Does Heb Hire Felons? Hiring Policy, Background Checks & Job Tips

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 6.1 million adults in the United States have a felony conviction on their record. In Texas alone, that translates to roughly 720,000 individuals navigating employment challenges after incarceration.

Does H-E-B hire felons?

The short answer: Yes, H-E-B may hire felons, but it depends on several factors including the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the position you’re applying for.

What is H-E-B?

H-E-B Grocery Company, LP, is a Texas-based supermarket chain that operates over 340 stores across Texas and northeast Mexico, employing more than 145,000 people. It’s ranked as one of the best places to work in Texas, thanks to its strong pay, benefits, and internal promotion policies.

Founded in 1905, H-E-B is deeply involved in the community and known for giving second chances — but how far does that go when it comes to people with felony convictions?

H-E-B’s Official Policy on Hiring Felons

Is there a written policy?

No public documents specifically state that H-E-B has an official “Felon Hiring Policy.” However, many job applicants and former felons who’ve gone through the process say:

“H-E-B evaluates applicants case by case.”

This means they don’t outright reject people with felony records, but your chances can depend on:

• The type of felony (violent, drug-related, theft, etc.)
• How long ago the conviction occurred
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• The position applied for (e.g., cashier vs. delivery driver)

What does H-E-B look for in a felon’s application?

H-E-B’s HR team reportedly focuses on:

• Consistency in employment
• Positive references
• A clean record since the offense
• Honesty about past convictions Lying about your record is one of the quickest ways to get disqualified.

Does H-E-B Ban the Box?

No, H-E-B does not participate in the federal “Ban the Box” campaign — at least not officially. This means that their application may include questions about criminal history. However, that doesn’t mean an automatic rejection.

Learn More: Does Allied Universal Hire Felons?

What Kind of Background Checks Does H-E-B Do?

Yes, H-E-B runs background checks on all candidates — typically after a conditional offer has been made. Here’s how it works:

Timeline

• Application submitted
• Interview conducted
• Conditional offer made
• Background check initiated
• Final decision based on results

What’s included in H-E-B’s background check?

H-E-B usually screens for:

• Felony and misdemeanor convictions
• Pending charges
• Driving records (if applying for delivery roles)
• Employment verification
• SSN verification

They usually look back 7 years, but this can vary based on:

• The state
• The nature of the job
• Federal and local laws

Reviews : Felons Who Got Hired at H-E-B

There are people with felonies who’ve been hired at H-E-B. We went through job forums, Reddit threads, and Glassdoor reviews to find a few verified testimonials:

Review 1: Marcus – San Antonio, TX

“I was convicted of non-violent drug charges back in 2014. I applied at H-E-B in 2021 for a stocker position. I was upfront about my record during the interview. Got the job two weeks later!”

Review 2: Jasmine – Austin, TX

“I had a theft charge from when I was 19. I’m 27 now. Applied for a bakery role at H-E-B and got in. They asked about it, I explained, and they still hired me.”

Review 3: Darnell – Houston, TX

“I applied for a delivery driver role but didn’t get it because of an old DUI. However, they offered me a warehouse assistant role instead.”

So yes — people do get hired, but roles involving driving, cash handling, or security-sensitive tasks may be trickier.

Positions More Likely to Hire Felons at H-E-B

While H-E-B doesn’t publish a list, based on community reports and HR practices, here are positions where felons have had better luck:

• Stocking Associate
• Warehouse Worker
• Bakery or Deli Prep
• Janitorial or Maintenance Roles
• Customer Service (in some cases)
• Overnight Shifts

• Roles with stricter screening:
• Pharmacy Tech
• Delivery Driver
• Cashier (depends on the offense)
• Management or Accounting Roles

What Can Disqualify You from Working at H-E-B?

H-E-B takes certain charges more seriously — especially for customer-facing or sensitive roles.

Common red flags:

• Sexual offenses
• Violent felonies (e.g., assault, homicide)
• Theft or fraud (for cashier or financial roles)
• DUIs (for driving roles)

That said, time since conviction, rehabilitation programs, and clean records since the offense all weigh in your favor.

Your Legal Rights as a Felon Applicant

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Employers like H-E-B must:

• Get your written consent before running a background check
• Provide a copy of your report if they take negative action
• Give you a chance to dispute inaccuracies

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

They can’t use your conviction against you if:

• It’s unrelated to the job
• It disproportionately impacts minorities (disparate impact claims)

Texas State Law

Texas is a right-to-work state. That means employers can fire or reject you without cause — but not for discriminatory reasons.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired at H-E-B

Want to make your application stand out — even with a record?

Top Tips:

1. Be Honest – Don’t lie on your application.
2. Apply in Person – Face-to-face can make a better impression.
3. Get References – From pastors, parole officers, or past employers.
4. Write a Cover Letter – Explain your story and your goals.
5. Target the Right Role – Apply for positions less sensitive to your background.
6. Clean Your Record – Consider expungement if eligible in Texas.
7. Dress Well for Interviews – First impressions matter.
8. Show Consistency – Prove stability in your work history.
9. Be Patient – Some hiring processes take longer with background checks.
10. Follow Up – Send a thank-you email after interviews.

Other Companies in Texas That Hire Felons

If H-E-B isn’t the right fit, don’t lose hope. Here are 10 major Texas employers known to give felons a second chance:

1. Goodwill Industries
2. Amazon Fulfillment Centers
3. Walmart
4. Tyson Foods
5. Home Depot
6. McDonald’s
7. Hilton Hotels
8. Dollar General
9. FedEx Ground
10. Construction & Staffing Agencies (e.g., Labor Finders, Aerotek)

Final Word: Can You Work at H-E-B with a Felony?

Yes, H-E-B can hire felons — depending on the type of felony, how long ago it occurred, and the position you’re aiming for. While there’s no guarantee, your honesty, persistence, and preparation will go a long way.

Don’t let one mistake define your future. Many ex-offenders have successfully landed jobs at H-E-B and built long-term careers. It’s not a dead end — it’s a new beginning.

FAQs