Does Menards Hire Felons?
Last updated:
Menards conducts background checks and drug tests. The company hires some people with records but has stricter screening than some competitors.
Menards does hire some people with felony records, though the company is known for having a more thorough screening process than some retail competitors. Menards is a privately owned home improvement chain with over 330 stores across 15 Midwestern states. The company conducts background checks and requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Despite the screening, many people with non-violent felony records that are several years old have been hired at Menards for store associate, yard crew, and warehouse positions. Menards is known for paying above-average retail wages and offering profit-sharing bonuses, making it an attractive employer. The company's large-format stores require significant staffing across departments including lumber yard, plumbing, electrical, paint, and general merchandise.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store Team Member | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check + drug test | General store duties. Background check and drug test required for all positions. |
| Yard Crew / Lumber | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check + drug test | Outdoor work loading lumber and building materials. Physical role. |
| Distribution Center Worker | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check + drug test | Warehouse and distribution operations. May be more accessible than store roles. |
| Department Manager | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive check + drug test | Department supervision with inventory and cash responsibilities. |
Menards Hiring Approach
Menards is a privately owned home improvement chain operating over 330 stores across 15 Midwestern states. The company is known for above-average retail pay and a profit-sharing program called the 'Big Bonus.' Menards conducts background checks and requires drug testing for all positions, which makes it stricter than some retailers. However, the company does hire people with certain criminal records, particularly for non-violent offenses that are several years old. Menards' large stores require significant staffing, and the company values hard workers. Yard crew and lumber positions involve physical outdoor work and may have more flexibility in hiring than customer-facing positions.
Background Check and Drug Test
Menards conducts background checks on all new hires. The check covers criminal history, Social Security verification, and may include employment history verification. Additionally, Menards requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions — this is more comprehensive than many retailers. The drug test is typically a urine test. Both the background check and drug test must be completed before your start date. Menards follows FCRA requirements and applicable state laws.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply online through menards.com/careers. Target yard crew and lumber positions if you have a physical background — these roles are often in demand and may have more flexibility. Be prepared for the drug test (Menards tests for a wider panel than many employers). Highlight any home improvement, construction, or hardware knowledge. Menards values product knowledge and customer service. Be available for varied shifts including weekends.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online at menards.com/careers. Target yard crew or distribution center positions.
- 2.Be prepared for both a background check AND drug test — Menards screens for both.
- 3.Highlight any construction, hardware, or home improvement knowledge.
- 4.Be available for varied shifts including early mornings and weekends.
- 5.If you have experience with building materials, mention it — product knowledge is valued.
- 6.Menards pays above average for retail and offers profit-sharing bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Menards hire felons?
- Menards does hire some people with felony records, though the company conducts both background checks and drug tests on all applicants.
- Does Menards drug test?
- Yes, Menards requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. This is a urine test typically covering a standard panel.
- Does Menards do background checks?
- Yes, Menards conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional job offer.
- Where are Menards stores located?
- Menards operates over 330 stores across 15 Midwestern states, with the highest concentration in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana.
- Does Menards pay well?
- Menards is known for paying above-average retail wages and offers a profit-sharing 'Big Bonus' program for employees.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Menards Careers
Search and apply for positions at Menards stores and distribution centers.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
Related Resources on This Site
Similar companies
Helpful guides
- RightsChild support calculator — free 50-state estimator
- RecoveryFree rehab programs
- Banking & CreditBanks that don't use ChexSystems
- EducationFree online courses