Last Updated: 03/02/2026
If you have a felony on your record and you’re thinking about applying to Kelly Services, this guide will give you realistic, straightforward information, no hype and no false promises.
Kelly Services is a job placement (staffing/temp) agency. That means you usually work at a client company, not inside a “Kelly” building. Kelly explains it plainly: they connect people with jobs, work with 91 of the Fortune 100, and you don’t pay anything to use them.
Quick Answer
Yes, Kelly Services can place/hire people with felonies. They have a program called, Kelly 33, it is a real second-chance program.
However, keep these points in mind when applying:
- Kelly is a staffing agency, so decisions often involve two layers: Kelly + the client company.
- Some assignments include background checks (and the client company may be stricter than Kelly).
- Kelly has a second-chance program called Kelly 33 designed to connect “second chance” workers with employers, especially when the record is non-violent and not related to the job.
- Some job categories are stricter by nature (example: education roles can require criminal checks, fingerprinting, and registry checks). This is state law and out the hands of Kelly Services.
- A denial for one assignment does not mean you cant get another.
Kelly Services Felon-Friendly Score™
40 / 50 — High Potential (But Varies by Client Assignment)
Kelly scores better than many staffing options because Kelly 33 exists and because they have a huge job network.
| Category | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Job Volume & Variety | 9/10 | Kelly says they work with many companies and have thousands of opportunities available. |
| Client Control (Final Say) | 7/10 | Client companies can accept or reject placements based on their rules (common in staffing). |
| Background Check Reality | 7/10 | Many roles require screening; requirements vary by assignment and industry. |
| Sensitive-Work Restrictions | 7/10 | Education roles can include criminal checks, fingerprinting, and registry checks. This only accounts for some of their jobs though. |
| Second Chance Practicality | 10/10 | Kelly 33 is a named second-chance program aimed at connecting second chance talent to employers. |
The Kelly 33 Program (This Is Very Good News if You Have a Felony Record)
Kelly Services openly promotes Kelly 33 as a “Second Chance Program.” Kelly says it connects hiring managers with second-chance talent and emphasizes that this talent pool “wants to work” and can help employers with retention and turnover.
Kelly’s 2021 announcement explains Kelly 33 connects job seekers with non-violent, non-relevant criminal backgrounds with employers who need workers and describes individualized screening practices used.
What to say to a Kelly recruiter
“Do you have any Kelly 33 second-chance opportunities in my area?”
This pushes the recruiter to look for clients who are more flexible.
How Kelly Hiring Actually Works (Real World)
Kelly is a job placement agency and a temp agency. Once you apply, you’re in their network and your résumé is accessible to recruiters.
In real life, it usually goes like this:
- You apply (often online)
- Recruiter screens you (availability, experience, pay, location)
- Kelly matches you to a client company
- Client wants to move forward (or not)
- Screening happens if required (background / drug screen)
- You start the assignment (temp, temp-to-hire, or direct hire)
What that means for you:
A “no” is often just one client — your next assignment can still be a yes. This makes Kelly a great option for anyone with a criminal recored.
Does Kelly Services Run Background Checks?
Often, yes. Especially when the client requires it.
- This does not mean you won’t be hired. It is simply how the process works.
- Most clients require it so Kelly must comply.
- Be upfront about any convictions or felony charges if asked.
State Laws and Background Check Rules
State laws regarding background checks can affect what Kelly Services or a client) can ask and when they can ask it. Some laws even govern how far back a background check can go.
Why that matters to you.
EEOC guidance also emphasizes consistent treatment and careful use of criminal records in hiring decisions. Many places have fair chance / Ban the Box rules that delay criminal-history questions.
If an employer uses a third-party background report (consumer report), federal law (FCRA) requires notices/permission and specific steps before and after adverse action.
Best Kelly Assignments to Target (More Felon-Friendly)
With staffing agencies, your best odds usually come from jobs that are:
- in high demand
- operational (not “high-trust”), like not handling tons of cash.
- not tied to vulnerable populations like the elderly or children.
