Does Carl’s Jr. Hire Felons?

Everyone makes mistakes in life. Mistakes are a learning experience that encourages personal growth, but the reality is that our society does not forgive and forget. Felons have paid their debt to society, yet we continue to punish them long after their release.

It is time we realize that if we want to solve our repeat offender problem, we need to give convicts a second chance. One of the best ways to do this is to give them a stable job! Fortunately, there are companies willing to look past our mistakes and give people a second chance.

About Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. is a quick-service restaurant chain headquartered in Carpinteria, CA. CKE Restaurants Holdings owns Carl’s Jr. along with Hardee’s, Red Burrito, and Green Burrito. They are known for their focus on high quality, Angus beef burgers.

The company was founded in 1941 by Carl and Margaret Karcher and, in its early years, operated hot dog carts in Los Angeles. The first restaurant opened in Anaheim in 1945, and has grown considerably since that time.

Carl’s Jr. now operates over 1,300 locations in the western United States and employs over 30,000 people. Almost one thousand of their locations are franchise owned and operated. The company consistently wins awards for quality and excellence, and they pride themselves on community involvement.

Full time employees at Carl’s Jr enjoy a variety of benefits that improve their quality of life. These can include vacation and sick pay, medical and dental insurance, meal discounts, education reimbursement, and direct deposit. Those seeking to advance into management have even more benefits, including 401(k), life insurance, and disability insurance.

All employees receive competitive wages and flexible schedules. Since the company operates breakfast, lunch, and dinner, workers are able to find a schedule that balances their careers and personal lives. The company believes in internal promotions, and hard-working and capable crewmembers can and do advance into management.

Does Carl’s Jr. Hire Felons?

Based on our research, Carl’s Jr. will hire felons. The company is listed as a safe employment opportunity for convicts, but each person’s record will be an important factor in the hiring process. Like any job, the hiring manager’s perception of the candidate is extremely important.

Since most locations are franchised, individual owners and managers may set their own policies on who they will hire. Nonviolent felonies will be overlooked, especially if significant time has passed since the conviction.

Felons are hired for hourly positions; however, direct hire into management is unlikely. This is true for everyone, since managers are promoted from within the company. The main opportunities available are for cashier and cooking positions.

Application Process at Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. prefers candidates apply online at their website, https://www.carlsjr.com/careers. The application includes standard personal information (name, date of birth, social security number, address, etc.) and work history. After an application is submitted, the process continues as follows:

• The application is forwarded to the location.
• The hiring manager will review the application and schedule an interview.
• The on-site interview may be handled by a lower level manager. If so, a second interview may be arranged.
• You could be hired immediately, but it is not guaranteed.

Tips To Apply At Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. is looking for two major qualities in employees: reliability and flexibility. Candidates that can demonstrate both of these have the best chances of getting hired. Working any shift and any position shows your flexibility.

An interview is where you stand out. If you are invited to one, try to look your best and wear neat, fitted clothing. You want the hiring manager to remember your professionalism.

Answer all questions directly and as honestly as possible. Every question is designed to figure out whether you are reliable and flexible, so your answers must reflect it.

As a felon, it is important to tell the truth about your conviction, since lying on an application is grounds for dismissal. If asked, be as honest as possible, but do not volunteer too much information. Your conviction was in the past, and your only goal now is to make an honest living.