Does Eastman Chemical Hire Felons?

Eastman is a chemical and materials company based in Kingsport, Tennessee. Their products range from adhesives and coatings to specialized plastics and chemicals used in technology manufacturing.

When felons leave prison, it can be difficult to find work because employers are often cautious about hiring candidates with a criminal record. However, a lack of employment can lead former felons to illegal ways of making money and result in going back to prison. Job opportunities must be made available to felons so they can lead full lives after doing time.

About Eastman

Eastman creates specialty materials for different industries like solvents, resins, and fibers. It has manufacturing locations worldwide, including the United States, Europe, and South-East Asia.

George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak, began Eastman Chemical in 1920 to manufacture chemicals needed for developing photography film. The company spun off from Eastman Kodak in 1994 and is now an independent corporation.

The company has grown to over 15,000 employees and $10 billion in revenue in 2018. Eastman is the winner of the 1993 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the 2013 Responsible Care Company of the Year.

In addition to health, dental, and vision insurance, Eastman provides its employees with counseling services through the Employee & Family Assistance Program. Eastman also assists employees with adoption fees and tuition for continuing education.

Eastman employees enjoy the fair pay and great benefits the company offers. They also offer plenty of opportunities for career advancement and to travel to Eastman’s global facilities.

Does Eastman Hire Felons?

Eastman meets several required standards set by the United States government, including the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS). These guidelines determine whether chemical companies like Eastman can hire candidates with a criminal background.

CFATS says that individuals who were convicted of a felony within 7 years or released from prison within 5 years are ineligible for employment with companies like Eastman. If you were recently released, Eastman will probably not hire you, but your chances are better if you were released from incarceration over 5 years ago.

Does Eastman Run Background Checks?

Eastman conducts background checks according to CFATS guidelines. These checks are conducted before Eastman gives a contractor pass to a contract employee.

The background check will search federal, state, and county criminal records for the past 7 years. It will also identify any discrepancies with your Social Security Number and your employment history.

Careers at Eastman

Eastman offers job openings for a variety of different professions. A majority of these jobs are in engineering and manufacturing, but there are also administrative positions available.

Process Operators at Eastman work directly with manufacturing the materials the company offers. This position requires an eye for detail and the ability to work independently.

Utility Mechanics work directly with Process Operators to manufacture products and maintain machinery. These employees troubleshoot and repair pumps on-site and perform basic welding tasks.

Eastman hires many Chemical Engineers that collaborate to solve manufacturing problems. While this position often requires a bachelor’s degree and work experience, Eastman often hires Chemical Engineer Interns to guide through the profession.

There are also Customer Service opportunities at Eastman that only require a high school diploma. These entry-level positions have employees answer customers’ questions and process orders from clients.

Eastman’s Logistics Planners organize the transportation and delivery of products. These employees also coordinate machine maintenance and solve operational problems.

Application Process at Eastman

You can start your Eastman application by going to the company’s careers website (https://jobs.eastman.com/) and creating an account. After that, you can complete your profile with your resume and work experience and apply for jobs directly through the site’s job postings section.

As always, don’t lie about your past during the application and interview process. Your criminal record may disqualify you from working at Eastman, but lying about it will only take more of your time with the same result.

If it comes up during an interview, be honest with the person interviewing you. Maybe even discuss how your experiences have made you a better fit for the position you’re applying for. Eastman values diversity in its employees, so don’t let your past stop you from applying.

A successful employee is analytical, great at problem solving, and an independent worker. If that’s you, it never hurts to apply.