Felon Friendly Jobs in Arkansas
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Arkansas offers significant second-chance employment opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. Major employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Amazon actively hire individuals with felony records. The state's 'ban-the-box' legislation for public employment, combined with strong economic growth in Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock, creates pathways for justice-impacted individuals. Entry-level positions start at $12-15/hour, with skilled trades and CDL positions reaching $20-30/hour.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Arkansas
Arkansas presents robust opportunities for individuals with criminal records seeking meaningful employment and career advancement. The state's diverse economy—anchored by global retail headquarters, food processing giants, manufacturing facilities, and expanding logistics networks—creates multiple entry points for justice-impacted job seekers.
Northwest Arkansas, home to Walmart's headquarters and a thriving business ecosystem, leads the state in second-chance employment initiatives. The region's low unemployment rate and high demand for workers across skill levels make it particularly favorable for those rebuilding their careers. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Jonesboro offer additional opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and distribution.
Arkansas's 'ban-the-box' law for state government positions removes barriers to public sector employment, while the state's participation in the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program incentivizes private employers to hire individuals with felony convictions. The state's relatively lower cost of living compared to national averages allows workers to build financial stability even on entry-level wages, with two-bedroom apartments averaging $800-1,000 in most markets outside Northwest Arkansas.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Arkansas
Arkansas's economy offers numerous entry-level positions accessible to individuals with criminal records. These roles require minimal experience and provide immediate income while building work history.
Warehouse & Distribution
Amazon Fulfillment Centers
Multiple Arkansas locations including Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Maumelle employ thousands in fulfillment associate roles. Starting pay: $15.50-17/hour with benefits from day one. Positions include order picker, packer, stower, and receiving associate. Apply directly through Amazon's career portal.
Walmart Distribution Centers
Facilities in Bentonville, Searcy, Clarksville, and other locations hire order fillers and material handlers. Starting pay: $16-19/hour. Comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare, 401(k) matching, and associate discount. Career advancement opportunities to supervisory roles.
FedEx Ground
Package handlers and warehouse workers in Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Springdale. Part-time and full-time shifts available starting at $14-16/hour. Tuition assistance and promotion from within culture.
UPS
Hub operations in multiple Arkansas cities. Package handlers start at $15.50/hour with raises every year. Excellent benefits including healthcare after 9 months and tuition reimbursement up to $25,000.
Food Service & Hospitality
McDonald's
Arkansas locations actively hire crew members and kitchen staff. Starting pay: $11-13/hour depending on location. Flexible scheduling, free meals during shifts, and tuition assistance through Archways to Opportunity program.
Taco Bell
Team member positions across the state. Starting pay: $11-12/hour. Promotes from within to shift lead and assistant manager positions. Free food during shifts and 401(k) matching.
Cracker Barrel
Multiple Arkansas locations hire servers, hosts, and kitchen prep workers. Pay varies by position ($10-14/hour) plus tips for front-of-house roles. Stable employer with benefits for full-time staff.
Sonic Drive-In
Crew members and carhops at Arkansas locations. Starting pay: $10-12/hour plus tips for carhops. Flexible part-time schedules ideal for those with transportation challenges or other obligations.
Retail
Walmart Stores
Retail associate positions throughout Arkansas. Starting pay: $14-16/hour. Positions include cashier, stocker, sales associate, and department specialist. Associate discount, healthcare benefits, and tuition coverage through Live Better U program.
Dollar General
Sales associates and cashiers at hundreds of Arkansas locations. Starting pay: $11-13/hour. Quick hiring process and opportunities for advancement to key holder and store manager.
Home Depot
Sales associates, freight team, and lot associates. Starting pay: $13-15/hour. Strong benefits package and career development programs including tuition reimbursement.
Lowe's
Customer service associates and stockers across Arkansas. Starting pay: $13-15/hour. Employee discount, 401(k) with match, and track to leadership program.
Delivery & Transportation
Amazon Delivery Service Partners
Delivery drivers for third-party Amazon DSPs. Starting pay: $16-18/hour. Paid training, consistent routes, and no DOT medical exam required. Must have valid driver's license and pass background check.
DoorDash
Independent contractor delivery drivers. Earnings vary ($15-25/hour depending on location and time). Flexible schedule you control. Background check focuses on driving record and convictions within past 7 years.
Pizza Delivery (Various Chains)
Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's hire delivery drivers. Pay: $10-12/hour plus tips and mileage reimbursement. Part-time and full-time schedules available.
