Yes, Old Navy runs background checks on all potential employees. However, this doesn’t mean that they automatically turn down everyone with a felony or misdemeanor. Are you a felon who is interested in working at Old Navy? If so, keep reading below to learn more!
In this article, we will share information about these topics:
- What is Old Navy?
- What will Old Navy see on my background check? What do I do if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
- How can I succeed in an Old Navy interview?
About Old Navy
Old Navy is a clothing company. They are best known for selling clothing and accessories at discount prices. Old Navy focuses on a family-friendly image and stocks clothing for men, women, children, toddlers, and babies. Unlike some other discount retailers, Old Navy does not stock various brands, and sells only Old Navy brand items. They describe themselves as “a place where you can find all of your wardrobe ‘must-haves’ at prices you can’t believe” and “a place where every family member is invited.”
Old Navy’s parent company is Gap. This means that many of its store policies and hiring policies are the same as Gap’s.
Old Navy’s career website is located here. They have full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs. Seasonal jobs open up during the wintertime. They help the store meet increased demand during the holiday season. For full-time employees, Old Navy offers many benefits.
One of the entry-level jobs available at the store is a brand associate.
As a brand associate, you will be asked to:
- Engage with customers and answer questions
- Clean the store
- Stock and organize merchandise
- Operate a cash register
Do you possess any of these skills? If so, Old Navy could be right for you. Visit Old Navy’s job portal for more information. Old Navy has more than 1000 stores worldwide. If there is a store near you, consider applying for one of the jobs listed above!
Old Navy Background Check
Old Navy runs a background check on everyone applying for a job with them. 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. Old Navy does not state on their site that they have a blanket policy against hiring felons. This is good news! It means that they will judge each application on an individual basis.
The application process at Old Navy begins with their online application. After submitting an application, you can expect to be called in for an interview within 1-2 days. A background check will be performed after your interview. If you live somewhere that has “banned the box” on job applications, Old Navy should not ask you about your criminal background before your interview. The states that have “banned the box” are:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
If the job application form does ask you about felony convictions, make sure that you read it carefully. It might only ask about recent convictions. This means that you don’t have to mention any felonies earlier than the application asks about. This time limit is usually somewhere between 5 and 10 years.
Also know that there are different kinds of background checks. Some are more extensive than others. Eleven states have passed laws that only allow background checks to go back seven years. In some of these states, this time limit depends on the amount of money you will make at a job. For a part-time entry-level job at Old Navy, the following states only allow the past seven years to show up on a background check:
- California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
In all states in the US, Old Navy must 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 Old Navy receives your background check results.
If you refuse a background check, Old Navy can refuse to hire you. It is a good idea to consent to the background check. Refusing shows that you have something to hide. It might make your interviewer see you as dishonest or untrustworthy.
Also remember that it is illegal for Old Navy 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 Old Navy 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 varies by state. In most states it does not cost more than $20. Although the upfront cost is an inconvenience, it is ultimately helpful to see your full criminal record yourself.
Use these websites to make sure that all of your information is up-to-date. If you find any problems with your record, take the steps to fix them. The process for fixing mistakes on your criminal record varies by state. You might be asked to submit a form online, have your fingerprints taken, or file a motion for a judge to make the correction. A simple google search will tell you more about the procedure 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 live in an area that is not on this list, you will not be able to officially expunge any information from your record.
If you make changes to your record, keep documentation to prove that each change is legitimate. If someone at Old Navy 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 an Old Navy interview?
Honesty is the best policy. If your interviewer asks you about a felony or misdemeanor, do not lie about it. Take the opportunity to quickly explain it. Then tell them that you want to work hard and move on from your past. Frame it in a positive way (“I am working hard on building a meaningful future”), not in a negative way (“I made a lot of mistakes in the past”). This document also offers great advice on how to discuss a felony with a potential employer.
Remember that some things are out of your control. Your interviewer might not be sympathetic to your case. If you have a violent felony or a history of theft, it will be harder for you to get work at a retail store. To put your best foot forward, prepare for your interview. Aim to present yourself as a professional candidate. Practice answering questions like:
- What is your favorite thing about Old Navy? Why do you want to work here?
- Have you ever had a similar job?
- What skills do you possess that will help you succeed at Old Navy?
- Why should Old Navy 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 resume 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 resources to you prepare for your job search.
After your interview, send an email to thank your interviewer. If you discussed your criminal record during your interview, remember to tell 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.
A background check does not mean automatic rejection for felons. By using the above information, you can prepare yourself for a job at Old Navy. First, learn your facts about the company. Next, research your own criminal history and practice talking about it. Finally, use the resources listed in this article to prepare yourself professionally. Follow these three steps and you will set yourself up for success!
