Finding a steady job after incarceration is often the hardest step in rebuilding your life — even more than housing or credit. Many companies still use automated background checks or outdated hiring filters that instantly reject applicants with records, no matter how long ago the conviction was. But that’s changing fast.
Across the U.S., more employers are joining what’s known as the “second-chance hiring movement.” These are companies that actively recruit and support people with prior convictions. Backed by federal Fair Chance Act policies, state-level “Ban the Box” laws, and new 2025 corporate inclusion goals, this movement is gaining real momentum.
From national brands in logistics and manufacturing to local service companies, thousands of employers now see second-chance hiring as both smart business and good community policy. In 2025, major job networks like Indeed, Goodwill, and Honest Jobs report record-high listings tagged “Background Friendly” or “Reentry Approved.”
These programs go beyond just “allowing” people with records to apply — they’re designed to help them succeed. Many second-chance employers offer mentorship, guaranteed interviews, on-the-job training, and internal promotion pathways. Some even work with reentry nonprofits to provide transportation or housing stipends during the first few months of employment.
This guide gives you a clear picture of which national employers are truly fair-chance in 2025 — not just in name. You’ll also learn which industries hire the fastest, how to present your background with confidence, and where to find verified job listings designed for people rebuilding their careers.
Whether you’re fresh out or helping someone restart, these are the companies giving real opportunities — and real paychecks — to those ready for a second chance.
What Is a Second-Chance Employer?
A second-chance employer is a company that hires people with criminal records — not as charity, but as a practical workforce solution. These employers believe in rehabilitation and recognize that stable jobs reduce recidivism, strengthen communities, and fill critical labor shortages.
What separates a real second-chance employer from one that just “allows applications” is intent. True second-chance companies have clear policies to support reentry workers:
- Fair-Chance Hiring Practices: They remove conviction questions from initial applications (“Ban the Box”), giving every candidate a fair first review.
- Case-by-Case Evaluation: Instead of blanket rejections, they consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the relevance to the job.
- Partnerships with Reentry Programs: Many collaborate with local nonprofits, probation offices, or workforce development boards to train and refer applicants.
- Ongoing Support: Mentorship, counseling, or transportation stipends are often built into onboarding.
In 2025, second-chance employment is no longer a niche movement. The federal Fair Chance Act, implemented across most federal contractors, now prohibits automatic disqualification based on background alone. Major states like California, Texas, and Florida have expanded similar rules to private employers, pushing even small businesses to reconsider rigid policies.
These changes align with the business reality: many industries face severe worker shortages. Employers in logistics, food service, construction, and warehousing can’t fill roles fast enough — and reentry workers bring reliability, motivation, and loyalty that turnover-heavy sectors desperately need.
Companies embracing this approach often see tangible returns: lower hiring costs, better retention, and stronger local reputations. In short, it’s not about lowering standards — it’s about broadening opportunity.
So when you hear “second-chance employer,” think of it as a partnership between accountability and opportunity. It’s not about overlooking the past — it’s about proving that it doesn’t define the future.
2025 List of National Employers Hiring People with Records
These aren’t vague “maybe” companies — every employer listed below has a verified history of hiring people with records through official reentry initiatives, workforce boards, or Fair Chance programs.
All were active as of 2025, and most operate nationwide or across multiple states.
Each listing below includes what type of work they offer, typical entry-level positions, and why they’re known as genuine second-chance employers.
🏗️ 1. The Home Depot
Industry: Retail / Construction Supply
Why it’s reentry-friendly: Home Depot partners with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment Opportunities program and has a dedicated “Second Chance” hiring portal. Entry-level roles in warehouse logistics, stocking, and delivery are common starting points.
Bonus: Offers tuition reimbursement and internal promotion paths for full-time staff.
🚚 2. UPS (United Parcel Service)
Industry: Logistics & Shipping
UPS has long been one of the most accessible national employers for reentry workers. Many local hubs hire directly through workforce boards or Goodwill job centers.
