Yes, CVS runs background checks on all potential employees. However, this doesn’t mean they will automatically turn down an applicant with a felony. If you are a felon, you may still be able to work at CVS. This article will provide more information about the company and suggestions on how to get a job there.
In this article, we will share information about these topics:
- What is CVS?
- What will CVS see on my background check? What do I do if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
- How can I succeed in a CVS interview?
About CVS
CVS is a drugstore and pharmacy brand. With over 9,000 stores, it is the largest pharmacy chain in America. In addition to prescription drugs, CVS also sells items like snackfood, office supplies, greeting cards, and personal care products. Locate your local CVS on their website here.
In CVS’s fast-paced work environment, entry-level jobs include store associate, delivery driver, and warehouse associate.
As a store associate, you might be asked to:
- Operate a cash register
- Restock shelves
- Update pricing information for stocked items
- Engage in customer service, like greeting customers and answering questions
As a delivery driver, you might be asked to:
- Lift and carry up to 30lbs
- Drive a delivery vehicle
- Navigate while driving using GPS
- Handle confidential customer information like address and prescription type
As a warehouse associate, you might be asked to:
- Lift and carry up to 40lbs
- Stand for extended periods of time
- Pack and ship orders
Visit the CVS careers page here to learn more about jobs with the company. As you are browsing, consider jobs in CVS stores, as it is easier for a felon to be hired by the store than by the pharmacy. Pharmacy jobs often require special licensing that can be revoked because of a felony.
CVS Background Check
CVS runs a background check on everyone applying to work at their stores. This background check will include information about any pending charges, felonies, incarcerations, or misdemeanors on your record. They might also require you to take a drug test. CVS does not state on their site that they have a blanket policy against hiring felons, which suggests that they will handle each application individually.
The application process at CVS begins with their online application. After submitting an application, you can expect to be called in for an interview. A background check will be performed after you have interviewed with the company. If you live live somewhere that has “banned the box” on job applications, CVS shouldn’t ask you about your criminal record before you are interviewed. The states that have “banned the box” are:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
CVS has also signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. This is a pledge that encourages them not to ask about an applicant’s convictions on their application. If the job application form does ask you about felony convictions, read it carefully. It might only ask about recent convictions. In this case, you don’t have to mention any felonies earlier than the application asks about. Usually, this time limit is somewhere between 5 and 10 years.
In all states in the US, CVS has to get your consent before they run a background check. They might make you a job offer contingent on a background check. This means that you will get the job only after CVS receives your background check results.
If you refuse a background check, CVS can refuse to hire you. It’s a good idea to consent to the background check. It shows that you are honest and gives you the opportunity to shape how your interviewer sees you.
Also remember that it is illegal for CVS to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This means that they cannot treat you differently from someone else with the same criminal record because of your race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
You can see your own criminal record before CVS does by using an official criminal background check website. Here is a list of these websites, organized by state. The cost of a background check is different depending on your state. It will not cost more than $20 in most areas. Although the upfront cost is an inconvenience, it pays off in the long run to know exactly what information CVS will have about you.
Use these websites to make sure that all of your information is up-to-date. If you find any problems on your record, take the steps to fix it. The process for fixing mistakes on your criminal record varies by state. You could be asked to submit a form online, have your fingerprints taken, or file a motion for a judge to make the correction. A quick google search will tell you more about how to correct your criminal record in your specific state.
You might also be able to get an arrest or conviction expunged from your record. If you get an expungement, the conviction will “disappear.” It will not show up on a background check. You do not have to tell your employer about it. States that currently support expungement are:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
If you live in one of these states, this website has more information about the process.
If you make changes to your record, know what the changes are. Keep documentation to prove that the changes are legitimate. If someone at CVS asks about changes in your record, you can show them these documents and explain that you have an updated record.
How can I succeed in a CVS interview?
Honesty is always the best policy, especially in a professional interview. If your interviewer asks you about a felony or misdemeanor, don’t lie. Take the opportunity to quickly explain it. Then emphasize how much you want to work hard and move on from your past mistakes. Frame it as a positive (“I am working hard on building a meaningful future”) rather than a negative (“I made a lot of mistakes in the past”). One of CVS’s goals as a company is to help its customers “stay well in body, mind and spirit.” Look at a job with CVS as your opportunity to do this for yourself.
Be honest about how a job at CVS will help you immerse yourself in a good atmosphere and share that atmosphere with customers. You can read more about CVS’s corporate values here. This document also offers great advice on how to discuss a felony with a potential employer.
In order to showcase your best qualities, take the time to prepare for your interview. Prepare and practice answers to questions like:
- What do you know about CVS? Why do you want to work here?
- Have you ever had a similar job? What relevant experience will help you do well at CVS?
- What are your greatest strengths? Greatest weaknesses?
- Why should CVS choose you instead of another applicant?
Aim to come across as enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and professional. Arrive a few minutes early to your interview, dress formally, and prepare a hard copy of your resume.
Many colleges offer free resumes help, such as this page from the University of Georgia with helpful tips. Monster.com has compiled this database of example resumes. Some websites offer templates that you can fill out with your information. For example, resume.com and Google docs have free templates. You can also visit the H.I.R.E. Network’s website for more state-specific guides and resources to help you prepare. Use these resources to help you put your best foot forward!
After your interview, send an email to thank your interviewer. If you discussed your criminal record during your interview, be sure to remind them about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Federal Bonding Program. These are federal programs that give benefits and support to employers who hire felons.
CVS is a household name, and a job in their store would be fast-paced and exciting. After reading this article, you understand how a background check will be used in your application process. Now prepare to tell your story and present yourself in a professional way, and CVS could be your future place of work!