Top 20 Arkansas Employers Hiring Felons
These Arkansas companies have demonstrated commitment to second-chance employment through fair hiring practices, participation in incentive programs, or explicit policies welcoming applicants with criminal records.
Walmart Inc. (Bentonville)
Global retail headquarters employs 18,000+ in Northwest Arkansas across corporate, distribution, and retail positions.
Entry-level: $14-16/hour
Corporate roles: $50,000-120,000+
Individualized assessment considers nature of offense and time since conviction. Benefits include healthcare, 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, and full tuition coverage through Live Better U. Learn More
Tyson Foods (Springdale)
Major poultry processor with facilities throughout Arkansas.
Production workers: $13-16/hour
Supervisors: $45,000-65,000.
Hiring at plants in Springdale, Rogers, Green Forest, Berryville, and other locations. Second-chance friendly with case-by-case review. Health insurance, paid time off, and referral bonuses.
Amazon (Multiple Locations)
Fulfillment centers in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Maumelle.
Warehouse associates: $15.50-17/hour
Shift leads: $19-22/hour
Operations managers: $55,000-85,000
Day-one benefits including healthcare, 401(k), and education assistance through Career Choice program. Hiring process evaluates convictions over 7 years old.
J.B. Hunt Transport (Lowell)
Transportation and logistics company.
CDL drivers: $60,000-85,000 annually
Warehouse workers: $14-17/hour
Office positions: $35,000-70,000.
Company-sponsored CDL training available. Reviews driving history and criminal convictions case-by-case for driver positions.
Learn More
Murphy USA (El Dorado)
Convenience store chain headquartered in Arkansas with 1,700+ locations.
Store associates: $11-14/hour
Shift leaders: $13-16/hour
Store managers: $40,000-60,000
Second-chance hiring with focus on recent work history and reliability.
Learn More
Simmons Bank (Pine Bluff)
Arkansas-based financial institution.
Teller positions: $13-15/hour
Customer service: $14-17/hour
Loan officers: $40,000-70,000.
Considers applicants with criminal history for non-financial crimes after thorough review.
Learn More
Riceland Foods (Stuttgart)
Agricultural cooperative and rice processing.
Production workers: $13-16/hour
Equipment operators: $16-19/hour
Quality control: $35,000-50,000
Hiring managers evaluate criminal history in context of job duties.
Learn More
ABF Freight (Fort Smith)
Less-than-truckload carrier.
Dock workers: $18-22/hour
CDL drivers: $65,000-80,000
Mechanics: $50,000-70,000
Union benefits through Teamsters including pension and healthcare. Case-by-case evaluation for felonies.
Learn More
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (Little Rock)
Health insurance provider.
Customer service: $15-18/hour
Claims processors: $35,000-50,000
IT positions: $55,000-90,000
Considers qualified applicants with criminal records for most positions.
Learn More
Dillard's (Little Rock)
Department store chain headquartered in Little Rock.
Retail sales: $12-15/hour
Department managers: $35,000-55,000
Corporate positions: $45,000-90,000
Individual assessment of criminal history depending on offense and position.
Arkansas Children's Hospital (Little Rock)
Pediatric healthcare facility.
Food service: $12-15/hour
Environmental services: $12-14/hour
Patient transport: $13-16/hour
Administrative: $30,000-50,000.
Case-by-case review for non-clinical support positions.
LEARN MORE
University of Arkansas System
State university system.
Custodial: $11-14/hour
Grounds maintenance: $13-16/hour
Food service: $11-15/hour
Administrative: $30,000-60,000
Ban-the-box policy for state positions allows fair consideration.
LEARN MORE
OK Foods (Fort Smith)
Poultry processing company.
Production line workers: $12-15/hour
Maintenance: $18-24/hour
Supervisors: $40,000-60,000
Second-chance hiring with focus on work ethic and reliability.
LEARN MORE
Georgia-Pacific (Crossett)
Paper and wood products manufacturing.
Machine operators: $18-24/hour
Maintenance technicians: $55,000-75,000
Supervisors: $60,000-85,000
Reviews criminal history in context of safety-sensitive positions.
LEARN MORE
Steel Dynamics (Blytheville)
Steel manufacturing facility.
Production workers: $19-25/hour
Equipment operators: $22-28/hour
Maintenance: $60,000-80,000
Strong union wages and benefits. Individual assessment of criminal records.
