Felony Friendly Jobs in Norfolk, VA

Best Industries in Norfolk for People With Records

• ✓Military & naval operations
• ✓Port operations & shipping
• ✓Shipbuilding
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Tourism

Staffing Agencies in Norfolk That Work With People With Records

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

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

Virginia Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Norfolk

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 Norfolk

• Virginia Employment Commission — Norfolk
• Goodwill of Southeastern Virginia
• Norfolk Reentry Council
• ForKids
• The Planning Council (Hampton Roads)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Norfolk?

Norfolk offers opportunities in shipyard and maritime work, port logistics, construction, healthcare support, food service, and retail. The naval base creates civilian support demand. Dollar Tree (headquartered nearby) and Walmart are major employers.

Does Norfolk have ban-the-box laws?

Virginia has a ban-the-box law for public employment only. Private employers in Norfolk can still ask about criminal history on applications. There is no local ordinance.

What staffing agencies in Norfolk hire felons?

Staffing agencies in Norfolk and Hampton Roads include Manpower, Express Employment Professionals, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Randstad. Shipyard and industrial staffing are especially active.

What is the minimum wage in Norfolk?

Virginia's state minimum wage is $12.41 per hour. Shipyard, construction, and port logistics jobs typically pay well above minimum wage.