The short answer to this question is yes, Kohl’s runs background checks on all potential employees. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply if you have a felony or misdemeanor. If you’re interested in working at Kohl’s, continue reading this article. You will learn more about the company, their hiring process, and how you can make yourself a competitive applicant.
In this article, we will share information about these topics:
- What is Kohl’s?
- What will Kohl’s see on my background check? What do I do if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
- How can I succeed in a Kohl’s interview?
About Kohl’s
Kohl’s is a department store. With over 1,000 locations in the US, it is one of the largest retailers in the country. It sells clothing, home goods, toys, personal care products, and similar items. Kohl’s prides itself on its low-price items, the variety of brands it offers in stores, and its family-friendly image.
Available jobs at Kohl’s can be found on the company’s career page here. These range from sales associate to stockroom worker. There are part-time and full-time positions available. Kohl’s also has seasonal jobs, as many retailers do. This means that during the holiday season they hire additional workers to help meet increased demand from customers.
Here are two of the most common jobs at Kohl’s and the skills that you will need to perform them well.
As a sales associate, you may need to:
- Greet customers and offer assistance
- Organize stock in the store
- Operate a cash register0
As a stockroom worker, you may need to:
- Be on your feet for long periods of time
- Lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis
- Unload stock from trucks
If you have experience in these areas, Kohl’s may be a good fit for you! To learn more, you can visit the Kohl’s website for details about all available jobs.
Kohl’s Background Check
Kohl’s runs a background check on all potential employees. This background check will most likely include information about any pending charges, felonies, incarcerations, or misdemeanors on your record. They could also require you to take a drug test. Kohl’s does not state on their site that they have a blanket policy against hiring felons. This is good news! It means that they will evaluate each employee on a case-by-case basis.
The application process at Kohl’s begins with their job listing lisiting site. Once you have submitted your application, you should wait to be called in for an interview. Kohl’s will run a background check after you have interviewed with the company. If you live somewhere that has “banned the box” on job applications, Kohl’s 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
If the job application form does ask you about felony convictions, 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, Kohl’s has to get your consent before they run a background check. They might ask for your consent during your interview or after your interview. They could make you a job offer that is contingent on a background check. This means that you will get the job only after the background check results come in.
If you refuse a background check, Kohl’s might refuse to hire you. They are allowed to do this. It is a good idea to consent to the background check. Refusing a background checks suggests that you have something to hide. It will make you come across as dishonest or untrustworhy. When you are honest with your interviewer, you give yourself the opportunity to focus on a positive future instead of dwelling on a negative past.
Remember that it is illegal for Kohl’s 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. The company is also an Equal Opportunity Employer. This does not necessarily mean that they will ignore a felony altogether. But it does encourage your interviewer to look beyond the stereotypes they might have about felons.
You can see your own criminal record before Kohl’s 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, but is usually not more than $20. Although the cost might be offputting, it is a good investment to make before you start applying for jobs. It is valuable for you to know exactly how your record appears to employers.
Use these websites to check for any incorrect information before you apply. If you find any mistakes or outdated information, 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 simple 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 live in a state that is not on this list, your area does not yet allow expungement.
After you make changes to your record, know what the changes are. Get documents that prove the legitimacy of the changes. If someone at Kohl’s asks about changes or discrepancies on your record, you can show them these documents and explain that you have an updated record.
How can I succeed in a Kohl’s interview?
If you get an interview at Kohl’s, do not lie about your criminal record. If you are asked about it, take the opportunity to show that you are working hard to move your life forward in a positive direction. Explain your criminal record briefly. Then focus on your goals for the future and how a job at Kohl’s will help you achieve those goals. Your interview is your chance to show your personality and share your story. Go beyond the bare facts on your resume and application form. Show Kohl’s why hiring you is adding human value to their company.
Prepare to talk about yourself and your strengths by considering the following questions:
- What do you know about Kohl’s?
- What skills do you have that will help you succeed in this position?
- How do you work in a team?
- What is your greatest strenght? Greatest weakness?
- Why should Kohl’s hire you instead of other candidates?
Also be prepared to explain any gaps in your resume if you have been out of the workforce for a significant amount of time. See these government tips for great advice on how to discuss a felony with potential employers.
Some things may be out of your control. Your interviewer may not be sympathetic to your case. If you have a violent felony or a history of theft, it will probably be harder for you to get work at a retail store.
To demonstrate your professionalism, try to arrive early to your interview, dress formally, and prepare a copy of your resume. Many colleges offer free information about resumes, such as these tips from the University of Georgia. Websites like resume.com and Google docs offer templates that you can fill out with your information. Monster.com also has this database of example resumes. You can also visit the H.I.R.E. Network’s website for more state-specific guides and resources to help you prepare.
After your interview, send a thank you email to your interviewer. If you discussed your criminal record during your interview, you can use this email 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.
Kohl’s has no policy that bars it from hiring all felons. If you want to be a successful applicant, use the information above to put your best foot forward! Present yourself professionally, know how and when to discuss your criminal record, and know your facts about the company, and you could be the next Kohl’s employee.