LEARN MORE
Graphic Packaging (West Monroe/El Dorado)
Packaging solutions manufacturer.
Machine operators: $16-20/hour
Maintenance: $50,000-70,000
Quality technicians: $38,000-55,000
Case-by-case hiring with focus on skill and experience.
LEARN MORE
PepsiCo/Frito-Lay (Multiple Locations)
Snack food distribution and manufacturing.
Route sales: $45,000-65,000
Warehouse: $15-19/hour
Maintenance: $55,000-75,000
Second-chance employer with structured career paths.
Ozark Mountain Poultry (Rogers)
Poultry processing.
Production workers: $13-16/hour
Sanitation: $14-17/hour
Management: $45,000-70,000
Actively hires justice-impacted individuals with referral bonuses.
LEARN MORE
Big River Steel (Osceola)
Advanced steel mill.
Operators: $22-30/hour
Maintenance techs: $65,000-90,000
Engineers: $80,000-120,000
Competitive wages with comprehensive benefits. Individual assessment of criminal history.
LEARN MORE
Maverick Transportation (Little Rock)
Flatbed trucking company.
CDL drivers: $60,000-90,000 annually
Dispatcher: $35,000-50,000
Mechanics: $45,000-65,000
Paid CDL training program available. Reviews driving and criminal record for driver positions.
LEARN MORE
Felon-Friendly Jobs by Arkansas City
Job opportunities vary by region. Here are the top 5 Arkansas cities for second-chance employment with specific local employers.
Little Rock
Arkansas's capital and largest city offers diverse opportunities across healthcare, government, finance, and logistics sectors.
Amazon Fulfillment Center LIT1 - Warehouse associates, $15.50-17/hour
Arkansas Children's Hospital - Food service, environmental services, $12-15/hour
Dillard's Corporate - Distribution and retail positions, $12-18/hour
FedEx Ground Hub - Package handlers, $14-16/hour
Kroger Distribution Center - Order selectors, forklift operators, $16-20/hour
Bentonville/Rogers/Springdale (Northwest Arkansas)
Home to Walmart headquarters and fastest-growing region in Arkansas. High concentration of corporate, retail, and manufacturing jobs.
Walmart Stores & Distribution - Multiple positions, $14-19/hour
Tyson Foods Plants - Production workers, $13-16/hour
J.B. Hunt Corporate & Operations - Warehouse and office roles, $14-20/hour
George's Inc. (Poultry) - Processing and production, $13-16/hour
Ozark Mountain Poultry - Production and sanitation, $13-17/hour
Fort Smith
Second-largest metro area with strong manufacturing, transportation, and food processing sectors.
ABF Freight - Dock workers and drivers, $18-25/hour
OK Foods - Poultry processing, $12-16/hour
Mars Petcare - Manufacturing operators, $17-22/hour
Whirlpool Corporation - Assembly and production, $16-20/hour
Walmart Distribution Center - Order fillers, $16-19/hour
Jonesboro
Regional hub for Northeast Arkansas with growing logistics and manufacturing base.
Frito-Lay Distribution - Warehouse and route sales, $15-20/hour
Hytrol Conveyor Company - Manufacturing and assembly, $14-18/hour
Riceland Foods - Production and packaging, $13-16/hour
Arkansas State University - Facilities and food service, $11-15/hour
NEA Baptist Hospital - Support services, $12-16/hour
Pine Bluff
Manufacturing-focused economy with paper mills, defense contractor, and agricultural processing.
Georgia-Pacific (GP Cellulose) - Mill operators, $18-25/hour
Simmons Bank Corporate - Operations and customer service, $13-17/hour
Tyson Foods Pine Bluff Complex - Production workers, $13-16/hour
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff - Facilities and dining, $11-14/hour
Saracen Casino Resort - Hospitality and food service, $11-15/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Arkansas
While entry-level positions provide immediate income, these higher-paying careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
Arkansas's transportation industry offers exceptional opportunities for CDL holders. Companies often provide free training programs with tuition reimbursement after one year of service.
J.B. Hunt Driver Training Program
Paid CDL training in Lowell, Arkansas.
Post-training pay: $60,000-85,000 annually for OTR drivers. Local and regional routes available after experience. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
ABF Freight (Teamsters Union)
Union CDL positions with excellent benefits.
Starting: $65,000-75,000. Experienced drivers: $80,000-95,000. Full pension, healthcare, and job security through collective bargaining agreement.
