Background Checks at Walmart: What You Need to Know

From retail giants like Walmart to smaller businesses, conducting background checks is a standard practice before hiring new employees. This article delves into Walmart's approach to background screening, exploring the criteria and specific details that go into this crucial hiring process.

Introduction to Background Checks

Background checks play a significant role in the hiring process for many companies, as they allow employers to verify the qualifications, experience, and credibility of potential employees. These checks can include credit reports, criminal history, and even references or education verifications.

Walmart's Background Check Process

Walmart is renowned for its stringent hiring practices, and one of the key components of this process is the background check. They perform background checks on all of their potential employees to ensure the safety and integrity of the company and its customers. Here are the details on what Walmart considers during their background checks:

Felonies and Misdemeanors

Walmart primarily focuses on felony convictions in their background checks. However, they also evaluate misdemeanor charges, particularly severe ones. Unlike some companies, Walmart does not have a blanket policy that disqualifies candidates for any type of misdemeanor. Instead, they take a more nuanced approach, grading the severity of the charge and its relevance to the job position. For instance, they may prioritize charges related to theft, fraud, or assault, depending on the nature of the job.

Complete Criminal History: 7 to 10 Years

For most potential employees, Walmart performs a background check that goes back 7 to 10 years. However, if any red flags are raised during this process, they may extend the time frame to dig deeper. For example, if a felony is found, Walmart might extend the review to include a more comprehensive background check, potentially going back 10 to 20 years, or even longer, as required by legal requirements.

Specifics of the Background Check

The background check typically includes a criminal history check, which covers offenses such as felonies and misdemeanors. They also might include credit reports, which are used to assess financial responsibility, and employment history checks, which verify previous work experience. These checks help Walmart to make informed hiring decisions and identify candidates who might pose a risk to the company or its customers.

Real-World Examples

To illustrate the practical application of Walmart's background check policy, consider the story of the author's aunt. She was denied employment at Walmart after a second interview due to a background check. The company did not provide a specific reason for her disqualification, citing the results of the background check only. Her case involved a couple of charges from the early 1980s, and while this situation is unique, it demonstrates how serious Walmart can be about upholding its standards.

Conclusion

At Walmart, background checks are a critical element of the hiring process. They take a detailed and comprehensive approach, focusing on felonies and assessing the severity of misdemeanor charges. Understanding these criteria can help job seekers prepare and navigate the hiring process more effectively. Whether you're applying for a position at Walmart or another reputable company, it's essential to have clean and transparent records to increase your chances of a successful employment outcome.

Keywords: background checks, Walmart, employment screening