Last Updated: 03/11/2026
If you have a felony on your record and you’re thinking about applying to AT&T, this guide gives you realistic, straightforward information, no hype and no false promises.
AT&T can be a real opportunity for people with felony records, but it is more selective than a lot of retail and restaurant employers. The good news is that AT&T publicly says it is a fair chance employer and says it does not initiate a background check until an offer is made. That is stronger language than many major employers are willing use.
Quick Answer
Yes, AT&T does hire felons, and its public fair chance language makes it one of the more promising large corporate employers to try. However, that does not mean they hire everyone with a felony. Keep these realities in mind:
- AT&T says it is a fair chance employer and does not start the background check until after an offer is made.
- Your best odds usually come from applying to the right jobs first and showing reliability, professionalism, and strong communication.
- AT&T is fairly selective in who they hire with a felony record.
AT&T Felon Friendly Score™
32 / 50, Moderate Low, AT&T Is Very Selective
AT&T is not an easy yes employer, but it is worth applying to because the company openly uses fair chance language and has a large number of jobs across several categories.
| Category | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Type, Telecom / Wireless | 6/10 | Large employer with many job types, but more structured than fast food or discount retail. |
| Hiring Volume / Opportunity | 9/10 | AT&T shows large numbers of retail, sales, technician, and call center openings. |
| Background Check Reality | 6/10 | Background checks still happen, but only after an offer according to AT&T. |
| Customer / Trust Sensitivity | 4/10 | Sales, devices, accounts, home entry for technicians, and some government work make certain roles more sensitive. |
| Second Chance Practicality | 7/10 | The fair chance wording and broad role mix make it a possibility, especially for the right applicant. |
How AT&T Hiring Actually Works
AT&T hiring is usually pretty structured:
- You apply online through the careers site.
- You may be asked to complete assessments depending on the role.
- You interview, and more than one interview may be required.
- If they want to move forward, the background check starts after an offer is mad
That structure can actually help some applicants with records. It means you may get a real chance to present yourself before background screening happens. The down side is that applicants can be offered a job and then have it pulled away if they don’t like what came back on your criminal record search.
Does AT&T Run Background Checks?
Yes, on every applicant. AT&T publicly says it is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made. That strongly suggests you should expect screening for all positions, but later in the process rather than right at application.
State Laws and Background Check Rules for AT&T
State laws about background checks can affect what an employer can ask and when they can ask it.
Why that matters to you:
- Don’t assume you need to tell them about your felony. Do the research about any local or state laws regarding criminal records and employers.
- Some state laws limit how far back a criminal record search can go, often seven years. There are many nuances to this though.
- Some States have laws prohibiting you from having to disclose your felony recorded until after your interview. Also called Ban The Box laws.
- AT&T’s public fair chance language may work in your favor, but you should still know your local rules.
What Positions Are More Felon Friendly at AT&T?
These are usually the best starting points if you have a felony record.
More Flexible Positions, Start Here
- • Retail Sales Consultant
- • Part time Retail Sales Consultant
- • Call Center Sales Representative
- • Field Sales Representative
- • Some technician roles, especially if your record is older and does not conflict with customer home entry, driving, or trust concerns
AT&T’s entry level careers page specifically highlights retail, technician, call center, and field sales roles as no degree paths, and their jobs pages show active hiring in all of those categories.
Harder Positions to Get
- Assistant Store Manager
- Store Manager type roles
- Government support roles
Which Felony Convictions Usually Cause the Most Problems?
These categories usually create the biggest problems at AT&T:
- Theft, fraud, identity theft, and financial crimes
- Recent violent offenses
- Serious sex offenses
- Recent serious charges or open cases
- Driving problems for field or technician jobs
What Should I Say in an AT&T Interview if I Have a Felony?
Nothing unless you’re asked. If they ask, keep it short, calm, and confident:
“I made a mistake in the past, took responsibility, and I’ve been focused on work, stability, and moving forward. I’m dependable, professional, and ready to do the job well.”
No long story. No oversharing. Bring it back to reliability, customer service, and professionalism.
Real World Strategy to Get Hired at AT&T With a Felony
AT&T is a presentation plus fit company.
Step 1: Apply online
Most hiring starts there.
Step 2: Target the right roles first
Start with retail sales, part time retail or call center.
Step 3: Look polished and communicate well
AT&T is more corporate than employers like Dollar General or AutoZone. Customer facing presence matters more here, especially in retail and sales.
Step 4: Be ready for assessments
Some jobs require testing before you move forward.
Step 5: Sell what managers need
- good communication
- reliability
- customer service
- coachability
- schedule flexibility
- professionalism
- basic comfort with phones, internet, and technology
AT&T’s retail postings emphasize consultative sales, customer interaction, flexibility, and training, which strongly supports this approach.
AT&T Hiring Readiness Checklist
☐ My conviction is older
☐ I’ve stayed out of trouble since
☐ I have work history or references
☐ I can communicate well in an interview
☐ I can work evenings or weekends if needed
☐ I’m applying to retail, call center, field sales, or other realistic first step roles
☐ I can explain my past briefly if asked
☐ I am not starting with government or clearance jobs
Score Meaning
7 to 8 checks: Solid Possibility
5 to 6 checks: Possible
3 to 4 checks: Hard
AT&T Pay Scale, Typical Ranges 2026
Pay varies by role and location, but AT&T job postings give real current numbers for some retail jobs:
| Position | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Retail Sales Consultant, full time | about $15.65 to $17.53 per hour, plus up to $13,700+ in commissions if goals are met, with top sellers listed at $62,460 per year in one current Philadelphia posting. |
| Retail Sales Consultant, part time | about $12.92 to $14.72 per hour, plus up to $13,700+ in commissions if goals are met, with one York posting stating average total compensation of $53,364 per year for 20 to 24 hours workers |
| Installation Technician | Unknown |
| Assistant Store Manager | Unkown |
Promotion Potential at AT&T
A common path goes something like this.
Retail / Call Center / Field Sales → Senior sales responsibility → Assistant Manager or specialized role → Store leadership or other internal career moves
AT&T also promotes technician, sales, and call center roles as starting points that can lead to growth, and its job postings highlight training and advancement.
Reality Check
AT&T is a somewhat realistic target if you have a felony record, but it is not a casual employer. It is more polished, more structured, and more selective than basic retail. There are defiantly easier jobs to go after other than a AT&T but if you do get in you can earn a decent living.
What It’s Like to Work at AT&T
Working at AT&T usually feels more sales driven and corporate than working at a discount retailer. In retail, the job is about guiding customers through phones, plans, accessories, and services.
In call center roles, the work is fast paced and performance focused. In technician roles, the work is hands on and field based. AT&T’s own career pages also describe retail as consultative selling and technician work as real world, hands on career building.
AT&T FAQ
For a few select people people, maybe. AT&T is very selective about who they hire, recent felons are not at the top of their list. You will find much better second chance employers out there other than AT&T.
Drug convictions are often one of the easiest felonies to overcome. That does not mean they will defiantly hire you though.
Sometimes, but technician jobs can be much harder to get than retail or call center positions. The reason is because technicians drive company vehicles, enter customer homes, handle equipment, and work with less direct supervision. If your record involves violence, theft, burglary, serious driving offenses, or anything that raises home entry concerns, technician roles can be impossible to get.
No.
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Disclaimer
HelpForFelons.org is not affiliated with AT&T. Hiring policies vary by location and can change at any time. This guide is informational and does not guarantee employment.