Does Walmart Hire Felons?
If you have a criminal record, finding employment can feel discouraging. Many major retailers have strict hiring policies that screen out applicants with felony convictions.
Walmart, as one of the largest employers in the United States, is often the first place people ask about when seeking work after a felony.
The short answer is yes; Walmart does hire felons.
However, the company evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis rather than following a blanket ban. Your specific circumstances, the nature of the offense, and how much time has passed all matter in the hiring process.
Key Highlights
- Walmart considers felons for employment and does not automatically disqualify applicants based on a criminal record.
- The company conducts background checks and evaluates offenses individually, weighing factors like job relevance and time elapsed.
- Positions involving cash handling, pharmacy work, or direct customer service may face stricter scrutiny during the review process.
Walmart’s Official Hiring Policy on Criminal Records
Walmart does not have a written policy that permanently bars people with felony convictions from employment. This approach aligns with fair chance hiring practices that have gained traction across major corporations in recent years.
The company’s human resources team reviews criminal backgrounds as part of a broader assessment of the applicant.
Rather than using a simple yes-or-no decision tree, Walmart considers the nature of the crime, the sentence imposed, rehabilitation efforts, and the relationship between the offense and the position being applied for.
This case-by-case evaluation means that two people with similar criminal histories might receive different outcomes depending on the specific job role and location.
What Walmart Looks for During Background Checks
Type of Felony
Walmart is more likely to hire someone convicted of a non-violent felony than someone with a violent crime on their record. Offenses like drug possession, theft, or fraud will be examined more closely, especially for roles that involve handling money or merchandise.
Note
Violent crimes, sexual offenses, or crimes involving dishonesty may present more serious barriers, particularly for positions with customer-facing responsibilities.
Time Since Conviction
How long ago the offense occurred matters significantly. If you were convicted ten years ago and have maintained clean conduct since, Walmart is much more likely to overlook the conviction than if it happened within the last few years.
Note
The company looks for evidence of rehabilitation and stability in your work and personal life following the conviction.
Job Relevance
A theft conviction will receive closer scrutiny if you apply for a position in loss prevention or as a cashier. A drug-related conviction might be more problematic for pharmacy or health-related roles within Walmart stores.
Note
If your felony is unrelated to the position you are seeking, it becomes less of a concern during the hiring process.
Work History and References
Walmart will review your employment history since the conviction. Consistent employment, promotions, and positive references from previous employers demonstrate that you have moved forward productively.
Note
If you have held steady jobs and can provide strong references, this strengthens your application considerably.
Positions That May Be Harder to Obtain With a Felony
Certain roles at Walmart carry higher security and trust requirements, making a criminal record more of a barrier.
✦ Cashier and money handling roles due to access to cash and financial systems.
✦ Pharmacy positions because they involve controlled substances and private health information.
✦ Loss prevention and security roles that explicitly focus on reducing theft and crime.
✦ Management and supervisory positions that require background clearance and bonding.
✦ Positions in corporate offices or sensitive departments.
Stocking, cart collection, cleaning, and general warehouse roles typically have less stringent restrictions, making these entry points more accessible for candidates with criminal records.
How to Apply to Walmart With a Felony
Be Honest on Your Application
Walmart conducts thorough background checks. Lying about your criminal history is worse than disclosing it. If you omit a felony and the company discovers it later, you will be disqualified immediately and may be terminated if hired.
Be truthful in the criminal history section of the application, but do not overshare or make excuses at this stage.
Prepare an Explanation
If you reach the interview stage, be ready to discuss your conviction calmly and honestly. Explain what happened, take responsibility, and describe what you have learned and how you have changed since then.
Employers want to see accountability and growth, not defensiveness or victim mentality.
Highlight Rehabilitation Efforts
If you have completed programs, earned certifications, stayed employed, maintained family relationships, or volunteered since your conviction, mention these accomplishments. They demonstrate commitment to moving forward.
Target Entry-Level Positions
Start with roles that have fewer restrictions. Once you establish a clean work record at Walmart, you may have opportunities to advance to positions that carry more responsibility.
What You Should Know About Walmart Background Checks
Walmart uses third-party background check companies to verify criminal history. The process typically takes five to ten business days from the time you complete the application.
The company will pull records from your state of residence and potentially other states where you have lived. Federal databases are also checked for serious crimes.
You have the right to request a copy of your background check report if Walmart denies you employment based on it. You also have the opportunity to dispute inaccuracies or provide additional context.
Fair Chance Hiring and Ban the Box Initiatives
Walmart has made public commitments to fair chance hiring practices. The company has signed onto initiatives that delay criminal background inquiries until later in the hiring process, giving applicants a fair evaluation of their qualifications first.
This means Walmart may not ask about criminal history on the initial application in some locations. However, a background check is still required before employment begins.
Several states and cities have adopted “ban the box” laws that prohibit employers from asking about criminal history upfront. Walmart complies with these regulations in jurisdictions where they apply.
Success Stories and Real Outcomes
Many people with felony records have been hired by Walmart and have built successful careers with the company. Store associates, supervisors, and even managers have backgrounds that include criminal convictions.
The key factors in successful hires are typically the time elapsed since the conviction, the nature of the offense, and the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to stable employment and personal growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Lying on your application. This is the fastest way to be rejected or terminated. Background checks will catch it.
Assuming automatic rejection. Even serious felonies do not automatically disqualify you from working at Walmart. Each application is reviewed individually.
Being vague or evasive in interviews. Directly addressing your past shows honesty and maturity. Avoiding the topic or making excuses undermines credibility.
Applying for positions requiring high trust without adequate time elapsed. If your conviction is recent, focus on entry-level roles first and build a clean employment record.
Failing to prepare your narrative. Know what you want to say about your conviction before the interview. Practice explaining it in a way that demonstrates growth.
Other Resources and Support
Organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the National Institute of Justice provide information about fair hiring practices and the rights of formerly incarcerated individuals.
Local workforce development agencies and reentry programs can provide coaching on job applications, interview preparation, and employer outreach specific to your area.
Many states have programs designed to help people with criminal records find employment, including job training and employer incentives. Checking your state’s department of labor website can reveal resources available to you.
Can You Work Your Way Up at Walmart With a Felony?
Yes, career advancement is possible.
Many Walmart employees with criminal backgrounds have been promoted to supervisory and management roles after demonstrating reliability, strong performance, and positive conduct over time.
The longer you work without incident and the more you contribute to your team, the easier internal advancement becomes. Internal promotion often carries less scrutiny than the initial hiring process, especially if your record is already known to the company.
