Does Manpower do background checks?

Yes. Manpower conducts a standard background check on applicants, typically covering 7 years of criminal history. Some client companies may also run their own additional background check. Having a conviction does not automatically disqualify you — Manpower uses an individualized assessment process.

How quickly can Manpower place me in a job?

Placement speed varies by location and available assignments, but many people are placed within 1-2 weeks of registering. General labor and warehouse roles tend to have the fastest turnaround. Some branches can even offer same-week placements for urgent client needs.

Does Manpower pay weekly?

Yes, most Manpower assignments pay weekly. Some assignments may offer daily pay options. Pay rates vary by position and location, but your recruiter will discuss pay before you accept any assignment.

What is the difference between temp, temp-to-hire, and direct hire at Manpower?

Temp assignments have a defined end date — you work for a set period and then return to the Manpower talent pool. Temp-to-hire means you start as a temp but the client plans to hire you permanently after a trial period (usually 60-90 days). Direct hire means Manpower recruits you for a permanent position at the client company from day one. For people with records, temp-to-hire is usually the best option.

Can I use Manpower if I am on parole or probation?

Yes. Being on parole or probation does not prevent you from registering with Manpower. Many parole and probation officers actually encourage their clients to work with staffing agencies. Just make sure any work schedule accommodates your reporting requirements, and inform your recruiter of any geographic restrictions or curfews.

Does Manpower drug test?

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

Does Manpower Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Yes

Manpower (ManpowerGroup) is widely recognized as one of the most felon-friendly staffing agencies. They place workers across many industries and actively work with people who have criminal backgrounds.

Yes, Manpower hires people with felony records for a wide range of positions. As part of ManpowerGroup — one of the world's largest staffing companies — Manpower has the scale and client diversity to find placements for people with criminal backgrounds. They staff warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, administrative, and customer service roles across the country. Manpower conducts background checks, but having a felony does not automatically disqualify you. Their recruiters work with you to find client companies that are open to second-chance hiring. Manpower has been a consistent advocate for inclusive employment practices and has placed thousands of people with records in stable jobs through their temp, temp-to-hire, and direct placement programs.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Warehouse / Logistics	Yes	Yes — Manpower check, client may add their own	Highest volume of felon-friendly placements. Forklift, picker/packer, and shipping/receiving roles are the most common.
Manufacturing / Production	Yes	Yes — standard 7-year criminal check	Assembly line, machine operation, and quality control roles. Many manufacturing clients are open to second-chance hiring.
General Labor / Construction Support	Yes	Yes — basic background check	Physical labor roles including loading, landscaping support, and site cleanup. Often the fastest placements for people with records.
Administrative / Clerical	Case-by-case	Yes — may include credit check	Data entry and filing roles are more accessible. Positions with access to financial systems or confidential data are more restrictive.
Customer Service / Call Center	Case-by-case	Yes — standard check plus client requirements	Some call center clients accept people with records. Fraud and identity theft convictions may be disqualifying.
Skilled Trades (Welding, Electrical, HVAC)	Case-by-case	Yes — plus trade certification verification	Skilled trades are in high demand. Having a certification can override background check concerns for many clients.
Temp-to-Hire Positions	Yes	Yes — Manpower check first, client check upon hire	The best path to permanent employment. Prove yourself during the temp period and convert to a direct hire.

Why Manpower Is a Top Choice for People with Records

ManpowerGroup is one of the three largest staffing companies in the world, operating in over 75 countries with thousands of client relationships across every industry. This scale matters for people with criminal records because it means Manpower has access to an enormous variety of employers — and many of those employers are open to second-chance hiring. Manpower's business model is built on matching available workers with companies that need them, and in a tight labor market, companies cannot afford to automatically exclude everyone with a record. Manpower's recruiters develop relationships with hiring managers at client companies and know which ones are flexible on background check results. The company has been recognized by workforce development organizations for its inclusive hiring practices, and many Manpower branches actively partner with reentry programs, parole offices, and community organizations to connect people with records to employment.

Manpower's Background Check Process

Manpower conducts a background check on all applicants, but the scope and depth of the check can vary depending on the position and client company requirements. The standard check typically covers 7 years of criminal history through county and state records, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry search. For some positions, drug screening may also be required. When your background check reveals a conviction, Manpower's process includes an individualized assessment — they consider the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, whether you have completed your sentence, and how the conviction relates to the job in question. An important detail: Manpower's background check is separate from any check the client company might run. Some clients accept Manpower's check as sufficient, while others conduct their own screening when you arrive on-site or when converting to permanent status. Your Manpower recruiter can explain what each client requires so there are no surprises.

