Last Updated: 03/13/2026
If you have a felony on your record and you’re thinking about applying to Aerotek, this guide will give you realistic, straightforward information with no hype, lies and no false promises.
Aerotek is a staffing/temp agency. That means you usually work at a client company, not inside an Aerotek office. Aerotek says it is an equal opportunity employer, welcomes applicants regardless of background, and notes that some positions may require a criminal background check based on the client’s needs and the position’s requirements.
Quick Answer
Yes, Aerotek can place or hire people with felonies. However there are a few thing that you should keep in mind when applying to Aerotek.
- Aerotek is a staffing agency, so decisions often involve two layers: Aerotek plus the client company.
- Aerotek has a very large industrial job network, which helps because more openings usually means more chances.
- Aerotek focuses heavily on industrial, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, facilities, construction, and skilled trades work. Those categories are often more realistic for people with felony records than sensitive office or finance roles.
- A denial for one assignment does not automatically mean you are blocked from every Aerotek opportunity. Because staffing is assignment based, the next client may view your record differently.
Aerotek Felon Friendly Score™
34 / 50, Moderate Low
Aerotek scores in the middle because it has strong job volume and a lot of practical industrial openings, but final approval often depends on the client company and the exact assignment. Aerotek does not appear to publicly advertise any type of second chance program’s like Kelly Services Kelly 33, which keeps the score lower than Kelly Services.
| Category | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Job Volume & Variety | 9/10 | Aerotek usually has a ton of openings. |
| Client Control, Final Say | 5/10 | Staffing placements often depend on both Aerotek and the client company. |
| Background Check Reality | 6/10 | Aerotek openly says some roles require criminal background checks. |
| Sensitive Work Restrictions | 8/10 | Aerotek jobs are usually industrial in nature. |
| Second Chance Practicality | 6/10 | There is no clearly marketed second chance pathway on Aerotek’s public site, but its large industrial network still creates real opportunities. |
How Aerotek Hiring Actually Works, Real World
Aerotek is a job placement agency and temp agency. In real life, it usually goes like this:
- You apply online
- A recruiter screens you for experience, shift, pay, location, and availability.
- Aerotek matches you to a client company.
- The client will either want to move forward, or not
- Screening happens if required, such as background check or drug screen
- You start the assignment, which may be contract, temp to hire, or long term
Aerotek’s careers page has new openings every day, focuses on light industrial and skilled trades opportunities.
Does Aerotek Run Background Checks?
Often, yes. Especially when the client requires it.
Aerotek says: “Based on some of our clients’ needs and requirements for a position, a criminal background check may be required.”
This does not automatically mean you will be rejected. It means the assignment may include screening.
State Laws and Background Check Rules for Aerotek
State laws about background checks can affect what an employer can ask and when they can ask it.
Why that matters to you:
- Some States have laws prohibiting you from having to disclose your felony recorded until after your interview. Also called Ban The Box laws.tate Laws and Background Check Rules
- 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.
Best Aerotek Assignments to Target, More Felon Friendly
With staffing agencies, your best odds usually come from jobs that are any of the following.
- Warehouse
- Picker / packer
- Assembly
- Production
- Material handler
- General labor
- Machine operator
- Some maintenance support roles
- Construction labor roles
What Convictions May Cause Problems?
These categories often create more obstacles, not always automatic rejection, but harder:
- Recent violent felonies
- Theft, fraud, or embezzlement for inventory, shipping, receiving, or money related jobs
- Sex offenses for roles involving restricted sites or vulnerable populations
- Open cases or unresolved court issues
Older, nonviolent convictions are often easier to work around when you can show stability, consistent work history, and reliable transportation. This is a practical hiring pattern, not a published Aerotek promise. Aerotek only states that screening can depend on the client and the position.
What Should I Say in an Aerotek Interview if I Have a Felony?
Nothing unless you’re asked. If you are asked, keep it short, calm, and confident:
“I made a mistake in the past, I took responsibility, and I’ve been focused on work and stability since then. I’m dependable and ready to work.”
Then pivot immediately to your availability, work ethic, transportation, and willingness to start quickly.
Green Flags vs Red Flags
| Green Flags | Red Flags |
|---|---|
| Open availability | Limited schedule |
| Reliable transportation | Transportation issues |
| Calm, respectful communication | Defensive or argumentative tone |
| Stable work history since conviction | Very recent violent offense |
| Applying to warehouse or production first | Applying only to highly sensitive roles |
| Willing to start quickly | Delayed start with no flexibility |
Aerotek Hiring Readiness Checklist
☐ I’m targeting roles that fit my record, usually warehouse, production, logistics, or general labor first
☐ I have reliable transportation
☐ I can work nights or weekends if required
☐ I can explain my past briefly if asked
☐ I’m applying to multiple assignments, not just one
☐ I am open to contract or temp to hire work
Score Meaning
- 5 to 6 checks: Strong placement potential
- 3 to 4 checks: Very possible
- 0 to 2 checks: More challenging, focus on the most flexible job categories first
Promotion Potential, Temp to Hire Reality
Aerotek offers paths into contract, long term, and practical industrial work, and staffing can sometimes become permanent hire if the client likes your attendance, safety, and consistency.
A common path can look like this: Contract assignment → Temp to hire → Permanent hire
Best strategy if you have a record: Get in, build trust, move up.
Important Safety Note, Watch for Job Scams
Aerotek has a recruitment fraud warning page and says it will never ask candidates for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment to apply. Aerotek also warns about unofficial email domains and suspicious communication.
Rule of thumb: you should never have to pay to get placed.
Aerotek FAQ
Yes, those are some of the best categories to target first because Aerotek is heavily focused on distribution, logistics, manufacturing, and production work. Background checks may still be required depending on the client.
Sometimes, yes. Staffing agencies can give you more shots because they work with many businesses and many openings
Yes, possibly. One rejection often means one client declined that assignment. Another opening may still be possible.
Other Employer Guides For Felons
- Does Waste Management Hire Felons?
- Does Family Dollar Hire Felons?
- Does Wendy’s Hire Felons?
- Does Burger King Hire Felons?
- Does Taco Bell Hire Felons?
- Does Subway Hire Felons?
- Does Olive Garden Hire Felons?
- Does Walmart Hire Felons?
- Does Waffle House Hire Felons?
- Does AT&T Hire Felons?
- Does AutoZone Hire Felons?
Disclaimer
HelpForFelons.org is not affiliated with Aerotek. Hiring decisions vary by recruiter, location, client company, assignment type, industry, and may change at any time. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee employment.