Roles: Package handlers, drivers’ assistants, and sorting staff.
Why it matters: Union benefits, training, and the opportunity to move up to CDL driver positions within 12–18 months.
🍔 3. MOD Pizza
Industry: Food Service
Founded on a “Second Chance” philosophy, MOD Pizza publicly reports that over 20% of its workforce has a criminal record.
Roles: Team member, shift leader, kitchen staff.
Reentry support: Paid training, open interviews, and flexible hours for those reintegrating.
🏭 4. Koch Industries
Industry: Manufacturing / Energy / Logistics
Koch Industries is one of the largest privately owned companies in the U.S., hiring thousands through its Fair Chance program.
Positions: Plant operations, maintenance, warehouse support, and administrative roles.
Highlight: Partners with Prison Fellowship and reentry organizations across multiple states.
🧰 5. J.B. Hunt Transport
Industry: Trucking & Freight
One of the most progressive employers in logistics, J.B. Hunt regularly hires individuals with records for both driving and dispatch roles.
Note: CDL training support is often available after six months of clean work history.
🧺 6. Goodwill Industries
Industry: Retail / Nonprofit / Workforce Development
Goodwill has built its entire employment network around reentry inclusion. Many store and donation center roles are filled through returning citizens.
Support: Resume help, counseling, and job placement across all 50 states.
🏢 7. Teleperformance
Industry: Customer Service / Call Centers
Remote work has opened doors for reentry-friendly employers like Teleperformance. Many customer-support positions are background-friendly after standard ID verification.
Benefit: Work-from-home flexibility, low barrier to entry.
🔧 8. Cintas Corporation
Industry: Industrial Services / Uniform Supply
Known for its structured Fair Chance hiring process, Cintas recruits people with records through local reentry job fairs and state correctional partnerships.
Jobs: Laundry technician, route driver, maintenance.
🚜 9. Walmart
Industry: Retail / Distribution
Walmart quietly updated its background-check policy nationwide — now allowing case-by-case hiring for non-violent offenses.
Roles: Stocking, grocery, fulfillment center, and customer service.
🍞 10. Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation
Industry: Food Manufacturing / Advocacy
The company’s entire brand began with reentry hiring — and its foundation now trains other companies to follow suit.
Roles: Bakery, packaging, and outreach positions.
Each of these employers represents what second-chance hiring looks like when done right — consistent opportunity, transparent policy, and fair pay.
If you’re starting your search, begin with these national names, then check our Directory for local employers in your state who follow similar reentry practices.
Industries That Hire Fast
Not every reentry job requires a long application process or spotless background. Certain industries are built to move fast — and many employers in these fields are actively looking for dependable, motivated workers.
Here are the top sectors hiring people with records in 2025:
🔨 Construction & Skilled Trades
Construction remains the #1 second-chance industry nationwide. Employers constantly need general laborers, painters, electricians, and HVAC apprentices — and most are willing to train.
Many trade unions have apprenticeship pipelines for returning citizens, offering paid training and portable certifications.
💡 Pro tip: Pair this with local workforce boards or trade schools that partner with reentry programs (often funded by the Department of Labor).
🚛 Logistics, Warehousing & Trucking
Freight demand keeps growing, and logistics companies are desperate for reliable staff.
Entry-level roles include package sorting, forklift operation, and dispatch coordination. After six to twelve months of clean work history, you can often apply for CDL sponsorship or higher-paying driver positions.
Companies like UPS, Amazon, FedEx, and J.B. Hunt hire continuously through reentry networks.
🍔 Food Service & Hospitality
Restaurants, catering, and hotel operations hire quickly and value attitude over background.
Typical roles: prep cook, dishwasher, front-of-house support, housekeeping.
These positions can be stepping stones toward management or business ownership — especially if you gain ServSafe or hospitality certifications along the way.
🧹 Facilities & Maintenance Services
Cleaning and janitorial companies are among the most open to second-chance hiring. Many contracts are through schools, hospitals, or commercial offices.
