What you need to know about the Starbucks background check before you apply

- What is a Starbucks background check?
- What does Starbucks look for on a background check?
- What is the process of a background check at Starbucks?
- Can you get a job at Starbucks if you have a felony?
- What is disqualifying on a background check?
- How to run a background check on yourself
- What to do if something shows up on your background check
If you’re looking for a flexible job, applying for a position at Starbucks could be a great opportunity for you.
Not many companies offer benefits for part-time employees, but Starbucks is one of the exceptions. It offers a wide range of benefits and perks for both full-time and part-time workers.
However, Starbucks requires all employees to pass a background check before it makes its final hiring decisions.
That being said, Starbucks has been known to hire felons and other employees who have a criminal history since the company is keen on giving second chances.
If applying to work for this company interests you, it’s important to understand how the Starbucks background check process works and what types of criminal records the company is willing to accept from its employees.
You should also learn how you can proactively run a background check on yourself to be aware of any potential challenges you may face.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the Starbucks background check before you apply to work at the international coffee chain.
What is a Starbucks background check?
A Starbucks background check is a verification of your criminal record that Starbucks runs for potential hires.
Working at Starbucks can get you exceptional benefits — even for part-time work. But Starbucks still screens potential hires to ensure the safety of its customers and staff.
What does Starbucks look for on a background check?
Starbucks considers all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
The company states this on all of its job descriptions.
However, Starbucks still wants to keep its employees and customers safe. The background check it performs will dig out anything on your record, including misdemeanors and felonies.
Starbucks doesn’t consider your credit report when it looks at potential hires, even though most background checking companies provide this information. So if you struggle with your credit, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting a job at Starbucks. The company will look into your employment history, however.
What is the process of a background check at Starbucks?
One thing to keep in mind is that Starbucks doesn’t conduct background checks early on in the hiring process. So, not all candidates will get screened.
Before the background check, you’ll get a conditional offer of employment. If you don’t get an employment offer, Starbucks won’t run a background check on you.
This means that all candidates are considered for employment equally, regardless of their criminal background.
If Starbucks gives you a conditional employment offer, you’ll have to consent to a background check. The company won’t run a criminal background check if you don’t provide your consent.
However, the job offer is usually conditional on the screening, so you likely won’t get the job if you refuse to provide your consent.
The background check takes about one week before Starbucks gets the results.
Can you get a job at Starbucks if you have a felony?
Starbucks understands that people who have a criminal record can struggle to find employment. Because so many companies run background checks, a job seeker who has something on their record may struggle to get a second chance.
So, Starbucks doesn’t automatically disqualify you if you have a criminal history. You can still get a job at Starbucks even if you have a felony conviction.
Of course, whether or not you get the job depends on the specific hiring manager looking at your file, as well as the type of felony you have (if you have one).
Because Starbucks only runs a background check on people with a job offer, you won’t be competing with another candidate who may have nothing on their record. It’s a case-by-case basis for every candidate.
So yes, it is possible to get hired at Starbucks with a felony, but there’s no guarantee.
What is disqualifying on a background check?
Every Starbucks branch will have different hiring policies. It all depends on who runs the branch.
Some may be more willing to give second chances to those who have a criminal history. In some cases, a hiring manager may find you’re an extremely good fit for the position and want to hire you no matter what shows up on your background screening.
It can also depend on the state laws where you live. Some states don’t protect job candidates against discrimination, although that doesn’t mean your hiring manager will take advantage of that.
Keep in mind that some felonies and misdemeanors will have more chances of disqualifying you.
For instance, if you’ve been convicted of stealing from a previous employer, a Starbucks hiring manager may decide they don’t want to take that risk. But if you’ve been charged for a DUI, the hiring manager may not see that as risky for their customers and staff.
They’ll also consider how long it has been since the criminal conviction. If you have a conviction that’s already five years old, a Starbucks hiring manager may consider that you’ve had a lot of time to turn over a new leaf.
On the other hand, if your conviction is recent, certain hiring managers may not be willing to hire you. It’s ultimately on a case-by-case basis.
How to run a background check on yourself
If you want to work at Starbucks and aren’t sure what will show up on your criminal record, you can be proactive and run a background check on yourself.
By taking this extra step, you’ll know exactly what to expect. When you provide your resume and show up at an interview, you can prepare what to say beforehand when you’re asked about your criminal history.
You can also add a note in your resume about your record. Starbucks prefers honest employees who are upfront about their past. But it’s difficult to be upfront about your history if you’re not quite sure what will show up.
Here’s how to run a background check on yourself before you apply for a job at Starbucks.
First off, it’s important to note that Starbucks uses professional background checking services. It doesn’t run background checks itself.
You, too, can use third-party companies to run your own background check. Public companies like Truthfinder or Instant Checkmate are quick and affordable solutions you can try out.
Keep in mind that public background checking services like these aren’t necessarily compliant with federal laws and regulations. Anyone can use them, not just companies.
When you perform your research, make sure you enter the right information to get an accurate background check, especially if you have a common name. Even a single mistake could give you someone else’s criminal record instead.
What to do if something shows up on your background check
If you ran a background check on yourself and something came back, don’t despair. Here’s what you can do to increase your chances of getting a job at Starbucks.
1. Look into getting your record expunged
Over 100 million Americans have a criminal record of some sort. In fact, the U.S. is the leading country when it comes to the number of incarcerations per 100,000 people.
With that being said, if you have a criminal record, you’re not alone. And you’re not stuck with something on your record forever.
Some misdemeanors and minor felonies can get expunged from your record. When you get a conviction expunged, it no longer shows up on your criminal record. Some convictions may show up on other records, like a DUI on your driving record.
Requirements for getting your record expunged vary by state.
2. Do your research on the store manager
Find out who will be interviewing you when you apply at a specific Starbucks location.
The more you know about the manager, the more you’ll be able to gauge if they’re likely to hire you if something shows up in your background check.
3. Apply to Starbucks anyway
Even if something shows up on your record, take a chance and complete a job application for your local Starbucks coffee shop anyway. It will cost you nothing to apply.
During the application process, make sure to appear as professional as possible to increase your chances of getting the job. This will help you give a good impression. For example, be sure to fill out your resume completely and professionally. You should also wear something professional to your interview if you get one.
4. Consider other employer options
Starbucks isn’t the only company that hires felons. So, if you fail the Starbucks background check, don’t give up on your job search just yet.
Consider applying to other companies that previously hired people with felonies or misdemeanors. For example, Walmart is well-known for giving second chances. Amazon is another great choice to look into.
And if you want to remain in the foodservice industry, McDonald’s is a great place to start.
Be ready for the Starbucks background check
Whether you have a criminal record or not, remember that honesty is key. Being honest during the job interview process will show your true character and prove that you’re a trustworthy employee.
Looking for opportunities to work as a barista or other type of employee for Starbucks? Get notified about new Starbucks jobs near you by signing up for Jobcase.
May I ask, is it the same thing if you are considered independent contractors? I recently got a job delivering newspapers, but they were literally stealing my money every time I was late (due to my disability), so I am trying to file charges with Eeop and the ADA. Still, I keep getting told that as an independent contractor, I have no rights. Therefore, I think. It stands to reason that the “employer” should not have the same rights either. Thoughts?