Does Ross Run Background Checks?

The short answer is yes, Ross does run background checks. However, this does not mean that they never hire individuals with felonies or misdemeanors. If you are a felon hoping to work at Ross, don’t be discouraged. Keep reading to find out more about the company and how you can land a job there.

In this article, we will share information about these topics:

• What is Ross?
• What will Ross see on my background check? What do I do if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
• How can I succeed in a Ross interview?

About Ross

Ross, also known as Ross Dress for Less, is a discount clothing store. It sells clothing, personal care products, home goods, and other similar items. Ross prides itself on providing bargain prices to its customers. It offers items that you can find at other retailers, but marks down the prices so that you pay less. This emphasis on “the power of saving” is a central part of Ross’s mission.

With stores in 37 states, Ross is a well-known company in the US. However, the store is not found in New England or much of the Midwest. Use Ross’s store locator to see if there is a Ross near you.

If you are interested in working at Ross, first visit their careers page for more information about the kind of jobs they offer. Some of the entry-level jobs available at Ross include retail associate and stock associate.

As a retail associate, you might need to:

• Interact with customers in a friendly and helpful way
• Stay on your feet for several hours
• Shelve and organize stock

As a stock associate, you might need to:

• Load and unload trucks
• Unpack merchandise
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Greet customers and answer customer questions

If you have experience working in retail or you possess some of the skills listed above, a job at Ross might be a good fit for you! Explore all of your options on Ross’s website and continue reading below for more information.

Ross Background Check

Ross 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 do not require a drug test as part of their application. Ross does not have guidelines that prevent them from hiring felons. This is good news! It means that they will evaluate each employee on an individual basis.

The application process at Ross begins with their online application. Once you have submitted your application, you should wait to be called in for an interview. Ross will run a background check after you have interviewed with the company. If you live somewhere that has “banned the box” on job applications, Ross 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 you do not live in one of these states, your application could ask you if you have ever been convicted of a crime. 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.

Ross must 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, Ross 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 untrustworthy. 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.

You can see your own criminal record before Ross 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 off-putting, 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 Ross asks about changes or discrepancies on your record, you can show them these documents and explain that you have an updated record.

Remember that it is illegal for Ross 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.

How can I succeed in a Ross interview?

If you get an interview at Ross, 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. Briefly explain your criminal record. Then focus on your goals for the future. How does Ross fit into those goals? Your interview is your chance to show your personality and share your story. Use it to show Ross that hiring you will be good for their company.

Prepare to talk about yourself and your strengths by considering the following questions:

• What do you know about Ross? What do you like about it?
• What skills do you have that will help you succeed in this position?
• What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?
• Why should Ross 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.

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 provide 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.

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 probably be harder for you to get work at a retail store. The best thing you can do is to 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 working at Ross in no time.