9 tips to pass Lowe’s background check and nail your job interview

Have you ever considered getting a job at Lowe’s?

Not only are they one of the world’s largest hardware stores, but they’re committed to diversity and inclusion when they make their hiring decisions.

With that being said, the company does run a background check whenever they want to make a new hire.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lowe’s background check, plus nine tips to get hired, even if you have a criminal record.

What is a Lowe’s background check?

Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse is one of the largest retail companies in North America. They offer a variety of benefits to their employees.

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When they want to hire new employees for any position, Lowe’s runs a background report using a third-party consumer reporting agency. They run this check at the beginning of each online application.

This means that anyone who applies to work at Lowe’s will receive a background check, not just people who get a job offer with them.

You need to provide your consent for this background check to happen. Without your consent, Lowe’s won’t run a background check on you, and you won’t be considered for the job.

What kind of background check does Lowe’s do?

Lowe’s runs a complete background check when they screen potential new hires. Their background check includes:

• Credit worthiness

• Credit standing

• Credit capacity

• Character

• General reputation

• Personal characteristics

• Mode of living

• Credit history

• Criminal history

• Social security verification

• Motor vehicle records

• Education history

• Employment history

• Other background check results

Although the screening involves a lot of details, not everything gets considered with the same weight. For instance, your criminal background will matter much more than your credit capacity. That’s because the former could impact the safety of their employees and customers.

However, you don’t automatically get disqualified for having a criminal record. It depends on several factors, including:

• How much time has elapsed since your conviction

• What type of conviction (misdemeanor or felony, violent crime or not)

• What job you’re applying for

For instance, if you’ve been convicted of stealing from your employer in recent years, they may be hesitant to offer you a job whereas a completed DUI conviction may be less of a problem.

How long do Lowe's background checks take?

A Lowe’s background check will typically take 3–10 business days to complete. But it can take longer if you went to school or held a job in another country.

The check will go back 7–10 years at least.

9 tips for getting hired at Lowe’s

More than 100 million Americans have a criminal record so you’re definitely not alone if you also have one. It can be more difficult to find a job if you have a criminal record, but it’s not impossible.

Here are nine tips to get hired at Lowe’s if you do have a criminal record. Keep in mind that several of these tips could be useful even if you don’t have one.

1. Choose the best entry-level position for you

There are several entry-level positions to choose from at Lowe’s. Some of these positions include:

• Team member

• Delivery driver

• Sales specialist

• Cashier

• Receiving clerk sales associate

• Customer service representative

• Project specialist

Whether or not you have a criminal record, you’ll increase your chances of getting the job if you choose the best position for you. Apply for the ones that make sense based on your own set of hard skills and soft skills.

2. Run a background check on yourself first

Did you know that you can be proactive and run a background check on yourself?

When you do this, you can arrive at your interview fully prepared because you know exactly what shows up in your background check. You can even add a note in your resume with a disclaimer about anything that shows up.

A background check usually costs under $100 with most screening companies. You can use services like Truthfinder or InstantCheckmate. These are public services that anyone can use to run a background check on anyone else, including themself.

3. Apply at more than one location

If you live close to more than one Lowe’s location, increase your chances of getting the job by applying for more than one location.

Not all hiring managers will have the same opinion about your criminal history. Some may be more open-minded than others.

You can also apply for more than one position if you have the minimum qualifications required. If you apply for several entry-level positions, you increase the odds of getting hired.

4. Update your resume

Before completing your online application at Lowe’s, make sure you get your resume up to date. Add any new work experience you’ve gained since the last time you updated your resume, and remove anything too old and irrelevant if you have several jobs lined up.

If you have a gap in your resume, there are ways you can use it to your advantage. For instance, you can highlight new skills you’ve learned in between jobs.

You can also create a functional resume instead of a chronological resume. These highlight relevant experience instead of focusing on the order in which you’ve had jobs.

If you haven’t had a lot of work history, consider adding other experiences that could be seen as useful, such as:

• Volunteering experiences

• Participating in a sports team

• Community work

Make sure to customize your resume for your Lowe’s application. Add skills that are relevant to the positions you’re applying for.

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5. Have some solid references

If you do have previous work experience, make it count. Make sure you have references from those previous employers.

Before you add a reference to your resume, take the time to contact your previous employer first. Ask them if it would be okay to add them as a reference to your resume.

It’s important to take this step since adding the wrong references could hurt your chances of getting a job at Lowe’s (and anywhere else, for that matter). You need to be in good standing with the people you add as references.

If you’ve done community service because of a criminal record, consider adding the person in charge of supervising you if you believe you’ve done a good job.

6. Remain honest about your history

If you have a criminal record, don’t attempt to hide it on your Lowe’s job application. Whether you state it upfront or not, they will find out about your history. So there’s no use in trying to cover it up if you want them to hire you.

Honesty is a great character trait that employers respect. Many hiring managers also understand that people make mistakes and can move on from them.

Make a note of your criminal history in your resume or cover letter. Explain how you’ve learned from the experience and how honesty is important to you.

If you get an interview with Lowe’s, be prepared to answer questions about your criminal history. Your hiring manager will probably want to know how you intend to move past that history. Be ready to give examples of how you’ve moved on from those actions.

7. Remain flexible

Flexible candidates have the edge over those who can’t adapt to the employer’s needs. This means that Lowe’s may be more willing to give you a second chance if you’re more flexible than other candidates who don’t have a criminal record.

For example, offer to do shifts that others don’t like to do if you’re available to do them. If this applies to you, explain that you’re also very flexible to fill in for coworkers who get sick or take a day off.

8. Act professionally at the job interview

No matter your previous history, be ready to make a good impression at Lowe’s today.

Dress appropriately for the interview by choosing semi-formal clothes that aren’t too flashy or revealing. You should also arrive early at the interview and remain polite with everyone you meet.

Remember that these people will be your potential coworkers. Plus, several hiring managers check with the people you’ve spoken with and disqualify rude candidates.

You should also practice answering common job interview questions in addition to any potential questions about your background.

Finally, show your enthusiasm for the job opportunity. If you want to work at Lowe’s, make sure the hiring manager can feel it.

9. Look for other options

Don’t despair if you don’t get the job at Lowe’s. Other companies hire people even when something shows up on their background checks. Some of these companies include Walmart and Starbucks.

You can also consider applying again later, after a bit of time has elapsed.

Be fully prepared for Lowe’s background check

Now that you know more about Lowe’s background check, you can prepare your application and increase your chances of landing the job, even if something pops up in your background check.

And if you don’t get hired at Lowe’s, you can find plenty of other opportunities from companies that hire people who want a second chance. Sign up for Jobcase to get notified when new job opportunities open up near you or take a look at our job board.