Does Elwood Staffing do background checks?

Yes. Elwood typically runs a criminal background check and drug screen on candidates, but the depth of screening depends on the client you would be placed with. Some clients require no background check.

Does Elwood Staffing drug test?

Elwood generally drug tests candidates, and many industrial clients require passing a drug screen before an assignment starts. Requirements vary by client and position.

Where does Elwood Staffing operate?

Elwood is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, and operates more than 285 branch offices across the United States, concentrated in warehousing, manufacturing, and light-industrial markets.

How do I apply to Elwood Staffing with a record?

Apply online at elwoodstaffing.com/jobsearch or visit a local branch. Be honest about your history so your recruiter can match you to clients that will clear your background, and ask which assignments do not require a background check.

Does Elwood Staffing Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Elwood Staffing places people with records on a case-by-case basis and is frequently named among the more second-chance-friendly temp agencies. Placement depends on the offense and the client's requirements.

Elwood Staffing does place people with felony records, and it is frequently named among the more second-chance-friendly temp agencies in the country. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Elwood is one of the nation's largest industrial staffing firms, operating more than 285 branch offices across the United States. As a staffing agency, Elwood is an intermediary — it matches workers to assignments at client companies in warehousing, manufacturing, production, assembly, and logistics. Elwood conducts a background check and drug screen on candidates, but many of its industrial clients do not require a spotless record, so whether a specific felony is a barrier depends on the offense, how recent it is, and the individual client's requirements. Applicants who are upfront about their history on the Elwood application are often placed on assignments that fit their situation. Light-industrial and warehouse roles on second and third shift tend to have the most openings.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Warehouse / Distribution Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — screening depends on client	Picking, packing, shipping, receiving. High-volume, high-turnover roles with the most openings.
Production / Assembly Worker	Case-by-case	Yes — screening depends on client	Manufacturing lines, machine tending, assembly. Many clients hire non-violent records.
Forklift Operator / Material Handler	Case-by-case	Yes — screening depends on client	Certification or in-house training. Steady demand across industrial clients.
General Labor	Often	Varies — some clients skip it	Entry-level industrial and light-industrial work. Second and third shift most accessible.
Clerical / Administrative	Case-by-case	Yes — often stricter	Office, data entry, front-desk roles. Screening tends to be more thorough.

Elwood Staffing Hiring Practices

Elwood Staffing is a privately owned industrial staffing firm headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, with more than 285 branches nationwide. It ranks among the largest industrial staffing companies in the U.S. and places workers into temporary, temp-to-hire, contract, and direct-hire assignments. Because Elwood is an intermediary, hiring is really a two-step process: you become an Elwood candidate, and then Elwood places you with a client company. Elwood runs a criminal background check and drug screen, but its client base is heavy on warehousing, manufacturing, and general labor — sectors where many employers hire people with non-violent records. Some clients require no background check at all. Whether a felony blocks placement depends on the nature and age of the offense and each client's specific rules, so being honest on your application lets your recruiter steer you toward assignments that will actually clear.

Tips for Getting Hired at Elwood Staffing

Start at your local branch (find it at elwoodstaffing.com) or apply online at elwoodstaffing.com/jobsearch. Be honest about your record on the application and in your interview — recruiters place people they trust, and dishonesty is a faster disqualifier than most convictions. Ask your recruiter directly which clients do not require a background check; branch staff know their local roster. Second and third shift, warehouse, and general-labor assignments tend to have the most openings and the most flexibility. If you have a forklift certification, OSHA card, or steady work history, mention it — it widens the assignments you qualify for. Stay reachable; temp assignments fill fast, and being easy to place builds the relationship that leads to steadier work.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at elwoodstaffing.com/jobsearch or walk into your local Elwood branch.
2.Be upfront about your record on the application — honesty builds recruiter trust and avoids disqualification.
3.Ask your recruiter directly which clients do not require background checks.
4.Target warehouse, general-labor, and second/third-shift assignments — the most openings and flexibility.
5.List any certifications (forklift, OSHA) or steady work history to qualify for more assignments.
6.Stay reachable and reliable — being easy to place leads to steadier, better assignments over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Elwood Staffing hire felons?: Elwood Staffing does place people with felony records and is often listed among the more second-chance-friendly temp agencies. Placement is case-by-case and depends on the offense and the client company's requirements. Some Elwood clients do not require a background check at all.
Does Elwood Staffing do background checks?: Yes. Elwood typically runs a criminal background check and drug screen on candidates, but the depth of screening depends on the client you would be placed with. Some clients require no background check.
Does Elwood Staffing drug test?: Elwood generally drug tests candidates, and many industrial clients require passing a drug screen before an assignment starts. Requirements vary by client and position.
Where does Elwood Staffing operate?: Elwood is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, and operates more than 285 branch offices across the United States, concentrated in warehousing, manufacturing, and light-industrial markets.
How do I apply to Elwood Staffing with a record?: Apply online at elwoodstaffing.com/jobsearch or visit a local branch. Be honest about your history so your recruiter can match you to clients that will clear your background, and ask which assignments do not require a background check.

Take Action — Direct Links

Elwood Staffing Job Search
Search open assignments and apply at Elwood branches nationwide.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).