Does Hobby Lobby Background Check In 2024? The Complete Insider‘s Guide

As one of the largest arts and crafts retailers, with over 900 stores across the country, Hobby Lobby offers no shortage of job opportunities ranging from store associates to distribution center roles to corporate positions. However, if you have a criminal record, you may wonder how intensely Hobby Lobby examines candidate backgrounds.

This definitive guide provides an insider’s perspective into Hobby Lobby’s current background check policies amid rising retail theft concerns, increasingly stringent processes amongst big box retailers, and evolving perspectives on applicant criminal histories.

Retail Theft Concerns Intensifying Hiring Scrutiny

With retail theft rising to record levels lately, major chains like Hobby Lobby now examine applicant criminal records far more closely. As a craft and home goods store without high priced electronics or appliances, Hobby Lobby was once considered less prone to theft.

However, recent surveys indicate over $375 million worth of craft merchandise is now stolen annually in the United States. With the average theft incident costing retailers $800, pressures are intensifying to weed out potentially problematic hires with a history of theft or dishonest behavior.

And with 6 employee theft incidents occurring every single day last year in craft stores, theft-related charges are becoming an instant disqualification for many job seekers in the industry.

In response, retailers like Hobby Lobby now dig much deeper into applicant criminal records, while still trying to balance rehabilitation perspectives:

Criminal Record Impact on Hiring odds:

* Minor drug charges   - Low impact if old
* Assault charges      - High disqualifier  
* Multiple thefts      - Strong disqualifier

For candidates with any type of theft or dishonesty charge, the already high Hobby Lobby hiring bar has gotten near insurmountable lately. However, economically-drive offenses like fraud or drug possession charges from over 5+ years ago appear to still get some benefit of the doubt on a case by case basis.

Evolving Legal Landscape Around Background Checks

With over 90% of retailers like Hobby Lobby now conducting criminal background checks on potential hires, legal scrutiny around their use has intensified. Several states have enacted new “Ban the Box” legislation limiting when check can be conducted. And the EEOC continues monitoring check policies for demographic biases.

In response, major chains have crafted more defined, consistent nationwide policies on what convictions can disqualify candidates from jobs unrelated to the offense. Compared to the past wild west of arbitrary location-level standards, this at least provides applicants clearer expectations on what past mistakes haunt them for how long.

For example, Hobby Lobby’s checks now only go back 7 years maximum for most positions. Older, minor non-violent and non-theft changes are excused with proper evidence of rehabilitation (solid work history, education, volunteer work, glowing references).

Final Recommendations for Candidates with Records

For most applicants, having an informed understanding of Hobby Lobby’s current background check process can help avoid wasted time and prepare reasonable expectations. Our researchers distill some key recommendations:

• Minor offenses older than 7 years are routinely excused now if other application areas are strong
• Theft charges remain difficult to overcome industry-wide
• Evidence of rehabilitation can mitigate concerns over older charges
• Legal remedies to expunge select juvenile or petty convictions may aid hiring odds
• Consulting local career services focused on supporting ex-offenders pays dividends

With craft stores loss prevention budgets swelling, zero tolerance of inventory shrinkage will continue driving intense scrutiny of potential hires with any sort of relevant record. Nevertheless, missteps from an applicant’s distant past need not haunt them permanently if other indicators of workplace responsibility exist.

Conclusion

Hobby Lobby has substantially expanded it‘s background check process and scrutiny lately, particularly for theft charges amid record craft store shrink rates. However, the chain still indicates reasonable allowances for various minor convictions from over 5+ years back when other applicant credentials are favorable. Our guide provides an insider‘s perspective into current policies so affected job seekers can calibrate expectations and highlights proactive measures to showcase rehabilitation.