Quick Answer

Yes, Circle K hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. With more than 7,000 convenience stores across the United States, 24/7 operations, and starting pay of $11–$15/ hour, Circle K offers one of the most accessible convenience retail opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

The company has both corporate and franchise locations, hires frequently due to its massive footprint, and offers advancement to management positions paying $38,000–$60,000 per year.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Circle K

3. Circle K Hiring Policy

4. Available Jobs

5. Background Check

6. Application Tips

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About Circle K

Circle K, owned by Alimentation Couche-Tard of Canada, operates over 7,000 convenience stores in the U.S. under its unified Circle K brand. Former brands such as Kangaroo Express, On the Run, and Statoil have been consolidated into Circle K.

With around 100,000 employees across North America, the company is the second-largest convenience chain in the U.S. after 7-Eleven. Circle K’s 24-hour operations, fuel service, and convenience retail create a constant need for dependable employees — making it one of the most accessible major employers in the industry for people with criminal records.

Circle K Hiring Policy

Circle K reviews applicants individually and does not automatically reject candidates with criminal backgrounds.

Approach:

• Case-by-case evaluation

• Franchise and corporate flexibility

• 24/7 operations drive frequent hiring

• Widely reported as accessible for people with records

What Circle K Considers:

• Nature and age of conviction

• Relevance to convenience store duties

• Employment reliability and availability

• Staffing urgency at local stores

Available Jobs

Store Associate

($11–$15/ hour)

Handles cashiering, stocking, and customer service in a fast-paced, 24-hour environment.

Overnight Associate

($12–$16/ hour)

Works the graveyard shift; assists customers and restocks inventory. Often the most accessible entry point.

Fuel Attendant

($11–$15/ hour)

Oversees fuel station safety and assists customers at the pumps.

Shift Leader

($13–$17/ hour)

Supervises store operations during assigned shifts and supports training new staff.

Assistant Store Leader

($15–$20/ hour ≈ $30,000–$42,000 / year)

Assists store management with scheduling, operations, and cash control.

Store Leader

($18–$29/ hour ≈ $38,000–$60,000 / year)

Oversees daily operations, staff performance, and financial reporting.

Career Path: Store Associate → Shift Leader → Assistant Store Leader → Store Leader

Background Check

• Typically a 7-year criminal history look-back

• Case-by-case consideration

• Quick processing (often 3–5 days)

• Drug testing varies by location

Application Tips

1. Apply to 15–25 locations. Circle K’s vast network increases your chances of finding a manager willing to hire.

   
   

2. Target overnight shifts. Graveyard hours are often the most accessible for applicants with records.

   
   

3. Include rebranded stores. Former Kangaroo Express and On the Run locations are now Circle K.

   
   

4. Emphasize reliability. Availability and consistency are valued more than past mistakes.

   
   

5. Apply in person. Meeting the store manager can significantly improve your odds.

   
   

6. Mention flexibility. Highlight your ability to work weekends, nights, or holidays.

   
   

7. Respond quickly. When Circle K needs staff, the hiring process can move fast.

   
   

8. Be upfront but positive. Focus on work ethic and rehabilitation.

   
   

9. Highlight customer service. Friendly, consistent service is central to Circle K’s brand.

   
   

10. Follow up. Check back politely after submitting applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Circle K automatically reject people with felonies?

No. The company evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis and is known for accessibility.

How many stores should I apply to?

Apply to 15–25 locations to maximize your chances of success.

What’s the most accessible job at Circle K?

The Overnight Associate role is typically the easiest entry point.

Does Circle K or 7-Eleven hire more people with records?

Both are considered highly accessible — applying to both chains is recommended.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes, if approved by your probation officer and the employer.

What happened to Kangaroo Express?

Most of those stores were rebranded to Circle K after acquisition.

How fast is the hiring process?

In some areas, applicants are hired within 3–5 days depending on staffing needs.

Does every location have the same hiring policy?

No, franchise-owned stores may have slightly different background standards.

Does Circle K drug test?

Some locations do pre-employment testing; policies vary by region.

Can I grow into management with a record?

Yes. Many employees advance from cashier to store management through consistent performance.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• 7-Eleven – 13,000 U.S. stores; very accessible nationwide.

• Speedway – Recently merged with 7-Eleven; similar convenience model.

• Casey’s General Store – 2,500+ Midwestern stores with food-service focus.

Final Thoughts

Circle K provides one of the most accessible convenience retail opportunities in the country, with 7,000+ locations, case-by-case hiring, and 24-hour operations that create continuous demand for dependable staff. Starting pay ranges from $11–$15 per hour, with career growth leading to store leadership positions paying $38,000–$60,000 per year.

For applicants with criminal records, Circle K represents a strong opportunity to rebuild employment stability in a large, established company.

Apply directly at CircleK.com/careers to find openings in your area.