Does Express Employment Professionals Hire Felons?

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The Franchise Advantage for People with Records

Express Employment Professionals operates on a franchise model, which creates a unique advantage for people with criminal records. Unlike corporate-run staffing agencies where policies are set at headquarters, each Express office is owned and operated by a local franchisee who has significant autonomy in how they run their business. This means the owner of your local Express office can make individual decisions about working with people with records, building client relationships around second-chance hiring, and partnering with local reentry organizations. Many Express franchisees are deeply embedded in their communities and have personal relationships with hiring managers at client companies. When your Express recruiter picks up the phone and tells a client, 'I have a great worker for you — they have a record but I can vouch for their reliability,' that personal recommendation carries real weight. This local, relationship-driven approach is often more effective than the anonymous online application process at large corporations.

Express Employment Background Check Process

Express Employment Professionals conducts background checks on applicants, though the specifics can vary by franchise location and client requirements. The standard check typically covers 7 years of criminal history through county and state databases, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry search. Drug screening may be required for industrial and warehouse placements. Because Express is a franchise, individual offices may use different background check providers or have slightly different processes. The key is that Express uses an individualized assessment — your conviction is evaluated in context rather than as an automatic disqualifier. The franchise owner and recruiter have discretion in how they weigh background check results, and many choose to be flexible because they understand that placing workers is how they make money. If a capable worker with a record can fill a client's need, that is a win for everyone.

Express Employment's Community-Based Approach

Express Employment Professionals has a strong tradition of community involvement. The company's founder, Bob Funk, has been a vocal advocate for getting people to work regardless of their background. Many Express franchises partner with local organizations including reentry programs, workforce development boards, community colleges, and faith-based organizations to connect people with records to employment. Some Express offices have formal relationships with parole and probation offices, serving as a go-to resource for officers who need to help their clients find employment. If your Express office does not have these connections, ask your recruiter whether they have worked with people with criminal records before and which clients are most open to it. The franchise model means that individual offices develop their own reputations and specializations within their local market.

What May Limit Your Placements at Express

While Express Employment is felon-friendly as an organization, specific placement options depend on client company requirements and the nature of your conviction. Sex offenses on the registry are disqualifying for virtually all placements. Violent felonies within the past 7 years limit options, though some industrial and labor clients are still willing to hire. Theft convictions may prevent placement at sites with valuable inventory or cash handling. DUI convictions affect any role requiring driving. Financial crimes can be an issue for office and professional roles. However, Express's diverse client base means that even with a serious record, there are usually some placements available — particularly in manufacturing, construction support, and general labor. The key is working with your recruiter to target the right opportunities.

Building a Career Through Express Employment

Express Employment is not just about getting a job today — it can be a platform for building a career over time. Start with whatever assignment is available and perform well. Consistent positive feedback from client companies improves your standing within Express's system and opens up better assignments. Many people with records use Express as a stepping stone: they start with a general labor placement, demonstrate reliability, move up to a temp-to-hire warehouse position, convert to permanent, and within a year they have stable employment with benefits. Express's recruiters can also help you identify skills gaps and may connect you with training programs — some franchises offer free or subsidized skills training to their workers. The work history you build through Express is legitimate employment experience that you can put on your resume when applying for jobs directly in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Express Employment hire felons?

Yes. Express Employment Professionals is one of the most felon-friendly staffing agencies in the US. Their locally owned franchise model means individual offices have flexibility to work with people with criminal records. Many Express franchisees actively partner with reentry programs and specialize in second-chance placements.

Does Express Employment do background checks?

Yes. Express conducts background checks on applicants, though the specifics vary by franchise location and client company requirements. A conviction does not automatically disqualify you — Express uses an individualized assessment. Client companies may also run their own separate checks.

How is Express Employment different from other staffing agencies?

Express operates on a franchise model, meaning each office is locally owned and operated. This gives individual offices more flexibility than corporate-run agencies. Your local Express owner can make decisions about working with people with records, and they often have personal relationships with hiring managers at client companies that can work in your favor.

How fast can Express Employment find me a job?

Many people are placed within 1-2 weeks of registering. General labor and warehouse positions have the fastest turnaround. Some offices can offer same-day or next-day placements for urgent client needs, especially in industrial and construction sectors.

Does Express Employment drug test?

Drug testing requirements depend on the specific assignment and client company. Many industrial and warehouse clients require pre-placement drug screening. Your recruiter will tell you the requirements for each assignment before you accept it.

Does Express Employment offer benefits?

Yes. Express offers benefits to eligible temporary employees including health insurance, dental and vision options, holiday pay, and referral bonuses. Benefits vary by franchise location and hours worked. Ask your local office for details.

Can Express Employment help me get a permanent job?

Yes. Express specializes in temp-to-hire placements where you start as a temporary worker and can convert to a permanent employee at the client company after proving yourself. They also offer direct-hire placements for permanent positions.