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Image of soda bottles with the caption "Does Pepsi Hire Felons, Answered Here."

Nearly one third of Americans have a criminal record, but almost all businesses disqualify such individuals. This creates a vicious cycle where those with a record feel their only option is crime. However, things are starting to change.

Previous president Barack Obama created the Fair Chance Pledge, and many major companies are starting to support it. PepsiCo is one such company. They have pledged on paper to not look at an applicant’s criminal history, but to instead look at their potential. In this article we will answer the question “Does Pepsi Hire Felons.” 

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Does Pepsi Hire Felons

Short Answer: Yes, Pepsi will hire felons but only on a case-by-case basis. Your applicable job skills, type of felony conviction and time since release from prison will all play a part in whether Pepsi will hire you with a felony conviction or not.

Applying to Pepsi

To apply, go to Pepsi’s career page and fill out an online application. Once there, you will need to create a profile and start looking. The search can filter by location, type, or even education level! Once you have found the position you want, a resume and profile need to be filled out.

Those with suitable applications will be contacted, and in-person or over-the-phone interviews will be conducted. If they complete all of this, a background will be done. However, this is simply to ensure the crime is not directly related to the job they are performing and will not have any bearing on whether or not they will be hired.

Felony Expungement – In a number of states it is possible to have your felony conviction either expunged or sealed. Imagine having your record swiped clean! Learn more here.

Pepsi Delivery Jobs

Pepsi offers a number of delivery and truck driving jobs. Many felons overlook the possibility of becoming a truck driver and getting there CDL. Depending on individual circumstances it is possible for some felons to get their CDL and become a class A or B truck driver.

Background Check Limits & Pepsi

It is important to understand that some states have laws regarding how far back a criminal background check can go. This can greatly affect whether Pepsi will hire felons in your state or not. Here are the laws.

Twelve states do not allow any felony conviction information older than seven years to be reported.

  • California
  • Colorado*
  • Kansas*
  • Maryland*
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire*
  • New York *
  • Texas *
  • Washington*

(* exceptions based on pay/salary)

Some states will not report court cases where you were found NOT guilty: Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Alaska, California, New York and Michigan.

These states will report unlimited numbers of years back of felony convictions and also report NOT guilty verdicts: Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The Fair Chance Pledge, Felons & Pepsi

In 2015, President Obama made a speech about the working situation of criminal offenders. He mentioned how about 70 million Americans have a felony record, and how it is holding them back. However, he also spoke about the impact that has on the American economy. 70 million jobless Americans means at least 70 million Americans in need of government assistance

Many of these individuals also have families, and therefore need even more money. These people have little hope of getting off their feet and will be lifetime recipients. For those with jobs, their taxes will have to be increased to cover this cost. Instead of doing this, companies could simply hire those in need of a second chance.

President Obama has spoken with companies about the benefits, and how these people are often reliable and hard workers. His speeches were successful, and over a dozen companies have agreed to take the fair chance pledge.

Once such company is Pepsi. Started in 1980 by Caleb Bradham, they began as a simple drink option. Caleb was a pharmacist, but he knew he had a product people loved. In 1902, he founded the company. Today, they have merged with Frito-Lay and are responsible for drinks, chips, and even oatmeal! The company makes over $1 billion in retail sales every year, and they employ millions.

The jobs they need filled greatly: warehouse workers, truck drivers, and even office jobs like sales! With so many important positions, it is important that they find the most qualified applicants. Pepsico has agreed to stop looking at background checks to do this. Instead, they look at every job application on a case-by-case basis.

For felons, this company is the perfect place to get a fresh start. They will have just as much of a chance as anybody else. If they get hired, an employee can look forward to tailored programs that can help them further develop their life. The company offers classes on health, work/life balance, and even financial assistance in managing a 401k!

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A Few Notes

Pepsi has chosen to take a bold step into fixing one of the biggest issues in America today: a felon’s inability to find work. These individuals are often willing and able, but their past mistakes prevent them from a better future. By removing the background check until absolutely necessary, they are allowing these individuals to better themselves. Pepsi also offers great classes to ensure their employees stay well in all areas of their lives. For a felon, this place is the perfect place to apply. We hope this has answered your question “does Pepsi hire felons.”

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