Quick Answer

Yes, Kelly Services hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

With over 2,000 offices across the United States, placement in diverse industries such as warehouse, manufacturing, office, customer service, healthcare, education, and skilled trades, Kelly provides one of the most accessible gateways to employment for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Starting pay ranges from $13–$22 per hour depending on the assignment, with temp-to-hire opportunities, weekly pay, and immediate job placements similar to Manpower.

About Kelly Services

Founded in 1946, Kelly Services is one of the world’s largest and oldest staffing agencies.

The company connects workers with temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire positions across multiple industries—ranging from industrial and manufacturing to office, healthcare, and education.

Kelly employs hundreds of thousands of temporary associates each year across 2,000+ U.S. offices.

For job seekers with criminal records, Kelly Services provides major advantages similar to Manpower:

• Case-by-case evaluation rather than blanket exclusions.

• Assignments in multiple industries, including warehouse, office, and skilled trades.

• Temp-to-hire pathways for long-term employment.

• Immediate job availability in many areas.

• Weekly pay and basic benefits after qualifying hours.

• Fewer barriers than direct-hire employers.

Kelly Services Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

Kelly’s Approach

• Case-by-case evaluation with individual review.

• Assignment-specific assessment (each client has its own rules).

• Client company requirements vary widely.

• Individual circumstances and rehabilitation are considered.

• Accessibility and flexibility are very similar to Manpower’s approach.

What Kelly Considers

• Type and date of conviction.

• Relevance of offense to the job assignment.

• Work history and rehabilitation.

• Availability of compatible client assignments.

• Reliability, attitude, and attendance record.

Most Accessible Kelly Assignments: warehouse, manufacturing, light industrial, and janitorial/facility jobs.

Available Assignments Through Kelly Services

Warehouse Associate

($14–$19/hour)

Picking, packing, shipping, and distribution work. Most accessible and in high demand.

Manufacturing Worker

($14–$20/hour)

Assembly, machine operation, or production line work in factories.

Light Industrial

($13–$17/hour)

General labor, material handling, and packaging. Fast hiring process.

Office/Clerical

($14–$19/hour)

Data entry, administrative, and front-office support roles. Slightly more selective.

Skilled Trades

($18–$35/hour)

Welding, electrical, HVAC, and other technical fields. Great pay for experienced workers.

Career Path: Temp Assignment → Temp-to-Hire → Permanent Employee at Client Company

Benefits: Weekly pay, benefits eligibility after qualifying hours, and free online training through Kelly Learning Center.

Background Check Process

Kelly conducts a 7-year criminal history lookback with case-by-case evaluation.

Process Overview:

1. Apply online or visit your local Kelly branch.

2. Interview with a recruiter (same or next day).

3. Background check (typically 3–5 business days).

4. Drug testing may be required depending on assignment.

5. Begin your assignment once cleared and matched with a client.

Each client sets its own background standards, so disqualification from one assignment does not mean rejection from all others.

Application Tips

1. Apply to Kelly and other agencies. Apply to 5–10 staffing firms for faster placement.

   
   

2. Target warehouse and manufacturing roles. These are the easiest for applicants with records.

   
   

3. Be transparent. Kelly recruiters value honesty about your history.

   
   

4. Show dependability. Mention attendance, reliability, and motivation.

   
   

5. Stay flexible. Be open to shifts, locations, or short-term jobs.

   
   

6. Apply in person. Walk-ins often lead to same-day interviews.

   
   

7. Accept the first assignment offered. It helps build your work record.

   
   

8. Prove yourself. Strong performance often leads to temp-to-hire offers.

   
   

9. Ask about training. Kelly offers free skill-building programs.

   
   

10. Maintain contact with your recruiter. They can quickly place you again after an assignment ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kelly Services hire people with felonies?

Yes. Kelly reviews each applicant individually and places many people with past convictions successfully.

What are the easiest jobs to get?

Warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial positions are the most accessible.

How fast can I start working?

Usually within 3–7 days after background clearance.

Do I get benefits as a temp worker?

Yes. Health coverage and other benefits start after meeting qualifying hours.

What is “temp-to-hire”?

You start as a temporary employee and may be offered permanent employment by the client if you perform well.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes, as long as your probation officer and client company approve.

Are drug convictions disqualifying?

Not automatically. Kelly considers the time since conviction and job relevance.

Is drug testing required?

Varies by assignment—more common for warehouse or industrial roles.

What if a client rejects me?

Kelly will help find another assignment that better fits your background.

Do I need a resume?

Not always. Kelly recruiters can help create one if needed.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Manpower – 2,500+ offices; similar accessibility and immediate placement.

• Adecco – 1,500+ offices; large global staffing firm with diverse industries.

• Randstad – 1,000+ U.S. locations; strong in warehouse and manufacturing.

• Express Employment Professionals – 850+ offices; local franchises with flexible hiring.

• Local staffing agencies – Many small regional agencies hire case-by-case and offer fast starts.

These agencies all act as employment gateways, helping people gain experience and reenter the workforce even with a criminal background.

Final Thoughts

Kelly Services remains a leading second-chance employer through its inclusive, case-by-case approach.

With 2,000+ offices nationwide, starting pay between $13–$22/hour, and quick access to temporary or temp-to-hire jobs, Kelly provides steady, immediate work for those ready to rebuild.

Key Takeaways:

• Case-by-case evaluation—no automatic disqualification.

• 2,000+ U.S. offices with diverse industry options.

• Warehouse and manufacturing are most accessible.

• Weekly pay and benefits after qualifying hours.

• Temp-to-hire offers path to permanent employment.

• Apply to multiple agencies for faster results.

• Honesty and reliability lead to better placements.

Next step: Apply at KellyServices.com or visit your local Kelly office. Also apply to Manpower, Adecco, Randstad, and Express Employment to expand your opportunities.