Felon Friendly Jobs in Georgia | Second Chance
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics an estimated 6.1 million adults in the United States have a felony conviction on their record. In Georgia, this number translates to roughly 730,000 individuals.
After being convicted of a felony, felons face multiple challenges, but there are also many employment opportunities available that offer a second chance.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Georgia
Searching for “no background check jobs near me” and living in Georgia? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in the state. Residents of Valdosta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, or any other city in Georgia should apply for the positions mentioned below. Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to secure your position.
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to secure your position.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Background Check Limits in Georgia
Background checks are a common part of the hiring process, especially for individuals with a criminal record. It’s important to note that there is no hard and fast rule for background checks. The background check limits in Georgia vary depending on the type of check being conducted. Based on my personal experience and latest research, I mention the most important check limits in Georgia below.
Criminal Background Checks
Employers in Georgia can search criminal records without specific time restrictions. Typically, they look back seven years, but for sensitive positions, they may go further. While Georgia restricts the types of criminal records reported, it doesn’t limit the timeframe for these searches.
Civil Court Checks
Employers in Georgia typically search upper and lower civil court records going back seven years. For positions with salaries of $75,000 or more, the search may extend to the past 10 years.
Employment and Education Verification
Checks on employment and education history can go back indefinitely. However, if conducted through a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA), these checks may be limited to seven years.
MVR Checks
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks in Georgia can cover records going back three years (for positions regulated by the Department of Transportation), seven years, or the individual’s lifetime.
GCIC Records
The GCIC maintains criminal records, which employers can access for background checks. These records include felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests, and probation information.
Ban the Box
Public sector employers in Georgia must wait until after the initial interview or conditional offer to ask about criminal history.
States that do not allow any felony conviction check
Strict 7-year rule (regardless of income)
These states completely disallow reporting of convictions older than seven years
- California
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- New Mexico
- New York
- Washington
7-year rule with limitations (based on income)
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Places That Hire Felons in Georgia
There are various industries and companies that are known to be more open to hiring ex-offenders. Here are some key occupations and companies that hire felons in Georgia, which are ideal for job-seeking felons:
Staffing and Temp Agencies
- Adecco
- Express Employment Professionals
- Manpower
- Randstad
Retail and Customer Service
- The Home Depot
- Walmart
- Lowe’s
- Dollar Tree
Warehousing and Logistics
Manufacturing and Production
- Georgia-Pacific
- Coca-Cola
- Mohawk Industries
- Shaw Industries
Construction and Trades
- Tradesmen International
- Sunbelt Rentals
- Massey Services
- Georgia Power
Food Service
- McDonald’s
- Chick-fil-A
- Wendy’s
Hospitality
- Marriott International
- Hilton
- Hyatt
- InterContinental Hotels Group
Transportation
- Greyhound
- Penske
Healthcare Support
- Grady Health System
- Emory Healthcare
- Piedmont Healthcare
- WellStar Health System
Customer Service
- AT&T
- Verizon
- Comcast
- T-Mobile
Job Market of Georgia
Here are some facts about the job market in Georgia to give you an idea of its size. These insights can boost your confidence, showing that building a career as a felon is possible.
- Georgia had 263,000 job openings in March 2024, compared to 270,000 openings in February.
- The job openings rate in Georgia was 5.0 percent in March and 5.2 percent in the previous month.
- The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening in Georgia was 0.6 in March.
- Georgia had 189,000 hires and 156,000 separations in March, compared to 206,000 hires and 169,000 separations in February.
- Among the March separations in Georgia, 103,000 were quits and 40,000 were layoffs and discharges.
Resources for Felons in Georgia
Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS)
The DCS provides re-entry programs and resources for individuals on parole or probation. They offer job search assistance, resume writing workshops, and connections to potential employers.
Georgia Justice Project (GJP)
GJP advocates for fair chance hiring practices and offers legal aid, employment training, and re-entry support services.
Atlanta Center for Self-Sufficiency (ACSS)
ACSS provides comprehensive re-entry programs, including job training, financial literacy workshops, and mentorship to help individuals with criminal records secure employment.
Indeed
Search for “felony jobs” or “second chance jobs” in Georgia. Indeed allows you to filter your search by location and job type.
SimplyHired
Search for “felony friendly employers” in Georgia. SimplyHired connects job seekers with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records.
LifeChangers, Inc.
This organization offers a compilation of resources for felons seeking employment, including financial assistance programs and links to job boards.
Tips for Felons Seeking Employment in Georgia
Skills First: Create a resume that emphasizes your transferable skills and experience. Highlight your achievements and how your skills can benefit the company.
Certifications and Training: Include any programs or certifications you’ve completed during or after incarceration. These demonstrate your initiative and commitment to growth.
Transparency and Honesty:
- Upfront Disclosure: Be ready to discuss your conviction during the interview. Keep it brief and professional, focusing on the positive aspects:
- Explain what you’ve learned from the experience.
- Highlight steps you’ve taken towards rehabilitation.
- Show how you’ve become a better person ready to make a positive contribution.
Final Thoughts
Finding employment as a felon in Georgia can be challenging, but several resources and opportunities are available. By understanding the job market, industries open to felons, and programs and resources available, felons can increase their chances of finding employment and reintegrating into society.
FAQs
You can search for felon friendly jobs in Georgia on websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, and also check with local staffing agencies and job placement services. (Source: Georgia Department of Labor)
Yes, industries like warehousing, manufacturing, and food service are more likely to hire individuals with a criminal record.
Be honest about your criminal record, highlight your skills and qualifications, and be prepared to explain how you’ve grown from your experiences.
Yes, according to the Georgia department of labor it’s best to be upfront and honest about your criminal record to avoid any potential issues later on.
Yes, programs like the Georgia Department of Labor’s TOPPSTEP Program and the Atlanta Center for Self-Sufficiency offer resources and support for individuals with criminal records.
Individuals with criminal records have the right to fair consideration and cannot be discriminated against solely based on their criminal record.
Yes, some licenses and certifications may be affected by a felony conviction, but it’s not always a barrier.
Yes, organizations like the Georgia Justice Project and Hope for Prisoners offer success stories and resources for individuals with criminal records.
