Felony Friendly Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Best Industries in Chattanooga for People With Records

• ✓Manufacturing (Volkswagen)
• ✓Logistics & distribution
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Technology
• ✓Tourism

Staffing Agencies in Chattanooga That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Chattanooga metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.

• Express Employment Professionals
• Manpower
• Kelly Services
• Adecco
• Staffmark

Tennessee Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Chattanooga

1. 1.Start with staffing agencies. Temp agencies are often the fastest way to get working. They have relationships with employers who are willing to hire people with records, and a temp-to-hire position can become a permanent job.
2. 2.Apply to multiple places at once. Do not wait for one application to come back before applying to the next. Apply to 5-10 places in the same week. The more applications you send, the better your chances.
3. 3.Be honest about your record. If asked, be upfront. Lying about your criminal history is grounds for immediate termination if discovered later. Briefly acknowledge what happened, explain what you have learned, and focus on what you bring to the job.
4. 4.Focus on industries with high demand. Warehouse, logistics, construction, and food service jobs tend to be the most accessible for people with records because these industries have chronic worker shortages.
5. 5.Use local reentry programs. Organizations like Goodwill, workforce development centers, and reentry coalitions can connect you with employers who actively hire people with records. They often know about job openings before they are publicly posted.
6. 6.Know your rights. Under the EEOC guidelines, employers must use individualized assessment — they cannot have a blanket ban on hiring people with records. Under the FCRA, you have the right to see and dispute your background check. If you are in a ban-the-box state or city, employers cannot ask about your record until later in the hiring process.

Reentry Employment Programs in Chattanooga

• American Job Center — Chattanooga
• Goodwill Industries of Chattanooga
• Chattanooga Room in the Inn
• Hamilton County Reentry Coalition
• Cempa Community Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga offers opportunities in manufacturing (Volkswagen and its supply chain), warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), construction, food service, and retail. The automotive manufacturing ecosystem creates significant demand for production workers.

Does Chattanooga have ban-the-box laws?

No. Tennessee does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Chattanooga does not have a local ordinance.

What staffing agencies in Chattanooga hire felons?

Staffing agencies in Chattanooga include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark. Manufacturing and warehouse staffing are the most common placements.

What is the minimum wage in Chattanooga?

The minimum wage in Chattanooga is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Volkswagen and automotive manufacturing jobs start at $15-$20+ per hour.