Are you considering applying for a job with Amazon?
Do you have some blemishes on your criminal record you are worried about?
Are you wondering if Amazon does background checks?
If you are worried about Amazon checking criminal convictions, we have what you need to worry just a bit less.
As you probably already know, Amazon is one of the largest employers in the world. While this can mean a lots of job opportunities for everyone from entry-level to high level executives, it also means the Amazon hiring process can be a bit cumbersome at times.
Amazon would not be the success they are without the more than 600,000 employees they have worldwide. With more than 200 operations and fulfillment centers in 30 countries, it’s no wonder they might have a strict background check for prospective employees.
So, if you are hoping to be one of those employees – read on to learn more about Amazon’s background check policy and general application process.
First, we’ll go over Amazon’s background check policy in 2022.
Then, we’ll list all the information that appears in their background reports, followed by a summary of their interview process. We’ll finish with some reasons that a candidate might fail their background check.
When Does Amazon Do A Background Check?
The typical hiring process at Amazon has several steps. Below is a summary of what you can expect to happen:
- Complete an application
- Online testing
- Interview (may be phone, online or in-person)
- Drug tests
If you have passed all the steps of the employment process above, you might at this point receive an offer of employment. The length of time to get to this point ran range from a few days to a few weeks, so patience is key. You can expect Amazon to send an offer letter.
You can see in this Reddit post about how long the process can sometimes take.
It is at this point that you will need to pass all of the company’s employee background checks to secure your position. While you have a valid job offer, you will need to pass all the background checks to be formally hired and get started in your new job.
Amazon Background Check Policy Details
For any employer, it’s important to hire trustworthy and reliable candidates. When you apply for any one of the many Amazon jobs, you should know that you will need to pass a variety of reference checks. These include conventional background checks, prior employment verification, and sometimes even credit history depending on the position you apply for.
You must agree to Amazon’s background check upon submitting your online application.
Without this, you’ll be unable to complete your application. It can take anywhere from one to four weeks to get your results from the background check. If you pass reference checks, then congratulations – you landed a new job.
While the average background check goes back about seven years, Amazon’s background checks can look at events that happened up to 10 years ago. To conduct these checks, Amazon typically uses a third-party company.
Amazon will reach out to you if they’ve rejected your application due to your background check. You can always contact Amazon to ask about your rejected application if they don’t update you.
However, having criminal convictions doesn’t automatically disqualify you from working at Amazon. Amazon treats every application on a case-by-case basis, so they may still consider applicants with a history of crimes that don’t affect the role they’re applying for.
For example, an applicant with a low-level drug offense is more likely to be considered, while someone who has been convicted for theft or fraud is more likely to be rejected.
Before you apply for a job at Amazon or any other company, you can always run a background check on yourself if you’d like to know what information becomes available in the report. There are resources online that allow you to check your background information.
If a red flag appears in your background check, you can adjust your job search accordingly. This information will help you apply for companies that have lenient requirements when it comes to background checks.
What Do Amazon Background Checks Cover?
A criminal background check will analyze all public records including criminal records to see if there are any major red flags Amazon should worry about.
Criminal History
A full criminal background check is often done when you have passed interviews or other pre-employment tests but before you get hired. Amazon’s background checks will show any felony convictions or misdemeanors in the last seven to 10 years.
However, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), an employer cannot consider any criminal conviction from over seven years ago. So, if you have a conviction older than seven years, Amazon cannot use it in their hiring decision.
Depending on the state you live in, your state may have additional regulations limiting employers to a shorter period of criminal history that they can consider.
Work History
Amazon’s background check will cover your employment history in the last seven years, including all the companies you worked for and how long you were at those companies. look at your work history they may look at length of time on the job, position title, and other high level details.
Educational Background
The background check will verify your educational background, which consists of all the educational institutions you have attended.
Financial History
The background check will show your credit and financial history. Amazon may use this information to determine whether you will be a responsible addition to the company.
Reference Checks
Most employers do reference checks, and Amazon is no different. Your prior employer(s) may be called or personal references. They will ask basic questions about your salary, reliability, confirm employment, and other low level details.
If your references check out then at this point you may receive a job offer.
Additionally, some roles at Amazon don’t require applicants to submit a resume. Instead, they will use the results of the interview, drug test, and background check to decide if you’re right for the role.
Amazon Application and Interview Process
Amazon’s job application process begins with an online application. The questions will vary depending on the type of job you’re applying for. You’ll have to fill out an application form as well as submit your resume.
Depending on the role, Amazon may ask you to submit work samples. After submitting your application, Amazon will reach out to you regarding the next steps.
The next steps in the application process will vary based on the role you applied for. For some roles, Amazon will require you to complete a short assessment to verify your skills, work style, problem-solving ability, and more. The assessment will help Amazon determine whether you’re suitable for the role.
For manual roles like delivery drivers, the next step is the interview stage. This may be a phone interview or an in-person interview. The interview is designed to test your skills and knowledge.
After the interview, the next stage will typically require a mouth swab drug test. At this time, you are checked for any recreational drugs that are illegal in your state.
Due to their zero-tolerance policy on drug use, the results of these tests will affect their hiring decision. Not only does Amazon require an annual medical assessment with a drug test, but they may also randomly test staff to ensure no drug activity among employees. They also may do a drug test of employees who get injured on the job.
If you pass the background check and drug test, Amazon may offer you a job.
It is important to note that Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and cannot discriminate on things like national origin, race, disability, gender identity, or any other legally protected status status. This helps them maintain an inclusive workplace.
Can You Fail an Amazon Background Check?
Being transparent on your resume and application gives you the best chance of passing any company’s background check, including Amazon’s.
If you are applying for a job you really want, whether an Amazon stow associate, delivery driver, or Amazon picker packer – you may want to consider doing your own background check process. which can let you see what an employer sees.
However, there are still some reasons that Amazon may disqualify you from working for them based on a background check.
Recent Felony
Amazon may reject your job application if you’ve had a conviction in the past seven years. Amazon usually will not hire applicants with a history of crimes such as murder, assault, theft, credit card fraud, and more. However, they are sometimes open to hiring candidates with a criminal history that is unrelated to the job, such as a drug-related conviction.
Does Amazon hire felons? Yes, on a case by case basis you may find opportunities at Amazon if you are a felon.
Misinformation
Misinformation refers to inconsistencies in your application form. If you lied about anything on your application, the background check will show this to your employer. This can potentially disqualify you from working at Amazon.
How long does it take to get the results of a background check?
It can take 2-4 weeks for Amazon to get the results of a criminal background check, so you will have to wait and have some patience.
This often depends on who they use to check those criminal records. One of the most popular that Amazon will often us is Accurate Backgrounds, but there are others.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in working at Amazon, it’s useful to know what to expect from their application and interview process. So, does Amazon do background checks?
Amazon’s hiring process is similar to other employers. Amazon’s background check policy consists of criminal background checks, drug tests, and reference checks. You can expect to go through these steps upon a successful job application and interview at Amazon.
Amazon doesn’t require any other background checks aside from their third-party company’s comprehensive public record check.
Amazon’s application and hiring process may be daunting, but being honest with your application and resume will give you the best chance of success. If Amazon doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other employers, so you can tailor your job search to your specific situation.