Walmart Transportation
Private fleet drivers: $87,000-110,000 annually. Must have 30 months verified CDL-A experience. Dedicated routes, home weekly, and comprehensive benefits.
Maverick Transportation
Flatbed specialists.
Starting: $60,000-70,000. Experienced: $75,000-90,000. Company-paid CDL training available at Little Rock facility.
PAM Transport
Arkansas-based carrier.
Solo drivers: $55,000-75,000
Team drivers: $100,000-130,000 combined
Hiring individuals with felonies over 5 years old.
Skilled Trades
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Manufacturing facilities throughout Arkansas need skilled maintenance workers.
Pay: $50,000-75,000. Companies like Tyson Foods, Georgia-Pacific, and Steel Dynamics offer on-the-job training and apprenticeships. Involves electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
HVAC Technician
Growing demand across residential and commercial sectors.
Pay: $40,000-65,000. Apprenticeships available through Arkansas Department of Career Education and private employers. EPA certification required.
Welding
Manufacturing and construction welding positions.
Pay: $38,000-60,000. Entry-level positions available with on-the-job training. Certification through Arkansas community colleges improves earning potential. Big River Steel, Steel Dynamics, and fabrication shops actively hiring.
Electrical Apprentice
Through Arkansas IBEW locals or non-union contractors.
Starting: $35,000-45,000. Journeyman electricians: $55,000-75,000. Four-year apprenticeship program combines classroom and on-the-job training.
Plumbing
Licensed plumbers earn $40,000-65,000. Apprenticeships available through contractors and union programs. Arkansas licensure requires 8,000 hours of experience and passing state exam.
Manufacturing & Production Leadership
Production Supervisor
Food processing, steel mills, and manufacturing plants.
Pay: $45,000-70,000. Promoted from within after demonstrating leadership and reliability. Oversees production teams, ensures safety compliance, and meets quality targets.
Quality Control Inspector
Manufacturing facilities across industries.
Pay: $35,000-55,000. Requires attention to detail and understanding of quality standards. On-the-job training provided by employers like Graphic Packaging and Tyson Foods.
Machine Operator (Specialized)
CNC operators, mill operators, and specialized equipment.
Pay: $38,000-58,000. Technical training through Arkansas community colleges or employer programs. Georgia-Pacific and steel manufacturers pay premium wages.
Technology & IT Support
Help Desk Technician
Entry-level IT support at corporate offices, hospitals, and government agencies.
Pay: $35,000-50,000. CompTIA A+ certification improves hiring chances. Northwest Arkansas's tech sector growing rapidly with Walmart's tech hub expansion.
Network Technician
Installing and maintaining network infrastructure.
Pay: $45,000-65,000. CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA certification valuable. Opportunities with telecommunications companies and large employers.
Data Center Technician
Server maintenance and infrastructure support.
Pay: $40,000-60,000. Growing demand as companies expand IT operations in Arkansas. On-the-job training provided; basic technical knowledge required.
Arkansas Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Understanding Arkansas's laws and accessing available resources significantly improves employment prospects for individuals with criminal records.
Expungement and Record Sealing in Arkansas
Arkansas law allows for sealing of certain criminal records, improving employment opportunities by limiting what employers can access during background checks.
Eligibility Requirements:
Misdemeanor convictions: Eligible for sealing after completion of sentence plus 60 days waiting period
Felony convictions: Class C and D felonies eligible after completion of sentence, payment of all fines, and waiting periods (varies by offense, typically 5-7 years)
Certain violent offenses and sex crimes are permanently ineligible
Only one felony and up to three misdemeanors may be sealed in a lifetime
Filing Process: Petition filed in the circuit court where conviction occurred. $150-250 filing fee (varies by county). Court hearing required where judge determines if sealing serves interests of justice and petitioner rehabilitation.
Effect of Sealing: Once sealed, records not accessible to most employers through standard background checks. State agencies, law enforcement, and certain licensed positions may still access sealed records. Lawful to answer 'no' when asked about sealed convictions in most circumstances.
Ban-the-Box in Arkansas
Arkansas enacted 'ban-the-box' legislation for state government employment positions. Act 990 of 2017 prohibits state agencies from inquiring about criminal history on initial employment applications. This allows candidates to be evaluated on qualifications before criminal history is considered.
Coverage: State agencies, boards, and commissions. Does NOT apply to private employers, though some voluntarily adopt similar policies.
