Felon Friendly Jobs in Kentucky

Kentucky offers strong second-chance employment opportunities driven by major industries including logistics, manufacturing, bourbon production, healthcare, and automotive. The state's $7.25 minimum wage matches federal law, though market competition pushes entry-level pay to $12-17/hour. Louisville's ban-the-box law covers city employers and vendors, while state executive branch positions also restrict initial criminal history inquiries. Kentucky's expungement law (KRS 431.078) allows sealing of misdemeanors after 5 years and certain Class D felonies, with a growing Clean Slate initiative for automatic expungements. Major employers like Amazon (fulfillment centers in Louisville and Hebron), UPS Worldport (largest air cargo facility globally), Ford Kentucky Truck Plant, GE Appliances, and Toyota actively hire individuals with records. Entry-level positions start at $12-17/hour with warehouse and manufacturing roles reaching $45,000-70,000+ annually. CDL drivers earn $50,000-80,000.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Kentucky

2. Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Kentucky

3. Top 20 Kentucky Employers Hiring Felons

4. Felon-Friendly Jobs by Kentucky City

5. Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Kentucky

6. Kentucky Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

7. Additional Kentucky Resources

8. Staffing Agencies in Kentucky That Work With Felons

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Next Steps: Your Kentucky Job Search Action Plan

11. DISCLAIMER

Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Kentucky

Kentucky presents exceptional opportunities for justice-impacted job seekers through its diverse industrial base and employer-friendly business climate. The state's economy centers on manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, bourbon distilleries), logistics (UPS Worldport, Amazon fulfillment), healthcare, and hospitality sectors—industries with consistent hiring needs and documented second-chance policies.

Louisville's ban-the-box ordinance (enacted 2014) prohibits city employers and vendors from asking about criminal history on initial applications, deferring background checks to later hiring stages. While Kentucky lacks statewide ban-the-box legislation for private employers, state executive branch agencies cannot inquire about criminal records on initial applications. This creates opportunities particularly in government positions and Louisville-area employment.

Kentucky's $7.25 minimum wage matches the federal floor, unchanged since 2009. However, market competition—particularly from employers competing for talent in Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati metro)—drives entry-level wages to $12-17/hour. Major employers like Amazon start warehouse workers at $17-19/hour with day-one benefits, while UPS offers $16-19/hour with union benefits and tuition assistance up to $25,000.

The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Kentucky employers up to $2,400 per qualifying hire (40% of first-year wages up to $6,000), making justice-impacted candidates financially attractive. This incentive is particularly valuable in Kentucky's competitive manufacturing and logistics sectors where employers actively seek reliable workers.

Kentucky expungement law (KRS 431.078) offers accessible record sealing for eligible convictions. Misdemeanors can be expunged 5 years after completion of sentence, while certain Class D felonies qualify under KRS 431.073. The process requires a certificate of eligibility ($40) through Kentucky Court of Justice, followed by petition filing. A proposed Clean Slate law under consideration would establish automatic expungements for eligible records, eliminating petition requirements and fees. Background checks in Kentucky follow federal FCRA rules: for jobs under $75,000 annually, arrests/convictions older than 7 years (except felony convictions) cannot be reported.

Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Kentucky

While Kentucky's minimum wage remains at $7.25, market competition drives most entry-level employers to pay $12-17/hour, with major logistics and manufacturing companies offering $17-22/hour plus comprehensive benefits.

Warehouse & Distribution

Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in Louisville (SDF8, SDF9) and Hebron (CVG1, CVG2, CVG5). Fulfillment associates: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare benefits, 401(k) matching, education benefits up to $5,250 annually through Career Choice program. Multiple shift options with overnight differential (+$1-2/hour). High-volume hiring year-round with particularly heavy recruitment September-November for holiday season.

UPS Worldport (Louisville) - World's largest automated package-handling facility. Package handlers: $16-19/hour starting. Excellent Teamsters union benefits after qualifying period: comprehensive healthcare, pension contributions, up to $25,000 in tuition assistance (Earn & Learn program). Promotion opportunities to supervisory roles ($50,000-75,000). Night shift (11 PM-4 AM) most common. Consistent hiring.

FedEx Ground - Package handlers at Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky facilities. Starting: $15-18/hour. Tuition reimbursement program, healthcare benefits after 90 days. Physical work with consistent schedules.

Walmart Distribution Centers - Facilities in London, Lebanon Junction, Hopkinsville, and Shepherdsville. Warehouse workers: $18-22/hour. Comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401(k) match, Live Better U tuition program (covers tuition, books, fees for degrees). Strong internal promotion culture.

Manufacturing & Automotive

Ford Kentucky Truck Plant (Louisville) - Produces Super Duty trucks. Production workers: $18-24/hour starting, reaching $30+ with progression. Excellent UAW benefits including healthcare, pension, profit-sharing. Mandatory overtime during peak production. Occasional hiring events.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (Georgetown) - Largest Toyota plant globally. Production team members: $18-25/hour progressing to $30+. Comprehensive benefits, bonuses, tuition assistance. Stable employment with long-term career opportunities. Competitive application process.