More Flexible Positions (Start Here)
- Warehouse / picker / packer
- Assembly / production
- Material handler
- Food service
- General labor
- Janitorial / sanitation
- Some call center roles
- Some basic clerical/data entry (depends on the client)
More Sensitive or Harder Positions to get with a record
- School roles / education staffing (often strict screening)
- Healthcare
- Finance/banking
- Government sites
- Driving roles
- High-security facilities
What Convictions May Cause Problems?
These categories often create more obstacles (not always automatic, but harder):
- Recent violent felonies
- Theft/fraud/embezzlement for cash sensitive jobs
- Sex offenses (especially anywhere near vulnerable people)
- Open cases / unresolved court issues
- Restrictions that conflict with job rules (travel, location, shift limits). This is often seen in people on parole and probation.
Older, non-violent convictions are easier to deal with when you can show stability.
What Should I Say in a Kelly Interview if I Have a Felony?
Nothing unless you’re asked. If 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 immediately pivot to: your availability and your willingness to start as soon as possible.
Real-World Strategy to Get Placed Faster
Getting as job quickly can happen when you make yourself easy to place.
Step 1: Apply to multiple roles (same week). Or speak directly with a Kelley Services recruiter.
Don’t wait on one job.
Step 2: Lead with availability.
Example: “Any shift. Can start immediately.”
Step 3: Ask for Kelly 33 / second-chance clients.
Step 4: Be reliable from day 1.
Attendance is everything in staffing.
Green Flags vs Red Flags
| Green Flags | Red Flags |
|---|---|
| Open availability | Limited schedule / unreliable transportation |
| Calm, respectful communication | Argumentative or defensive tone |
| Stable work history since conviction | Recent violent offense |
| Applying to operational roles first | Applying only to sensitive “trust-heavy” roles |
| Willing to start quickly | “I can’t start for weeks” |
Kelly Hiring Readiness Checklist
☐ I’m targeting roles that match my record (warehouse/production first if needed)
☐ I have reliable transportation
☐ I can work nights/weekends if required
☐ I can explain my past briefly if asked
☐ I’m applying to multiple assignments (not just one)
☐ I asked about Kelly 33 second-chance opportunities
Score Meaning
- 5–6 checks: Strong placement potential
- 3–4 checks: Very possible
- 0–2 checks: More challenging — focus on the most flexible job categories first
Important Safety Note: Watch for Job Scams
Scammers often pretend to be staffing agencies. Kelly has a recruitment fraud guide that lists red flags like the following:
- emails from random Gmail/Yahoo addresses
- misspelled domains
- pressure/urgency
- requests for money or bank info upfront
Rule of thumb. You should never have to pay to get placed. Kelly services will never ask you for money.
Promotion Potential (Temp-to-Hire Reality)
Kelly offers temp, temporary-to-hire, and direct-hire opportunities.
A common path looks like this.
Temp → Temp-to-hire → Permanent hire → Lead/Trainer → Supervisor
Best strategy if you have a record:
Get in → build trust → move up.
Kelly Services FAQ
Yes, this is one of the best categories to target first. Kelly 33 also exists specifically for second-chance placement.
Not always, but many clients require a background check even if they already know you have a criminal record. Be ready for it.
Kelly’s second-chance program intended to connect second-chance talent with employers, especially for non-violent, non-job-related records.
Often yes. Kelly Education describes specialized screening that includes criminal background checks, fingerprinting, and registry checks. Education is definitely not a felon friendly career path.
Yes, especially if the offense is non violent and not directly related to the job. Kelly’s Kelly 33 second-chance initiative specifically focuses on connecting employers with qualified second chance workers when the record is non violent and not job relevant.
For many people, yes. Staffing agencies can provide; Faster hiring cycles, Temp-to-hire opportunities, Access to large employer networks
and a way to prove reliability and build references Kelly 33 strengthens this pathway for second-chance applicants.
Yes. A rejection usually means one client declined the placement. You may still qualify for other assignments with different clients.
Other Employer Guides For Felons
You may also want to review:
- 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 McDonald’s Hire Felons?
Disclaimer
HelpForFelons.org is not affiliated with Kelly Services. Hiring decisions vary by recruiter, location, client company, assignment type, and may change at any time. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee employment.