Important Note: Background checks still conducted after conditional job offer. Positions with specific legal restrictions (law enforcement, positions working with vulnerable populations) may have different requirements.
FCRA 7-Year Lookback Rule
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumer reporting agencies generally cannot report arrests older than 7 years. However, this has significant limitations in Arkansas:
Convictions can be reported indefinitely with NO time limit
Only non-conviction records (arrests without conviction) are limited to 7 years
Jobs paying over $75,000 annually are exempt from the 7-year rule entirely
Arkansas law does not provide additional protections beyond federal FCRA
This means most felony convictions will appear on background checks regardless of how long ago they occurred, making record sealing particularly valuable for long-term employment prospects.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
The federal WOTC program provides tax credits to employers who hire individuals from specific target groups, including ex-felons. Arkansas employers actively participate in this program.
Eligibility: Individuals convicted of a felony who are hired within one year of conviction or release from prison. Also applies to those receiving federal or state assistance.
Employer Benefit: Tax credit of up to $2,400 per qualified hire (40% of first-year wages up to $6,000). Incentivizes employers to hire justice-impacted individuals.
How to Leverage: Inform potential employers about your WOTC eligibility during the hiring process. Many Arkansas staffing agencies specialize in WOTC placements. Arkansas Department of Workforce Services can provide WOTC certification.
Mentioning WOTC eligibility can differentiate your application and make you more attractive to cost-conscious employers.
Additional Arkansas Resources
Arkansas Department of Corrections Reentry Services - Pre-release employment preparation, job placement assistance, and connection to community resources. Available to individuals in ADC custody and recently released.
Arkansas Workforce Centers - One-stop career centers in every region. Free services include resume writing, interview preparation, job matching, training referrals, and connections to employers. No discrimination based on criminal record.
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas - Job training, placement services, and employment specifically for individuals with barriers to employment. Locations in Little Rock, Fort Smith, and other cities.
Center for Arkansas Legal Services - Free legal assistance for low-income individuals including expungement help. Clinics throughout the state.
Arkansas Community Correction - For individuals on parole or probation, ACC officers can connect you to employment resources and verified felon-friendly employers.
Staffing Agencies in Arkansas That Work With Felons
Staffing agencies can be valuable partners in your job search, particularly those specializing in second-chance placements or WOTC certifications.
PeopleReady - National temp agency with Arkansas locations in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Springdale, and Jonesboro. Daily pay available. Focuses on light industrial, warehousing, and construction. Known for working with individuals with criminal records.
Labor Finders - Offices throughout Arkansas including North Little Rock and Fort Smith. Same-day pay for many assignments. Industrial, manufacturing, and general labor positions. Case-by-case evaluation of criminal history.
Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Arkansas offices. Specializes in light industrial, administrative, and skilled trades. Works with WOTC program. Individual assessment of candidates with felonies.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing - Locations in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. Manufacturing, warehousing, and office positions. Temp-to-hire opportunities common. Open to candidates with criminal backgrounds for appropriate positions.
Staffmark - Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock offices. Light industrial, warehouse, and administrative staffing. Benefits available for temporary employees. Evaluates criminal history on case-by-case basis.
Kelly Services - Long-established agency with Arkansas presence. Office, industrial, and technical staffing. Corporate policy includes fair chance hiring with individualized assessment.
Adecco Staffing - Multiple Arkansas locations. Wide range of industries including manufacturing, logistics, and office. Benefits available. Reviews criminal history in context of job requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in Arkansas?
Conviction records can be reported indefinitely in Arkansas with no time limit. Only arrests without conviction are limited to 7 years under federal FCRA law. Jobs paying over $75,000 are exempt even from this limitation.
Q2: Does Arkansas have a ban-the-box law?
Yes, but only for state government positions. Act 990 of 2017 prohibits Arkansas state agencies from asking about criminal history on initial applications. Private employers are not required to follow ban-the-box, though some voluntarily adopt similar policies.
Q3: Can I get my felony expunged in Arkansas?
Arkansas allows 'sealing' of certain felony convictions rather than true expungement. Class C and D felonies may be sealed after completing sentence and waiting periods (typically 5-7 years). Only one felony can be sealed per lifetime. Violent crimes and sex offenses are ineligible.
Q4: What companies in Arkansas hire felons?
Major Arkansas employers hiring individuals with felonies include Walmart, Amazon, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, ABF Freight, Murphy USA, Georgia-Pacific, and numerous food service and retail chains. Warehousing, manufacturing, transportation, and food processing industries are generally most accessible.
