Does KFC Hire Felons?

KFC is a fast-food restaurant chain specializing in fried chicken. In 2019, they were ranked the 11^th most successful fast-food chain in America by Business Insider.

Felons re-entering their communities need the opportunity to earn a living by honest means. By hiring employees with previous felonies, companies give these individuals the chance to improve their lives and have a fresh start.

About KFC

KFC, short for Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a fast-food chain restaurant known for its crispy fried chicken meals. KFC offers family-style meals consisting of buckets of fried chicken, biscuits, and other side dishes, as well as individual meals, such as sandwiches and chicken tenders.

KFC was founded in Kentucky by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952. Now based in Louisville, Kentucky, KFC has grown into the second largest chain restaurant in the world.

There are over 23,000 KFC locations throughout the world, with over 90,000 employees.  4,000 KFC’s are located in the United States, meaning many jobs could be available in the company at any given time.

Being that KFC is a franchise, employee benefits may vary based on the location. At all locations, employees receive flexible work schedules, paid training, and free (during working hours) or discounted meals. Other possible benefits to employees include paid time off, health insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k).

Employees of KFC often talk about having a flexible work schedule as one of the main reasons they enjoy working for the company. Other highlights of working here, according to employees, are good pay and free shift meals.

Does KFC Hire Felons?

According to multiple online sources, KFC does hire felons. It is important to remember that KFC restaurants are part of a franchise, which means that franchise owners may have different policies and requirements for employment.

This information is based on what is currently available from reliable sources and hiring policies of individual locations can change over time.

Does KFC run background checks?

According to KFC’s career website, independently-owned franchise locations can have different hiring requirements. This means that some, but not all, KFC locations make require a background check of potential employees.

Based on our research, background checks would typically be done for supervisor positions more than entry-level ones. Locations that do require background checks may look into any criminal history, and possibly driving records.

Careers At KFC

KFC values employees who share their belief in quality customer service and high standards for food and cleanliness. Candidates who enjoy working in a fast-pasted environment may being a team member at one of their many restaurant locations. Below are 5 positions commonly offered at KFC.

Cook: Responsible for preparing and cooking KFC’s signature chicken. An ability to work well as a team and a commitment to keeping the food preparation area clean is necessary to succeed as a KFC cook.

Customer Service Team Member: Responsible for making and preparing food items other than KFC’s chicken. Responsible for assisting guests with transactions, orders, and creating a positive, friendly dining experience.

Shift Supervisor: In addition to interacting with guests, Shift Supervisors are also responsible for helping lead the restaurant’s team members. This position requires employees to inform team members of goals, promotions, updates, and motivate them. It also requires them to support the General Manager of the restaurant in a number of ways.

Assistant Manager: Responsibilities include working with the General Manager on setting and monitoring goals, train and hire employees, oversee any guest experience problems, and be a leader for team members. According to the KFC website, all applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Restaurant General Manager: Responsible for overseeing daily operation of the restaurant and tracking whether they are on target to meet their goals. They are responsible for the training, development, and onboarding of new employees. General Managers must partner with other Restaurant General Managers and Area Leaders to grow the business. A valid license and reliable transportation is required for this position.

Application Process At KFC

You can apply for a position at KFC by going into a restaurant and asking for an application, or by applying online. To search and apply to a position online, go to https://jobs.kfc.com/.

If applying in person, be sure to dress professionally and bring a valid photo id with you. Coming prepared for a potentially on-the-spot interviews shows that you are serious about the position and well-organized.

If you have been invited to an in-person interview after applying online, make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. KFC values timeliness, and being early also allows you to organize your thoughts and any paperwork before the interview.

It can be helpful to bring a printed copy of your resume with you when applying or coming in for an interview. This can also go a long way in showing a potential employer that you are prepared and well-organized.

During the interview you may or may not be asked about any criminal history. It is best to be honest with employers about any past felonies. Talk about your crime in a way that shows you have learned from your mistakes and are eager for a fresh start.