Felony Friendly Jobs in Newark, NJ

Best Industries in Newark for People With Records

• ✓Logistics & shipping (Port Newark)
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Transportation (Newark Airport)
• ✓Manufacturing
• ✓Food service

Staffing Agencies in Newark That Work With People With Records

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

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

New Jersey Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Newark

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 Newark

• Newark Workforce Development Board
• Goodwill Industries of Greater New York/Northern NJ
• Newark Prisoner Reentry Initiative (NPRI)
• New Jersey Reentry Corporation
• Integrity House

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Newark?

Newark excels in logistics and warehouse work (Port Newark, Amazon, UPS, FedEx), airport-related employment (Newark Liberty), healthcare support, food service, and construction. The port and airport create enormous demand for workers.

Does Newark have ban-the-box laws?

Yes. New Jersey's Opportunity to Compete Act applies to employers with 15+ employees statewide. Newark has additional local fair chance protections. Employers cannot ask about criminal history until after the first interview.

What staffing agencies in Newark hire felons?

Staffing agencies in Newark include Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, Express Employment Professionals, and Randstad. Port logistics and warehouse staffing are particularly active.

What is the minimum wage in Newark?

Newark follows New Jersey's state minimum wage of $15.49 per hour. Many logistics and warehouse jobs start above minimum wage due to the competitive market.