They often provide steady hours, benefits, and advancement into supervisory roles.
Each of these industries rewards consistency and reliability more than a perfect résumé. If you show up, learn fast, and communicate well, you can build momentum — and income — far quicker than most people realize.
To start searching, visit our Directory and filter listings under “Employment” or “Training Programs.”
How to Apply With a Record
Applying for a job when you have a criminal record takes more preparation — but it’s completely doable if you approach it strategically. Employers care far more about honesty, consistency, and attitude than they do about what’s in your past.
Start by building a clean paper trail. Make sure your ID, Social Security card, and address are all current — many background checks fail simply because of outdated records. If you’re missing documents, see our Get Your ID After Release guide before applying.
Next, get comfortable with how to discuss your background.
When asked about your record, use the “acknowledge–own–pivot” method:
- Acknowledge what happened briefly (“I made a mistake years ago…”).
- Own your progress (“I’ve completed my sentence and built a consistent work history since.”).
- Pivot toward the present (“Here’s how I’ve developed skills that match this job.”).
This short, confident explanation prevents oversharing while showing accountability — a trait employers respect.
Prepare references in advance. Even if you’ve only done day labor, volunteer work, or community programs, list supervisors or counselors who can vouch for reliability and attendance.
💡 Pro tip: Many online applications still include background questions even under Ban-the-Box laws. Always answer truthfully — employers who discover omissions during screening usually reject automatically, regardless of offense.
Finally, treat every application as practice. The more interviews you do, the smoother your story becomes. Your goal isn’t just to “get a job” — it’s to find an employer that values what you bring now, not where you’ve been.
Job Boards & Resources for Reentry Employment
You don’t have to guess where to apply — there are dedicated job boards and national programs built specifically for people with records.
These platforms pre-screen employers and only post positions that meet Fair Chance or Reentry-friendly criteria.
🔗 1. Honest Jobs
A national job site built exclusively for people with criminal records. Employers know your background from the start — no surprises or rejections after interviews.
👉 HonestJobs.com
🔗 2. 70 Million Jobs
One of the first major reentry job platforms. Active listings across food service, logistics, and customer service industries.
🔗 3. Indeed “Background Friendly” Filter
Search “Fair Chance” or “Reentry” in the filters — Indeed now flags verified second-chance employers through the Fair Chance Act data initiative.
🔗 4. Goodwill Career Centers
Goodwill offers in-person and online job help, résumé reviews, and introductions to employers that hire through local reentry programs.
🔗 5. Second Chance Guide Directory
Visit our own Directory for verified listings of housing, employment, and training programs across the U.S. Updated regularly through partner nonprofits.
Each site above connects you directly to employers ready to hire — no middlemen, no confusion.
Start applying today and keep momentum; every conversation gets you closer to financial independence.
FAQs About Second-Chance Employment
1. Do all companies have to follow Fair Chance laws?
No. The federal Fair Chance Act applies to government agencies and most federal contractors, but private companies decide their own policies. However, in 2025 many large employers voluntarily follow Fair Chance standards because of labor shortages and public demand.
2. Can you get a good job with a felony?
Absolutely. Many national employers — from construction firms to tech service companies — hire qualified candidates with felonies once background checks confirm completion of sentence and stable work history. Focus on industries that value skill over background, like logistics, manufacturing, or trades.
3. Should I mention my record in interviews?
Only if asked directly. When you do, stay calm and use the acknowledge–own–pivot method: explain briefly, show accountability, then redirect to your strengths and current progress.
Summary & Next Step
Second-chance employment isn’t charity — it’s opportunity that works.
In 2025, more companies than ever are opening doors for motivated workers rebuilding their lives.
Start with our Directory to find verified reentry-friendly employers in your state, or review our Reentry Housing Guide to stabilize your living situation before job hunting.
Every paycheck, every reference, every small step forward is part of your comeback.