What does the FedEx background check look for?

With more than half a million employees, it's safe to say that FedEx is a pretty popular place to work.

There are plenty of job opportunities for entry-level workers and job seekers looking for a change in career or who plan to get back into the job market.

If you’re considering applying for a job at FedEx, though, you might be wondering:

Does FedEx perform background checks?

And if so, what are they looking for, and what might disqualify me if something comes up?

In this article, we’ll describe the kinds of checks FedEx performs on job applications, what they’re looking for, and how you can improve your chances of landing a job with this popular logistics company.

What is a background check?

A background check is a common part of the job application process, where an employer seeks to verify and understand:

• The applicant is who they say they are

• The applicant’s criminal history

• The applicant’s educational history

• The applicant’s employment history

• The applicant’s credit history

• The applicant’s motor vehicle and license history

Not all of these checks are included in every company’s background check, though criminal background checks are almost always performed.

The use of these checks as they relate to making hiring decisions is regulated by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and guidelines set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Hiring companies cannot perform background checks without your permission. There are restrictions on their ability to share and retain this data, so your private information is kept safe.

Does FedEx perform background checks?

Yes, FedEx performs background checks on all job applicants.

Note that this doesn’t mean that FedEx necessarily discriminates against those who have a criminal history or are convicted felons — only that they check for this information.

However, certain results may influence hiring decisions where appropriate.

For example, one of the most common FedEx jobs is delivery driver, and it’s unlikely that the company will hire someone for a driving position if they have a recent DUI (driving under the influence) charge.

Of course, this is always at the discretion of the hiring manager. Applicants who can demonstrate a reformation and improvement in character, particularly if the offense was several years ago, might still be eligible for the position.

What kind of background check does FedEx do?

The type of background check FedEx performs varies slightly depending on the position you’re applying for.

FedEx will want to run a check for prior criminal convictions for almost all jobs (for example, positions like package handler).

Those applying for warehousing positions will be subject to a drug screening as part of the hiring process.

If you’re applying for a driving job, they’ll check that you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) and will also check your driving record.

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Remember, the presence of criminal records doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from the job interview process.

FedEx takes into account a number of factors, including:

• The number of offenses

• The type of conviction

• How recent the conviction is

• What the applicant has done to rehabilitate since the offense

What will disqualify you from a FedEx position in your background check?

Strictly speaking, FedEx does not discriminate purely based on your background. However, certain positions might not be available to applicants with certain convictions.

For example, those with DUI convictions may find it difficult to get a job as a driver at FedEx.

Those who have a felony offense for stealing or fraud may be unsuccessful in applying for a job handling cash or as a driver out on the road delivering packages.

The main things that FedEx values are honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness.

FedEx customers trust the company to handle valuable packages, ensuring that they arrive on time and in a safe and secure condition. So, before making a job offer, FedEx will want to know that they can trust you with that same responsibility.

That means you should be as upfront and honest as possible.

If you happen to have a criminal record, don’t be discouraged from applying. Just be honest about it in your online application.

You’re much more likely to be offered a job if the background check confirms what you’ve already told them than if it pulls up something unexpected.

The FedEx application process

Because FedEx is such a large company and is hiring so often, it has a pretty specific hiring process.

Here’s what that looks like.

1. Online application

First, you’ll browse for current openings on the FedEx Careers website.

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Once you’ve found a job you’d like to apply for, you’ll need to create an account and fill out the application, attaching your resume and cover letter.

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You’ll then answer a series of questions and provide personal information (like your name and date of birth).

2. Personality and behavioral tests

Next, you’ll need to complete some behavioral aptitude and personality tests.

These tests give FedEx an understanding of your natural temperament, along with any potential strengths and weaknesses. They’re a good indication of your suitability for certain jobs.

3. Interviews

The next step in the FedEx hiring process is generally a series of interviews, or at least a single interview.

The kind and number of interviews you’ll have will depend on your role.

Some interviews are one-on-one, whereas others require you to meet with a panel of interviewers.

The questions you’re asked during the interview will depend on the role you apply for.

For package handler roles, applicants have mentioned that interviews ask questions about:

• Previous experience

• Education

• Physical strength

For a quality assurance (QA) clerk position, questions tend to be about computer skills, logic processing, and previous QA experience.

4. Background check

If your interviews go well, then FedEx will move on to performing a background check.

This part of the process only occurs once the company is getting prepared to make you a job offer.

At this point, it would be best to disclose any previous convictions or anything else you expect to show up on the check.

In most cases, the hiring manager will ask if you have any previous offenses or if there’s anything you think might show up on the check, so you have an easy opportunity to answer honestly.

If for some reason, this doesn’t happen, and the recruiter just tells you that they’re going to perform a background check, then you should bring it up voluntarily, like this:

“That’s fine. I do have a previous conviction, so that’s likely to show up on the background check.”

5. Job offer

If FedEx is comfortable with your background check results, the hiring manager may offer you a job. You’ll then have an opportunity to negotiate things like salary and benefits packages.

FAQ about the FedEx background check

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about FedEx background checks.

Does FedEx hire felons?

Yes, FedEx hires felons.

However, it does take into account the nature of your conviction, as well as the job you’re applying for.

The company also considers things like how long it’s been since you were convicted and what you’ve done since to rehabilitate.

How far back does the FedEx background check go?

Background checks look for criminal history over the last seven years, and this will be the case for most FedEx background checks.

However, checks can go back further depending on compliance laws and the role you’re applying for.

How long does the FedEx background check take?

The FedEx background check usually takes one to three days to come back.

However, during times of high demand, the check can take up to a week.

Can you perform a background check on yourself?

Yes, you can run a background check on yourself. There are a number of organizations that help you to do this online, such as Truthfinder.

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If you’re unsure what might show up on your background check, it can be worth performing one yourself before applying for a job.

However, you should bear in mind that you’ll likely need to pay for this.

What disqualifies you from working for FedEx?

Strictly speaking, FedEx does not discriminate against those with criminal histories. However, certain offenses may make it difficult to get a job in a specific role.

For example, those with fraud or theft convictions may find it tough to get a position as a package handler.

Looking for a job at FedEx?

Now that you know how the FedEx background check works, it's time to start applying for jobs there.

There’s no better time to start than now, so check out the Jobcase job board and start browsing (we’ve got more than just FedEx jobs, too).