Does Aldi Hire Felons?

In this article, we’ll get you up to speed and answer some common questions. Does Aldi hire felons? Will Aldi hire me with a misdemeanor? How far back does Aldi’s background check go? And, how long does it take Aldi to hire?

Let’s get started!

If you’re looking for a job in retail, Aldi is probably close to the top of your list because they pay well and offer decent benefits. But if you’ve got a criminal background, you’re no doubt wondering about your chances of being hired at an Aldi store or an Aldi warehouse.

Does Aldi Hire Felons in 2024?

Your criminal conviction won’t necessarily prevent you from getting a job with Aldi. However, they aren’t one of the most felony-friendly employers around.

Aldi hasn’t signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge and they aren’t part of the Second Chance Business Coalition. Both initiatives focus on removing employment barriers and making it easier for individuals with criminal histories to find employment.

Aldi does hire felons, but the type of offense involved and when it took place, are very important

factors. They’ll review your criminal history, then decide if your offense is compatible with retail work.

For example, a 10-year-old felony for drug possession may not disqualify you, as long as you’re able to pass any drug test they need you to take.

A felony for theft or fraud, on the other hand, would almost certainly mean that they wouldn’t want to employ you.

Other offences which will be a problem are violent offences and sexual offences because Aldi has to consider the safety of their staff members and customers.

And if you’re applying for a warehouse position where you’ll be operating a forklift or other heavy equipment, a DUI could mean rejection.

Even so, you’ve got nothing to lose by making an application. Ultimately, the Aldi hiring manager and the HR department are the ones who will review your history and make a decision.

If you don’t apply because you think your chances are slim, you could lose out on a job opportunity.

Will Aldi Hire Me With A Misdemeanor?

While it’s true that a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, Aldi takes notice of the nature of an offense when they make a hiring decision.

Misdemeanor theft is still theft, and retailers don’t want to hire dishonest workers. They’ve got merchandise and money to protect, and as far as they’re concerned, it makes no sense to expose themselves to a known risk.

They may be willing to give you a chance with another type of misdemeanor on your record though.

Aldi does hire people with criminal records, so put in an application and see what happens.

Does Aldi Hire Undocumented Workers?

When you’ve got a criminal background, finding an employer that hires undocumented workers is one way to find a job because they aren’t going to ask any questions.

So, does Aldi hire undocumented workers? No, Aldi follows all federal and state labor laws and will not knowingly hire an undocumented worker.

How do they do an identity check, does Aldi do E-Verify? Aldi uses a 3rd party background check provider. During your background check, Aldi will confirm your identity and your right to work in the country. You’ll need to provide suitable identification and your social security number when you complete your background check information.

The background check will also look at your criminal history.

How Far Back Does The Aldi Background Check Go?

The Aldi background check will go back at least 7 years, and longer if state laws allow.

Several states have limited criminal history background checks to 7 years, so Aldi has to follow those rules. But if your state hasn’t put any limits in place, Aldi can go through your entire background.

States with a background check limit are:

• California
• Colorado
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• Texas
• Washington

However, employers can still discover older offenses if you have a parole record or release date during the last 7 years.

At your interview, you’ll have the opportunity to bring up your background. You should rehearse a brief statement about your offense which emphasizes how you’ve changed since that time and outlines the steps you’ve taken to ensure that you won’t repeat that kind of behavior.

If you’ve got character references, make sure you present them at your interview.

What’s The Aldi Hiring Process?

If you’re ready to get started on your Aldi application, it’s useful to know how the hiring process works.

The first step is filling out an application on the Aldi jobs portal. Once you’ve submitted your information, you should receive an email or text message within 2 weeks letting you know the status of your application.

If you’re being considered for a position, a manager will be in touch to schedule a phone or an in-person interview.

Your interview will be with the store manager, and the district manager is usually present as well, but don’t be nervous about that.

If you’re applying at a hiring event, you’ll have your interview at the event, and again it will be with a store manager and district manager.

Sometimes, the interview will be a group interview, where you’re shown around the store or warehouse while the managers give you information about the company, working hours, and job requirements. They’ll ask some basic questions in the group, then take you away for a short one-on-one.

If you’re successful at the interview stage, you’ll receive a conditional job offer. This could be within a couple of days, or it could take a few weeks.

If you accept the job offer, you’ll be directed to provide the information needed for your background check, and you could be asked to take a drug test.

Once you pass those background screenings, you’re hired, and you can pick your start date.

How long does it take Aldi to hire? From start to finish, it could take anywhere from 1 week to a month or longer. It all depends on the needs of the store or warehouse.

If you’re applying for a position at a new store that isn’t open yet, the process usually takes a little longer because Aldi gets a lot of applications when they announce they’re opening a new store. If you’re applying to an existing store, the process should be faster.

Does Aldi Drug Test Applicants?

Officially, Aldi requires you to pass a drug test as part of the background procedure, and you’ll see that requirement listed on job notices. But employees report that testing isn’t the norm in 2022 for a variety of reasons.

Given that Aldi could revert to their official policy at any time, you should be prepared to take a drug test.

If you’re asked to take a test, it will be a 5-panel urine screen that looks for:

• Opiates
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines and methamphetamine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Tips For Getting Hired At Aldi

Aldi employees work extremely hard. You’ll need to be physically fit and capable of working at a fast pace throughout your shift. If you’ve got comparable experience on your resume, or if you make a fitness regime part of your regular activity, then that will count in your favor.

You’ll also need to be an effective team member willing to take on whatever task is necessary to keep the store or warehouse running smoothly. At your interview, be sure to emphasize that you’re committed to teamwork and if you can discuss some examples of that, even better.

Have open availability. Your availability is something hiring managers are very interested in. They want employees who can be flexible about their hours, and who will accommodate the needs of the store or warehouse by working extra shifts at short notice, working late or early shifts, and working through holiday periods.

If you’re applying for a store job, having customer service experience will be a bonus, but if you don’t have any, then at least learn the main points, so you can show some knowledge about how you should treat customers.

Does Aldi Hire Convicted Felons? Quick Recap

Aldi does hire felons, which means they could give you a job as long as your criminal background doesn’t pose a risk to their business interests, or to the safety of staff and customers.

Having a history involving theft, fraud, violence, or sexual violence will usually result in a rejection, but other types of the offense may not disqualify you.

You’ll have to pass a background check which takes place once you accept a conditional offer of employment, and you may have to take a drug test.

Aldi pays well, so if you can handle hard work in a fast-paced environment, go ahead and get started on your application.