How to Use Manpower Strategically

The most effective approach is to visit a Manpower branch in person and be upfront with your recruiter about your criminal record. This is not optional advice — it is essential strategy. Your recruiter cannot help you if they do not know your situation, and finding out about your record after placing you at a client that does not accept felons wastes everyone's time and damages trust. When you are honest from the start, your recruiter can immediately focus on clients that are open to hiring people with records. Ask about temp-to-hire assignments specifically — these are the golden ticket for people with records because they let you demonstrate your work ethic before a permanent hiring decision is made. Also ask about any current partnerships Manpower has with local reentry programs or workforce development boards, as these often come with additional support like transportation assistance or work clothing.

The ManpowerGroup Advantage: Multiple Brands

ManpowerGroup operates several staffing brands, and you should know about all of them. Manpower is the main brand for light industrial, warehouse, and administrative placements. Experis focuses on IT and professional roles. Talent Solutions handles workforce consulting. If you register with Manpower, your recruiter may also be able to connect you with opportunities through these other brands. Additionally, ManpowerGroup's MyPath program is designed to help workers develop skills and advance their careers over time — this can be valuable for people with records who need to build up their work history and credentials before pursuing higher-paying positions.

What Can Limit Your Placements at Manpower

While Manpower is felon-friendly at the agency level, individual placements depend on client company requirements. Government contractors often have the strictest requirements and may be off-limits for people with felony records. Financial institutions and healthcare facilities also tend to have more restrictive background check policies. On the other hand, warehousing, manufacturing, food production, landscaping, and general labor clients are typically the most open to second-chance hiring. Violent felonies within the past 7 years, sex offenses, and active warrants or pending charges will significantly limit your options. Theft convictions can be an issue for roles involving valuable inventory. DUI convictions affect driving-required positions. Your recruiter can give you a realistic picture of what is available based on your specific record.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Visit a Manpower branch in person — walk-ins are welcome at most locations. Bring two forms of ID and your Social Security card.
2.Be completely honest about your criminal record with your recruiter. They need this information to place you with the right clients and avoid wasted time.
3.Ask for temp-to-hire assignments. These are the best path to permanent employment because clients get to see your work before making a hiring decision.
4.Get any certifications you can: forklift, OSHA 10-Hour, food handler, or CPR/First Aid. These make you more placeable and can tip the scales in your favor.
5.Register with multiple staffing agencies at the same time — Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, Express Employment, and Labor Finders. No exclusivity required.
6.Accept short-term and temporary assignments even if they are not ideal. Building a track record of reliable, positive work through Manpower improves your profile for better placements.
7.Keep your contact information current and answer your phone. Assignments can come up on short notice, and the first available worker gets the call.
8.Ask about ManpowerGroup's MyPath program for skill development and career advancement opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Manpower hire felons?: Yes. Manpower is one of the most felon-friendly staffing agencies in the country. They place workers with criminal records in warehouse, manufacturing, administrative, and light industrial roles. Your specific placement options depend on your conviction type and the requirements of individual client companies.
Does Manpower do background checks?: Yes. Manpower conducts a standard background check on applicants, typically covering 7 years of criminal history. Some client companies may also run their own additional background check. Having a conviction does not automatically disqualify you — Manpower uses an individualized assessment process.
How quickly can Manpower place me in a job?: Placement speed varies by location and available assignments, but many people are placed within 1-2 weeks of registering. General labor and warehouse roles tend to have the fastest turnaround. Some branches can even offer same-week placements for urgent client needs.
Does Manpower pay weekly?: Yes, most Manpower assignments pay weekly. Some assignments may offer daily pay options. Pay rates vary by position and location, but your recruiter will discuss pay before you accept any assignment.
What is the difference between temp, temp-to-hire, and direct hire at Manpower?: Temp assignments have a defined end date — you work for a set period and then return to the Manpower talent pool. Temp-to-hire means you start as a temp but the client plans to hire you permanently after a trial period (usually 60-90 days). Direct hire means Manpower recruits you for a permanent position at the client company from day one. For people with records, temp-to-hire is usually the best option.
Can I use Manpower if I am on parole or probation?: Yes. Being on parole or probation does not prevent you from registering with Manpower. Many parole and probation officers actually encourage their clients to work with staffing agencies. Just make sure any work schedule accommodates your reporting requirements, and inform your recruiter of any geographic restrictions or curfews.
Does Manpower drug test?: Drug testing depends on the specific assignment and client company requirements. Many warehouse and manufacturing clients require pre-placement drug screening. Your recruiter will tell you the requirements for each assignment before you accept it.

Take Action — Direct Links

Manpower — Find Jobs
Search Manpower job listings by location and job type. Apply online or find your nearest branch office.
Manpower — Office Locator
Find your nearest Manpower branch. In-person visits are the most effective way to get placed quickly.
ManpowerGroup — MyPath Career Program
Learn about ManpowerGroup's career development and upskilling programs available to temporary workers.
Careeronestop — Reentry Resources
US Department of Labor resource for people with criminal records, including job search help and training programs.

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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).