Does Old Navy Hire Felons?
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Old Navy (Gap Inc.) hires some people with records. The parent company uses individualized assessment and is Ban the Box compliant.
Old Navy does hire people with felony records in some cases. Old Navy is owned by Gap Inc., which also operates Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Gap Inc. has been a participant in fair chance hiring initiatives and uses individualized assessment for applicants with criminal records. Old Navy operates approximately 1,200 stores in the United States, all corporate-owned. Background checks are conducted after a conditional offer, and results are evaluated considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job. Entry-level sales associate and stock positions are the most accessible. Theft-related felonies within the past 7 years are more challenging for retail positions, but non-violent records older than 5 years are generally less of a concern.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Record Review | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Associate (Sales) | Case-by-case | Yes | Entry-level sales and customer service. Cash handling involved. Theft records within 7 years may be a concern. |
| Stock Associate | Case-by-case | Yes | Merchandise processing and floor replenishment. May be more accessible for people with records. |
| Seasonal Associate | Case-by-case | Yes | Holiday and back-to-school hiring. High-volume hiring creates more opportunities. |
| Sales Lead / Key Holder | Rarely | Yes | Supervisory role with key access. Stricter background requirements than associate roles. |
| Distribution Center Associate | Case-by-case | Yes | Gap Inc. operates distribution centers. Warehouse positions may have more flexibility. |
Background Check Policy
Old Navy (Gap Inc.) conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. Gap Inc. uses a third-party background screening company that checks 7 years of criminal history at the county, state, and federal level. The company is Ban the Box compliant nationally and does not ask about criminal history on the application. Gap Inc. follows EEOC guidance on individualized assessment, considering the nature and gravity of the offense, the time elapsed, and the nature of the job. FCRA procedures are followed throughout the process.
What Disqualifies You
Gap Inc. assesses records individually, but theft convictions within 7 years are concerning for retail roles. Violent felonies within 5-7 years may disqualify for customer-facing positions. Sex offenses are generally disqualifying. Drug possession felonies older than 3-5 years are typically not a barrier. Fraud and embezzlement convictions are particularly concerning for positions with financial responsibility. The company gives more weight to recent convictions than older ones.
Application Tips
Apply online through Gap Inc.'s careers website (gapinc.com/careers) or Old Navy's jobs page. You can apply to Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta through the same portal. Target stock and seasonal positions for potentially more flexibility. Apply during high-volume hiring seasons (back-to-school in July-August, holiday in September-November). Gap Inc. values diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.
Ban the Box Compliance
Gap Inc. has been a notable participant in fair chance hiring. The company removed criminal history questions from job applications nationwide, not just in jurisdictions that require it. This proactive approach gives all applicants an equal chance to make a good impression before their record is reviewed. Gap Inc. has publicly supported second-chance hiring initiatives.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at gapinc.com/careers or oldnavy.com/careers. You can apply to all Gap Inc. brands through one portal.
- 2.Target stock associate and seasonal positions for the most accessible entry points.
- 3.Apply during back-to-school (July-August) and holiday (September-November) hiring seasons.
- 4.Highlight customer service skills, retail experience, and flexible availability.
- 5.Gap Inc. is known for promote-from-within culture — starting as an associate can lead to growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Old Navy hire felons?
- Old Navy (Gap Inc.) considers applicants with felony records on a case-by-case basis using individualized assessment. The company is Ban the Box compliant and evaluates the nature, age, and relevance of convictions.
- Does Old Navy do background checks?
- Yes. Old Navy runs background checks through a third-party provider after a conditional job offer. The check covers 7 years of criminal history.
- Is Old Navy the same company as Gap?
- Yes. Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta are all owned by Gap Inc. They share the same corporate hiring policies and background check procedures.
- Does Old Navy drug test?
- Old Navy does not typically drug test for store-level positions during the hiring process.
- What is the hiring process at Old Navy?
- The typical process involves an online application, a phone or in-store interview, a conditional offer, and then a background check. The entire process usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Gap Inc. Careers
Official Gap Inc. careers page for all brands including Old Navy.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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- Background ChecksWhat shows up on a background check?
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- EducationTrade schools for felons
- ToolsReentry Checklist — Preparation Steps After Release