Does Kelly Services Hire Felons?

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How Staffing Agencies Work for People with Records

Understanding the staffing agency model is crucial for people with criminal records. When you apply to Kelly Services, you are not applying to a single company — you are joining Kelly's talent pool, and they match you with client companies that need workers. This creates a major advantage: Kelly's recruiters know which clients are open to hiring people with records and which are not. Instead of you blindly applying to dozens of companies and getting rejected, Kelly can direct you to opportunities where you have a real chance. The process works like this: you apply to Kelly, complete their background check, and then Kelly places you at a client worksite. You are technically employed by Kelly (they handle your paycheck, taxes, and benefits), but you work at the client's location. Many assignments start as temporary but can convert to permanent positions — this is called temp-to-hire. The temp period lets the client company see your work ethic firsthand, which often matters more than your background check results.

Kelly Services Background Check Process

Kelly Services runs its own background check on all applicants, typically through a third-party provider. The standard check covers 7 years of criminal history at the county and state level, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry check. Some positions may also require drug screening, especially for manufacturing and warehouse roles. Here is the important nuance: Kelly's background check is separate from any check the client company may run. Some client companies accept Kelly's background check as sufficient, while others run their own additional check when you arrive at their worksite or when converting from temp to permanent. Kelly's recruiters can tell you upfront what each client requires. If your background check reveals a conviction, Kelly uses an individualized assessment to determine whether it is relevant to the specific job. A drug possession charge from 6 years ago is unlikely to prevent placement in a warehouse role, but a theft conviction might be an issue for roles handling inventory or cash.

The Temp-to-Hire Advantage for People with Records

The temp-to-hire model is arguably the single best employment strategy for people with felony records. Here is why: when a company hires someone directly, the background check is often a pass/fail gate — if something comes up, you are out. But with temp-to-hire, you get a chance to prove yourself on the job first. After working at a client site for 60-90 days through Kelly, the client may offer you a permanent position. At that point, the hiring manager already knows you show up on time, work hard, and get along with the team. That firsthand experience often outweighs whatever is on your record. Many hiring managers will advocate internally to bring you on full-time even if your background check has issues, because they have seen your actual performance. Kelly Services has a strong temp-to-hire pipeline, and their recruiters can specifically target assignments with conversion potential.

What Disqualifies You at Kelly Services

Kelly Services is more flexible than many direct-hire employers, but certain convictions can still limit your options. Active sex offender registry status is disqualifying for virtually all placements. Violent felonies within the past 5-7 years may restrict you from roles involving close contact with others or access to private residences. Theft and fraud convictions can be an issue for roles involving inventory, cash handling, or financial data. DUI/DWI convictions may prevent placement in roles requiring driving. That said, Kelly's advantage is variety — if one type of placement is off the table due to your record, there are usually other options available. Be upfront with your Kelly recruiter about your record so they can focus on placements where you will not be wasted time applying to roles that will reject you.

How to Approach Kelly Services Strategically

Walk into a Kelly Services branch office or apply online at kellyservices.com. When you meet with a recruiter, be honest about your criminal record upfront — this saves everyone time and builds trust. Ask specifically about felon-friendly clients and temp-to-hire positions. Bring your ID, Social Security card, and any certifications you have (forklift, OSHA 10, food handler, etc.). If you have completed any reentry programs, drug treatment, or obtained certificates of rehabilitation, bring documentation. Kelly has offices in most mid-to-large cities. If one branch does not have suitable placements, check with other nearby branches — different offices serve different client companies. Register with multiple staffing agencies simultaneously (Manpower, Adecco, Express Employment) to maximize your chances. There is no exclusivity requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kelly Services hire felons?

Yes. Kelly Services is one of the most felon-friendly staffing agencies in the United States. They place workers in warehouse, manufacturing, office, and light industrial roles and regularly work with people who have criminal records. Your specific placement options depend on the nature of your conviction and the requirements of individual client companies.

Does Kelly Services do background checks?

Yes. Kelly Services runs a standard background check on all applicants, typically covering 7 years of criminal history. Some client companies may also run their own separate background check. Kelly uses an individualized assessment process, meaning a conviction does not automatically disqualify you.

How does a staffing agency work for people with records?

When you apply to Kelly Services, you join their talent pool. Kelly's recruiters then match you with client companies that need workers — and they know which clients are open to hiring people with records. You are technically employed by Kelly (they pay you), but you work at the client's site. This intermediary model gives you access to employers who might not hire you directly.

What is temp-to-hire and why does it help people with records?

Temp-to-hire means you start as a temporary worker through Kelly at a client company. After a trial period (usually 60-90 days), the client can hire you permanently. This is valuable because the client sees your work ethic and reliability firsthand before making a permanent decision — your job performance often outweighs concerns about your record.

Can I work at Kelly Services with a violent felony?

It depends on the specifics and how recent the conviction is. Violent felonies within the past 5-7 years will limit your placement options, but Kelly may still be able to place you in roles where violence risk is not a concern — such as solo warehouse work or outdoor labor. Older violent convictions are assessed more leniently.

Does Kelly Services drug test?

Kelly Services may require drug testing depending on the client company and the type of role. Warehouse and manufacturing positions commonly require a pre-placement drug screen. Drug testing policies vary by client — your Kelly recruiter can tell you what each assignment requires.

Should I register with multiple staffing agencies?

Absolutely. There is no exclusivity requirement with staffing agencies. Registering with Kelly, Manpower, Adecco, Express Employment, and Labor Finders simultaneously gives you access to the widest range of felon-friendly job placements. Different agencies work with different clients.