Does Sears Hire Felons?
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Sears hires some people with records. Remaining locations with reduced footprint.
Sears hires some people with felony records at its remaining locations. Once America's largest retailer, Sears has significantly reduced its store count but continues to operate some locations and a substantial home services division. Sears Home Services (appliance repair) actively hires technicians. Background checks are conducted with individualized assessment.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate / Team Member | Sometimes | Yes — individualized | Entry-level retail. Background check with individualized assessment. |
| Cashier | Sometimes | Yes | Cash handling. Theft convictions assessed for relevance. |
| Stock / Receiving | Sometimes | Yes | Back-of-house stocking and inventory. Less customer contact. |
| Warehouse / Distribution | Sometimes | Yes | Distribution center work if applicable. Physical labor. |
| Department Supervisor | Rarely | Yes | Leadership with more thorough background review. |
| Store Manager | Rarely | Yes — comprehensive | Full management responsibility. |
Sears Hiring Practices for People with Records
Sears conducts background checks but evaluates criminal records through individualized assessment. The company considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. Stock, receiving, and warehouse positions are generally the most accessible for people with criminal records.
Background Check Process
Sears conducts background checks after conditional job offers through a third-party provider. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. The company complies with applicable ban-the-box and fair chance hiring laws and provides pre-adverse action notice if issues are found.
What Disqualifies You from Working at Sears
Theft convictions are sensitive in retail. Violent felonies and sex offenses are typically disqualifying. Financial crimes affect payment-handling positions. Drug convictions are assessed individually with more flexibility for older offenses.
Tips for Getting Hired at Sears with a Record
Apply online through Sears's career portal. Target stock and receiving positions. Emphasize retail experience and availability. Apply during seasonal hiring for more opportunities.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online through Sears's official career page.
- 2.Target stock, receiving, and back-of-house positions for better chances.
- 3.Emphasize retail experience and availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- 4.Seasonal hiring periods offer more opportunities with higher hiring volume.
- 5.Know your rights under your state's fair chance hiring laws.
- 6.Demonstrate reliability — attendance and punctuality matter most in retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Sears hire felons?
- Sears hires some people with felony records. Background checks use individualized assessment.
- Does Sears do background checks?
- Yes, Sears conducts background checks after conditional job offers with individualized assessment.
- Does Sears drug test?
- Drug testing policies vary by position and location. Check with the specific store.
- How much does Sears pay?
- Entry-level associates typically earn $10-$16/hour depending on position and location.
- Can I work at Sears with a theft conviction?
- Theft convictions are assessed individually. Older convictions with rehabilitation evidence have better chances. Non-cash-handling positions may be more accessible.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Sears Careers
Official career page.
- National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.
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- Background ChecksWhat shows up on a background check?
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- RecoveryOnline recovery meetings