Finding a job when you have a record feels like running a race with your shoelaces tied together. You’ve done the time, you’ve done the work to change, but that background check comes back and—poof—the door slams shut. It’s frustrating. Honestly, it’s exhausting. But here is something most people actually get wrong about the modern job market: a lot of the biggest names in the world are actually looking for you. They aren't just "okay" with a record; they have specific programs designed to recruit people who have been through the justice system.
Why? Because the labor shortage is real, and companies have realized that "second chance" employees are often more loyal and work harder because they know exactly what’s at stake.
This isn't just about fast food anymore. We are talking about tech giants, major banks, and massive logistics firms. If you are looking for a list of companies that hire felons, you need to know who is actually walking the walk in 2026.
The Big Names: Tech and Finance
It’s a common myth that you have to settle for manual labor. That’s just not true anymore. Some of the most prestigious companies in the country have signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge.
Google and Microsoft have both been vocal about hiring justice-impacted individuals. Google even put up over $8 million recently to help people with records get digital skills. They don't just look at the conviction; they look at the person.
JPMorgan Chase is another huge one. They actually have a "ReEntry Program" specifically for people who have been out of the workforce for a while, including those with criminal records. They’ve hired thousands of people with backgrounds because, as CEO Jamie Dimon has said, it’s about getting the best talent, period.
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Apple also hires for retail and even corporate roles depending on the nature of the offense. They focus a lot on "integrity and personal growth" during their interviews. If you can show how you’ve changed, you’ve got a shot.
Retail and Food Service Giants
These are the old reliable options, but they’ve improved their benefits and pay lately. Walmart and Amazon are basically the largest employers of people with records in the U.S.
Amazon, in particular, is known for its "all-in" approach. They need people in their fulfillment centers and they are often willing to overlook non-violent felonies as long as you can pass their safety requirements.
Here’s a quick breakdown of others:
- Starbucks: They are famous for being "felon-friendly." They offer great health insurance and even tuition coverage.
- McDonald’s: Most locations are franchises, so it varies, but the corporate policy is very much about second chances.
- Kroger: One of the largest grocery chains, and they are part of the Second Chance Business Coalition.
- Target: They "banned the box" years ago, meaning they don't even ask about your record until much later in the process.
Manufacturing and Logistics
If you want to make good money without a college degree, manufacturing is where it’s at right now. Companies like Georgia-Pacific, Caterpillar, and John Deere are constantly hiring.
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Manufacturing is a bit different because they care more about your skills and your ability to show up on time. Drew Crowe, who was incarcerated multiple times himself, now leads a renaissance in this industry, helping manufacturers understand that people with records are the solution to their labor shortages.
Aramark and Sysco are also huge in the logistics and food distribution space. They need drivers, warehouse workers, and managers.
The Logistics of the Background Check
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the background check.
Most of these companies use a "Look Back" period. In many states, they can only see back seven years. However, even if they see it, it’s not an automatic "no."
Under the Fair Chance Act (and similar laws in places like Los Angeles and San Francisco), many employers cannot even ask about your criminal history until they have made you a conditional offer of employment. This gives you the chance to impress them with your personality and skills first.
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Where to Actually Apply
Don't just go to a generic job board and hope for the best. Use tools built for this.
Honest Jobs is probably the best resource out there right now. They have over 300,000 job openings from 1,500+ companies that have a proven track record of hiring people with felonies. Their system even tells you how "compatible" a job is with your specific conviction.
Another great one is the Second Chance Business Coalition website. They list major members like Accenture, Best Buy, CVS, and Home Depot. If a company is on that list, they have publicly committed to hiring people just like you.
Actionable Steps for Your Job Search
- Get Your Paperwork Together: Before you apply, get a copy of your own RAP sheet. You need to know exactly what the employer is going to see so you aren't surprised.
- Focus on "Fair Chance" Cities: If you have the ability to move or work remotely, cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago have much stricter laws that protect job seekers with records.
- The "Two-Minute" Story: Be ready to explain your past briefly, take responsibility, and then immediately pivot to what you’ve learned and why you’re a great worker now. Don't over-explain. Just be honest and move on.
- Check for Tax Credits: Remind smaller employers that they might be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which can save them up to $2,400 if they hire someone who was recently released from prison.
- Use Specialized Recruiters: Look for "Reentry Navigators" in your local area. Many non-profits like Goodwill or the Safer Foundation have direct lines to hiring managers at big companies.
The world is changing. A felony isn't the career-killer it used to be. You have skills, you have value, and there are thousands of companies in 2026 that are ready to see that. It takes persistence, but the door is finally starting to swing open.