Does Hershey hire felons?

The Hershey Company hires some people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. Non-violent and older convictions are viewed more favorably for hourly production and warehouse roles.

Does Hershey do background checks?

Yes. Hershey runs a criminal background check on every hire after a conditional job offer.

Does Hershey drug test?

Yes. Hershey has a Drug-Free Workplace Policy with a pre-employment drug screen (urine) and random testing after hire.

What jobs at Hershey are easiest to get with a record?

Hourly production operator, packaging, warehouse, and sanitation positions have the steadiest hiring and the most flexibility for applicants with records.

Does Hershey use ban-the-box or the Fair Chance Pledge?

Hershey has not publicly adopted ban-the-box or the Fair Chance Business Pledge, so records are reviewed individually rather than under a formal second-chance program.

Does The Hershey Company Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Hershey runs a criminal background check and a pre-employment drug screen on every hire and reviews records case by case. There is no formal second-chance program, but non-violent and older convictions are often overlooked for hourly production and warehouse roles.

The Hershey Company does hire some people with felony records, though decisions are made case by case. Hershey is one of the largest chocolate and snack manufacturers in North America, with roughly 20,000 employees and major manufacturing concentrated in Hershey, Pennsylvania (including the West Hershey and Reese plants) plus plants and distribution centers in Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, and other states. Hershey runs a criminal background check on every hire and, under its Drug-Free Workplace Policy, requires a pre-employment drug screen (urine) with random testing after hire. Hershey has not signed the national Fair Chance Business Pledge or a formal ban-the-box commitment, so there is no published second-chance program — each applicant's record is reviewed individually for how it relates to the job. The most accessible roles are hourly production operator, packaging, warehouse, and sanitation positions, where the company hires steadily and non-violent, older convictions are viewed more favorably.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Production / Machine Operator	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal check + drug screen	Hourly manufacturing. Strongest entry point; steady hiring.
Packaging / Line Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal check + drug screen	Fast-paced line work. Little prior experience needed.
Warehouse / Distribution Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Forklift, shipping, receiving. Non-violent records viewed more favorably.
Sanitation / Maintenance	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Overnight cleaning of food equipment. Often understaffed.
Corporate / Sales	Rarely for serious records	Yes — comprehensive check	Salaried roles face closer scrutiny, especially cash or driving duties.

The Hershey Company Hiring Practices

The Hershey Company is a Fortune 500 chocolate and snacking manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with roughly 20,000 employees. Its largest workforce is hourly manufacturing labor at plants in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, and Illinois. Every applicant goes through a criminal background check after a conditional offer, and Hershey's Drug-Free Workplace Policy requires a pre-employment drug screen plus random testing. Hershey has not publicly adopted ban-the-box or the Fair Chance Business Pledge, so there is no formal second-chance program — instead, each conviction is weighed individually against the specific job, consistent with EEOC guidance. Reports from applicants suggest non-violent felonies and older convictions are often overlooked for entry-level production and warehouse roles, while theft, drug-distribution, or violent charges draw more scrutiny, especially for jobs involving cash, driving, or supervision. A negative drug test does not automatically clear a prior drug conviction, so honesty about your record matters.

Tips for Getting Hired at Hershey

Apply online at careers.thehersheycompany.com and target hourly manufacturing, packaging, warehouse, and sanitation openings, which turn over most often and have the widest hiring. If a staffing agency posts Hershey plant work, that can be a faster route in — temp-to-hire assignments let you prove reliability before the full background review. Be ready for a pre-employment drug screen and disclose your record honestly if asked; Hershey reviews cases individually, and unexplained gaps or dishonesty hurt more than an old conviction. Emphasize dependability, safety, and any manufacturing, forklift, or food-handling experience. Bring documentation of rehabilitation — completed programs, certificates, steady recent work history, or reference letters — to show change. If you have a driving-related role in mind, expect a motor vehicle record check. Applying to multiple facilities and to overnight shifts, which are harder to staff, can improve your odds.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at careers.thehersheycompany.com. Target hourly production, packaging, warehouse, and sanitation roles.
2.Consider staffing agencies that place workers at Hershey plants — temp-to-hire is a common path in.
3.Be honest about your record. Hershey reviews convictions individually against the job.
4.Prepare for a pre-employment drug screen; a prior drug charge may still be reviewed even with a negative test.
5.Bring proof of rehabilitation — certificates, program completion, steady work history, reference letters.
6.Apply to overnight shifts and multiple facilities to widen your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hershey hire felons?: The Hershey Company hires some people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. Non-violent and older convictions are viewed more favorably for hourly production and warehouse roles.
Does Hershey do background checks?: Yes. Hershey runs a criminal background check on every hire after a conditional job offer.
Does Hershey drug test?: Yes. Hershey has a Drug-Free Workplace Policy with a pre-employment drug screen (urine) and random testing after hire.
What jobs at Hershey are easiest to get with a record?: Hourly production operator, packaging, warehouse, and sanitation positions have the steadiest hiring and the most flexibility for applicants with records.
Does Hershey use ban-the-box or the Fair Chance Pledge?: Hershey has not publicly adopted ban-the-box or the Fair Chance Business Pledge, so records are reviewed individually rather than under a formal second-chance program.

Take Action — Direct Links

Hershey Careers
Search and apply for hourly and salaried positions at The Hershey Company.
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).