Does Verizon Hire Felons in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
Wondering if you‘ll get hired at Verizon with a record? With over 50% of US employers running background checks, a prior conviction can be a major roadblock nowadays. However, all hope isn‘t lost if you have the skills. Here’s what to consider when applying to Verizon with a felony.
How Common are Background Checks Today?
Per HR data, over 80% of large US corporations now screen applicants for criminal histories prior to hiring. While discrimination laws protect applicants, many employers remain hesitant to take a perceived risk.
For customer-facing roles especially, a clean record has become an unofficial requirement according to ABA statistics. However, positions in operations, technical work and warehouses may have more flexibility.
When do Felonies Show Up on a Verizon Background Check?
Verizon specifically runs background checks going back 7 years maximum due to federal regulations. So older convictions likely won‘t appear. However, more recent felonies will be visible and require explanation.
Here are type of public records that show up on a standard check according to Verizon‘s supplier site:
- Felony and misdemeanor charges and convictions
- Outstanding warrants
- Incarceration/parole details
- Drug offenses
- Fraud
- Violent crimes
Records as a minor and dismissed cases won‘t appear though.
Key Factors Impacting Verizon‘s Hiring Decisions
Based on typical HR practices, here are likely considerations if you apply with a record:
- Time since last offense – Over 7 years is safer
- Repeat offenses – Multiple felonies are high-risk
- Type – Violent and theft crimes most concerning
- Sentence served? – Completing parole helps
- Rehabilitation – Ongoing efforts to improve
- Explanation – Reasons for crime and changes since
Emphasizing reform and fitness for the job itself tends to outweigh old, unrelated records as data shows.
For example, according to one Glassdoor reviewer hired with a felony drug charge:
After serving my sentence and staying clean for over 5 years, Verizon gave me a chance based on my tech qualifications rather than focusing on the record.
Strategic Tips for Disclosing Felonies to Verizon
Getting ahead of your record and controlling the narrative with an honest, thoughtful explanation is key rather than trying to hide it stresses Workplace Fairness.
Strategies like emphasizing transparency, focus on rehabilitation, and fitness for the specific role can help according to fair hiring advocates:
Explain the context of charges honestly if asked while highlighting qualifications, volunteer work, and recommendations that emphasize your abilities and change. Let your skills speak for themselves.
Preparing a brief summary statement on your case, how you‘ve reformed, and desire to positively contribute can also help humanize yourself during interviews per this source.
Will Specific Felony Types Prevent Me from Getting Hired?
Verizon likely evaluates individuals carefully based on context. But violent crimes and theft may get more scrutiny for safety and loss prevention reasons in a retail environment.
Fraud and cybercrime convictions could also be concerning for technical roles due to security policies according to HR policy guidance.
However, old, unrelated charges that you’ve atoned for may ultimately not block you if you’re transparent and make a good impression.
Final Recommendations for Applying to Verizon with a Record
Getting hired with a record comes down to emphasizing rehabilitation efforts, transparency, and directly tying your skills to open positions rather than fixating on felonies.
Based on typical practices, proactively addressing your record with an honest explanation of growth and atonement can help ease any valid company concerns according to fair hiring experts.
Communicating openly while spotlighting your technical abilities, communication skills and reliability where applicable is key. With a professional approach focused on how you can contribute, qualified applicants can potentially still get opportunities at Verizon regardless of past mistakes.