Q5: Will Walmart hire me with a felony in Arkansas?
Yes, Walmart uses individualized assessment considering the nature of the offense, time since conviction, and job requirements. Positions in retail stores and distribution centers are most accessible. Corporate positions may have stricter requirements. Both recent and old convictions are evaluated case-by-case.
Q6: How can I find jobs that don't require background checks in Arkansas?
Very few legitimate employers skip background checks entirely. Focus instead on employers known for fair-chance hiring who evaluate convictions case-by-case. Day labor services, small cash-based businesses, independent contractor work (gig economy), and some construction/landscaping companies may have less formal screening.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Arkansas?
Yes, many Arkansas trucking companies hire drivers with felonies, particularly non-violent offenses over 5 years old. Companies like J.B. Hunt, ABF Freight, and Maverick Transportation evaluate on case-by-case basis. Certain crimes (DUI, violent crimes, theft) may create longer waiting periods or permanent disqualification depending on company policy.
Q8: What are the highest-paying jobs for felons in Arkansas?
CDL truck driving ($60,000-85,000), industrial maintenance technicians ($50,000-75,000), skilled trades like welding and HVAC ($40,000-65,000), production supervisors ($45,000-70,000), and certain manufacturing operator positions ($38,000-58,000) offer the best pay for individuals with felonies.
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on job applications?
If the application asks about criminal history, answer truthfully. Lying can result in immediate termination if discovered. If the application doesn't ask, you're generally not required to volunteer the information. Be prepared to discuss your conviction honestly during interviews, focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Arkansas for people with felonies?
Yes. Arkansas Workforce Centers offer free training referrals. Community colleges provide workforce development programs, some with financial aid for qualified students. CDL training is often free through employers like J.B. Hunt and Maverick with work commitment. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services provides training assistance for eligible individuals. Trade unions offer apprenticeships with paid training.
Next Steps: Your Arkansas Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this structured 5-step plan designed for justice-impacted job seekers in Arkansas.
Step 1: Assess Your Record and Eligibility
Obtain a copy of your Arkansas criminal record through the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Review for accuracy and identify any errors that need correction. Determine if you're eligible for record sealing under Arkansas law. Consider timing of applying for sealing versus immediate job search needs. Research whether your conviction makes you WOTC-eligible. Understanding exactly what appears on your background check allows you to prepare appropriate explanations and target suitable employers.
Step 2: Target Felon-Friendly Industries and Employers
Focus your applications on the industries and companies identified in this guide that actively hire individuals with criminal records. Warehousing, food processing, trucking, retail, and manufacturing offer the most immediate opportunities. Make a list of 15-20 target employers from this guide based on your location and skills. Research each company's specific hiring process and any publicly stated second-chance policies. Prioritize larger employers who process high volumes of applications and have structured fair-chance programs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials
Create a professional resume highlighting your skills, work experience, and accomplishments. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. If you completed training or education while incarcerated, include it. Prepare a brief, honest explanation of your criminal record focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned—practice delivering this in 30-60 seconds. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to your character and reliability. Consider getting letters of recommendation from parole officers, counselors, or recent employers if available.
Step 4: Apply Strategically and Persistently
Submit applications to multiple employers simultaneously—plan for 10-15 applications per week minimum. Apply directly through company websites when possible rather than third-party job boards. Consider visiting employers in person for industries like manufacturing, warehousing, and food service where showing initiative matters. Register with Arkansas Workforce Centers for free job search assistance and access to employers seeking WOTC candidates. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies that work with justice-impacted individuals. Be prepared for rejection but maintain persistence—securing employment typically requires dozens of applications.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews and Background Checks
Practice answering questions about your criminal record with honesty and confidence. Focus on what you've learned, steps taken toward rehabilitation, and your commitment to building a stable future. Prepare specific examples of reliability, problem-solving, and work ethic from any context (volunteer work, personal projects, prior employment). Research the company and role thoroughly so you can speak intelligently about why you're interested and qualified. For positions requiring background checks, be proactive—disclose your record when appropriate and provide context. Have documentation ready if needed (certificates of completion for programs, letters of recommendation, parole officer contact). Dress professionally, arrive early, and demonstrate the dependability employers value.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. The inclusion of a company does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals.
The information provided about Arkansas expungement laws is general in nature. For specific legal advice about your situation, consult with an Arkansas criminal defense attorney or legal aid organization.
© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.