| Criminal Record | Motor Vehicle Report |
|---|---|
| – Violent offenses – Sexual crimes – Theft – Financial fraud – Recent drug charges – Active warrants | – Suspended or revoked licenses – Major traffic violations – Recent DUI/DWIs – At-fault accidents |
So in summary, applicants with records indicating dishonesty, violence, or severe negligence rarely get approved currently.
Final Thoughts
The key takeaway? With Grubhub’s automated background screening, felon approval rates are lower than ever. Still, for those with older, irrelevant, or situational convictions, applying may be worth a shot.
You likely won‘t receive special treatment or manual review. But if your record clears the rigid filtration criteria coded into Checkr’s algorithms, stable flexible income is possible.
Just know the stakes before applying so your application isn‘t flagged in vain. Rideshare industry alternatives like UberEats may have similar policies, but won‘t hurt to try them as well.
And if all else fails? Consider getting your record cleared or expunged before attempting delivery and transportation gigs.
