Quick Answer

Yes, Express Employment Professionals hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

With 850+ franchise offices across the United States and Canada, locally owned flexibility, placement in warehouse, manufacturing, office, and skilled trade jobs, and starting pay of $13–$21 per hour, Express offers one of the most accessible employment paths for individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

The franchise model gives each local owner hiring discretion, often making it more flexible than large corporate staffing agencies.

About Express Employment Professionals

Express Employment Professionals operates over 850 locally owned franchise offices throughout North America.

Unlike corporate-owned staffing agencies such as Manpower or Kelly Services, Express offices are individually managed small businesses. Each franchise owner has the freedom to make their own hiring and placement decisions, often allowing greater flexibility when evaluating applicants with criminal records.

For job seekers with records, Express offers clear advantages:

1. Franchise flexibility – Each owner makes independent hiring decisions.

2. Local relationships – Owners personally know their client employers.

3. Case-by-case review – No automatic disqualification.

4. Diverse job placements – From industrial to clerical and trades.

5. Temp-to-hire career paths – Opportunity for permanent jobs through proven performance.

6. Community-oriented approach – Local offices value reliability and contribution.

Express Employment Hiring Policy

Approach:

• Each office is independently owned (decisions vary locally).

• Case-by-case evaluation by franchise owner.

• Local owners know clients personally and can advocate for you.

• Small business discretion—more flexible than corporate policies.

• Similar accessibility to Manpower, Adecco, and Kelly Services.

What Express Considers:

• Nature and timing of conviction.

• Local client needs and type of assignment.

• Owner’s personal judgment and assessment of reliability.

• Applicant’s attitude, honesty, and work ethic.

• Availability and attendance history.

Franchise Advantage:

• Owner makes direct hiring decisions.

• Owners can personally recommend you to clients.

• Flexibility in matching candidates to job opportunities.

• Community-based approach—trust and consistency matter most.

Available Assignments

Warehouse Worker

($14–$19/ hour)

Logistics, distribution, and order fulfillment (highly accessible).

Manufacturing Associate

($14–$20/ hour)

Production line, assembly, and packaging work.

Skilled Trades

($18–$32/ hour)

Jobs in welding, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, or plumbing.

Office/Administrative Support

($14–$19/ hour)

Clerical work, data entry, and office coordination (more selective).

Light Industrial

($13–$18/ hour)

General labor, cleaning, and material handling.

Professional Roles

($20–$30/ hour and up, depending on experience)

Technical, accounting, or marketing positions (based on qualifications).

Career Path: Temp Assignment → Temp-to-Hire → Permanent Role with Client

Express Benefits: Weekly pay, optional benefits after qualifying hours, and franchise owner advocacy for long-term placement.

Background Check

• 7-year criminal history typical.

• Franchise owner discretion – local flexibility.

• Case-by-case evaluation with local owner input.

• 3–5 days processing on average.

• Client requirements may vary by assignment.

• Drug testing depends on industry or client policy.

Application Tips

1. Apply to 3–5 Express offices – Each is independently owned with different hiring flexibility.

   
   

2. Visit in person – Face-to-face introductions build trust with franchise owners.

   
   

3. Be honest about your record – Transparency helps the owner find the right client fit.

   
   

4. Highlight reliability – Emphasize attendance, safety, and commitment.

   
   

5. Show community connection – Mention your local roots and willingness to work hard.

   
   

6. Focus on warehouse, manufacturing, or trades – These are the most accessible placements.

   
   

7. Accept early assignments – Building a track record leads to stronger referrals.

   
   

8. Ask for feedback – Franchise owners can recommend you to more clients.

   
   

9. Apply to other agencies too – Combine Express with Manpower, Kelly, Adecco, and Randstad.

   
   

10. Maintain contact – Check in weekly for new or upcoming job placements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Express Employment hire people with felonies?

Yes. Hiring is case-by-case and handled by each franchise owner individually.

What makes Express more flexible than other agencies?

Each office is independently owned, allowing franchise owners to make their own hiring decisions rather than following a single corporate policy.

Should I apply to more than one Express office?

Yes. Since each office is separate, apply to 3–5 Express locations near you.

What jobs are most accessible?

Warehouse, manufacturing, light industrial, and skilled trades are the easiest to get started in.

How fast can I start working?

Usually within 3–7 days, depending on local client openings and background processing.

Does each franchise handle background checks differently?

Yes. Owners have flexibility in how they assess results and can often work around certain convictions.

Is Express a good path to permanent work?

Yes. Many assignments are temp-to-hire, allowing you to earn a full-time position after proving reliability.

Can I apply while on probation or parole?

Yes, if approved by your officer and compliant with work restrictions.

Are benefits available?

Yes, benefits may be offered after meeting minimum hours with the agency.

Do owners help advocate for applicants?

Yes. Franchise owners often communicate directly with clients to place reliable workers, including those with records.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Manpower – 2,500+ offices; broad range of warehouse and industrial jobs.

• Kelly Services – 2,000+ offices; manufacturing, clerical, and scientific placements.

• Adecco – 1,500+ offices; strong in production and warehouse staffing.

• Randstad – 1,000+ offices; manufacturing and logistics focus.

• Labor Finders – Franchise-based like Express; flexible local hiring.

Final Thoughts

Express Employment Professionals provides highly accessible job opportunities for individuals with criminal records.

Its franchise-owned model gives each office the power to evaluate applicants independently, often resulting in more flexible and understanding hiring decisions than corporate agencies.

With 850+ locations, diverse job types, weekly pay, and starting wages of $13–$21 per hour, Express is an excellent option for rebuilding your work history and advancing toward permanent employment.

Key Points:

• Franchise-owned = local flexibility

• 850+ U.S. and Canadian locations

• Case-by-case evaluation by local owner

• Starting pay $13–$21 per hour

• Temp-to-hire and community-based approach

• Apply to 3–5 Express offices + other staffing agencies

Apply directly at ExpressPros.com to find local franchise offices near you.