Felony Friendly Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Best Industries in Grand Rapids for People With Records

• ✓Furniture & office manufacturing
• ✓Automotive supply chain
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Food processing
• ✓Logistics

Staffing Agencies in Grand Rapids That Work With People With Records

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

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

Michigan Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Grand Rapids

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 Grand Rapids

• Michigan Works! West Michigan
• Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids
• 70x7 Life Recovery
• Mel Trotter Ministries
• Grand Rapids Urban League

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids excels in manufacturing (furniture, automotive parts, food processing), warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), healthcare support, and construction. The city's manufacturing heritage means many well-paying factory jobs.

Does Grand Rapids have ban-the-box laws?

No. Michigan does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Grand Rapids does not have a local ordinance. However, the tight labor market encourages many employers to use individualized assessment.

What staffing agencies in Grand Rapids hire felons?

Staffing agencies in Grand Rapids include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Aerotek. Manufacturing temp-to-hire positions are very common.

What is the minimum wage in Grand Rapids?

Michigan's state minimum wage is $10.56 per hour. Manufacturing jobs in Grand Rapids typically start at $15-$20 per hour, and the cost of living is moderate.