Felony Friendly Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Best Industries in Knoxville for People With Records

• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Manufacturing
• ✓Logistics & distribution
• ✓Education (UT)
• ✓Energy (TVA)

Staffing Agencies in Knoxville That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Knoxville 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 Knoxville

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 Knoxville

• American Job Center — Knoxville
• Goodwill Industries — Knoxville
• Knox County Reentry Coalition
• Helen Ross McNabb Center
• Volunteer Ministry Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Knoxville?

Knoxville offers opportunities in warehouse and logistics (Amazon, UPS, FedEx), manufacturing, healthcare support, food service, construction, and retail (Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General). The I-40/I-75 corridor creates logistics demand.

Does Knoxville have ban-the-box laws?

No. Tennessee does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, and Knoxville does not have a local ordinance. Federal EEOC guidelines still apply.

What staffing agencies in Knoxville hire felons?

Staffing agencies in Knoxville include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Staffmark. Manufacturing and warehouse temp jobs are common.

What is the minimum wage in Knoxville?

The minimum wage in Knoxville is $7.25 per hour (federal minimum). Tennessee has no state minimum wage law. Manufacturing and logistics jobs typically start at $13-$18 per hour.