Amazon is a rapidly expanding e-commerce giant known for its dynamic recruitment process. To maintain efficient operations, Amazon places a strong emphasis on hiring the right individuals for the right roles, which includes conducting thorough background checks. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of Amazon’s Basic Background Check Policy, identify potential red flags that could lead to the rejection of your application, and offer a brief overview of the Amazon hiring process. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Amazon Background Check Policy?
Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, has grown from an online bookstore to a global e-commerce powerhouse. With a workforce comprising both skilled and unskilled labor, Amazon operates over 170 centers across 13 countries, employing more than 1.5 million people worldwide.
Does Amazon Do Background Checks?
Yes! When you apply for a job at Amazon, you must go through a rigorous selection process, which includes several background checks. These checks are typically conducted by third-party companies like Accurate Backgrounds. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll need to complete the necessary assessments or participate in an interview with a recruiter.
- Following that, Amazon will initiate the background check process. You must pass all checks to comply with Amazon’s Background Check Policy.
- The process involves verifying the information you provided with your previous employers.
- Your employment at Amazon will only be confirmed once all required checks are satisfactorily completed.
This article provides an in-depth look at the Amazon background check policy and how it is used during the recruitment process.
Does Amazon Hire Felons?
The answer to this question varies depending on the location, the position applied for, and the nature of the felony. Amazon’s HR team considers several factors before making a decision. Here are a few key points to consider:
- In some states, Amazon’s Background Check Policy does not consider felony convictions from the past 7 years.
- When interviewing, avoid disclosing your felony early on. Instead, focus on building a positive rapport and discuss your past near the end of the interview.
- It’s crucial to be empathetic and honest when discussing your felony, ensuring you don’t jeopardize the interview process.
Amazon does hire felons for temporary positions and may offer permanent roles based on the individual’s skills and the severity of the felony.
What Does Amazon Background Check Policy Include?
Despite its vast workforce, Amazon remains diligent about who it hires. Applicants must undergo a series of background checks as part of the hiring process. The Background Check Policy includes the following:
1. Criminal background check: This step ensures that the applicant has no criminal history.
2. Reference background check: This step verifies the accuracy of the information provided on your resume. If your resume is truthful, passing this check should be straightforward.
- Verification may involve contacting your most recent employer or several past employers, depending on your work history.
- It’s important to be honest in your resume, as this reflects loyalty and integrity.
- The Amazon HR team, often busy, may focus on key details such as job title, roles, responsibilities, and overall performance during their verification process.
3. Final drug test: After a successful in-person interview, a drug test will be conducted.
- The test involves a mouth swab.
- The swab will be tested for substances like cocaine, cannabis, and methamphetamine.
- If any traces of these substances are found, the likelihood of being hired is minimal.
- As an Amazon employee, you’ll be required to pass an annual medical drug test to maintain your employment.
Passing these preliminary checks is essential for joining the Amazon team.
Everything You Should Know About Check Policy
Here are some important facts to know about Amazon’s Background Check Policy:
- When applying for a job at Amazon, you must agree to their Background Check Policy and authorize them to perform the checks. Without authorization, you cannot complete the application process.
- It typically takes 1 to 4 weeks to receive the results of your background check. If more than 2 weeks have passed, you can contact Amazon for an update.
- The background check process can cover data going back 7 to 10 years. It’s advisable to have at least 7 years of relevant data on hand.
- The background check evaluations are conducted before you are hired. Once you’ve joined Amazon, Accurate Backgrounds will not continue this process.
- If you do not pass the background check, Amazon will inform you of the reasons. If you haven’t received any updates regarding your application, you can contact Amazon’s support team for further information.
- All background checks are handled by a third-party company called Accurate Backgrounds. They will communicate with you during the evaluation process and provide your credit scores once the checks are completed.
Before applying to Amazon, it’s advisable to self-evaluate by running your own background check through a professional firm. This can help identify any potential red flags and allow you to address them before applying.
Information Verified During Background Checks
- Criminal records: Any criminal activity within the past 7 to 10 years will be reported during the background check. The details of any misdemeanors could impact the hiring decision.
- Work Experience: Your work history for the past 7 years will be reviewed, including employer details, length of service, and reasons for job changes.
- Educational Details: The background check will also verify your educational background and performance.
- Credit & Financial details: Your credit history and financial status will be assessed, which can help the recruiter determine your level of responsibility.
- Reference Details: When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide references. Accurate Backgrounds will contact these references to gather information about your performance, which will be included in your background report.
Red Flags in Your Amazon Application
Here are some red flags that could lead to the rejection of your application:
- Felony: If you have a criminal record within the past seven years, your application may be rejected to protect Amazon’s reputation and ensure the safety of its employees and customers. Applications from individuals with convictions for crimes such as credit card fraud, theft, assault, or sexual offenses are more likely to be rejected.
- Dishonest Information: Providing false information on your application will result in automatic disqualification if discovered during the background check. Always ensure that the information you provide is accurate and truthful to avoid disqualification.
Laws Governing Background Check Policy
All US-based companies, including Amazon, adhere to state-specific laws and regulations. Amazon follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs how background checks are conducted. Here’s what you need to know:
- The FCRA stipulates that employers should not consider criminal records older than seven years when evaluating job applications. If your criminal record is older than seven years, you can confidently apply for Amazon jobs.
- In some states, there are exceptions that may shorten this time frame, depending on local laws.
How to Run Background Check on Yourself?
Before applying to Amazon, it’s a good idea to conduct a background check on yourself to ensure that your application is as strong as possible. There are many professional background check services available, as well as public platforms that anyone can access. Key features of these platforms include:
- They offer more detailed results than professional sites without legal restrictions.
- These platforms are reliable and provide comprehensive results after thorough analysis.
Choosing the right online background check service can be challenging. Here are two reliable options:
1. Use Instant CheckMate
Instant CheckMate offers extensive background check services with the following features:
- It’s accessible on both mobile devices and PCs.
- The service includes a user-friendly management tool.
- Pricing is approximately $33 per month, or around $28 for a three-month package.
If you’re looking for fast and accurate results, Instant CheckMate is a solid choice.
2. Use TruthFinder
TruthFinder is known for its accuracy. Key features include:
- Its browser dashboard is accessible on both iOS and Android platforms, although search speed may vary based on your network connection.
- It has 5-star reviews from users worldwide.
- You can filter data from both private and public databases.
- Results are transparent, accurate, and current.
- Membership costs $28 per month, or $23 for a two-month package, allowing you to run multiple background checks as often as needed.
So, why does Amazon hire felons? It does so only after comprehensive checks as per its Background Check Policy intended to ensure its employees are free of criminal records, and in fact, honest & sincere.