GE Appliances (Louisville) - Major appliance manufacturer (Haier-owned). Production workers: $16-21/hour. Benefits after 90 days, 401(k), advancement opportunities. Produces refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges. Multiple Louisville facilities.

Retail & Food Service

Kroger - 120+ Kentucky locations. Retail clerks: $13-16/hour. Union positions (UFCW) with strong benefits. Louisville headquarters provides additional opportunities. Advancement to management possible.

McDonald's - 200+ Kentucky locations. Crew members: $12-15/hour. Archways to Opportunity program (high school completion, college tuition assistance, English language courses). Fast advancement for strong performers. Flexible scheduling.

Yum! Brands (Louisville HQ) - Parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut. Restaurant team members: $12-15/hour. Louisville headquarters creates additional corporate opportunities. Strong training programs.

Healthcare Support

Norton Healthcare (Louisville) - Non-clinical support roles including environmental services, food service, materials management. Pay: $13-17/hour. Comprehensive benefits, 401(k) match, tuition assistance. Stable healthcare employer. Background checks required but consider rehabilitation.

UK Healthcare (Lexington) - University of Kentucky's healthcare system. Support staff positions: $14-18/hour. State employee benefits including pension, healthcare, education assistance.

Top 20 Kentucky Employers Hiring Felons

These Kentucky employers actively hire individuals with criminal records, with verified fair-chance policies or high success rates for justice-impacted job seekers.

1. Amazon - Multiple Kentucky fulfillment centers.

   Entry-level: $17-19/hour

   Managers: $50,000-100,000

   Considers felonies over 7 years old on case-by-case basis. Learn More
   

2. UPS Worldport - World's largest automated package facility in Louisville. Package handlers: $16-19/hour Supervisors: $50,000-75,000 Fair-chance employer with union protections.

   Learn More

   
   

3. Walmart - Kentucky's largest private employer. Retail: $13-16/hour Distribution: $18-22/hour Corporate fair-chance policies, ban-the-box

   Learn More

   
   

4. Ford Motor Company - Kentucky Truck Plant (Louisville). Production: $18-24/hour starting Skilled trades: $60,000-90,000 UAW facility with fair evaluation. 

   Learn More

   
   

5. Kroger - 120+ Kentucky stores, Louisville headquarters. Retail: $13-16/hour Management: $45,000-80,000 UFCW union positions. 

   Learn More

   
   

6. GE Appliances - Louisville manufacturing. Production: $16-21/hour Engineering: $60,000-95,000 Second-chance evaluation. 

   Learn More

   
   

7. FedEx Ground - Multiple Kentucky facilities. Package handlers: $15-18/hour Supervisors: $45,000-65,000 

   Learn More

   
   

8. Toyota - Georgetown manufacturing. Production: $18-25/hour Management: $60,000-100,000 Considers rehabilitated individuals. 

   Learn More

   
   

9. McDonald's - 200+ Kentucky locations. Crew: $12-15/hour Management: $35,000-55,000 Fast-food franchises often second-chance friendly. 

   Learn More

   
   

10. Home Depot - 30+ Kentucky stores. Associates: $14-17/hour Department heads: $40,000-60,000 Individualized assessments. 

    Learn More

    
    

11. Yum! Brands - Louisville headquarters (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut). Restaurant team: $12-15/hour Corporate: $40,000-80,000 

    Learn More

    
    

12. Target - 20+ Kentucky stores. Team members: $15-17/hour Management: $50,000-85,000 Corporate ban-the-box policies. 

    Learn More

    
    

13. Lowe's - 30+ Kentucky stores. Associates: $14-18/hour Department managers: $45,000-70,000 Fair-chance evaluation. 

    Learn More

    
    

14. Goodwill Industries - Multiple Kentucky locations. Various positions: $10-15/hour Management: $35,000-55,000 Mission-driven second-chance employer. 

    Learn More

    
    

15. Applebee's/IHOP - Dine Brands restaurants across Kentucky. Servers, cooks: $12-16/hour Management: $40,000-60,000 Generally second-chance friendly. 

    Learn More

    
    

16. Aramark - Food service and facilities management. Various positions: $12-16/hour Management: $40,000-60,000 Multiple Kentucky contracts. 

    Learn More

    
    

17. Tyson Foods - Robards facility. Production: $15-18/hour Supervisors: $45,000-65,000 Food processing.  

    Learn More

    
    

18. Waste Management - Solid waste collection across Kentucky. Drivers: $45,000-65,000 Helpers: $14-19/hour CDL positions available. 

    Learn More

    
    

19. Republic Services - Waste collection. Drivers: $45,000-60,000 Maintenance: $40,000-60,000 Second-chance employer.  

    Learn More

    
    

20. Coca-Cola Consolidated - Bottling and distribution. Warehouse/delivery: $15-20/hour Drivers: $45,000-65,000 

    Learn More

Felon-Friendly Jobs by Kentucky City

These metro areas offer the most opportunities for justice-impacted individuals in Kentucky.

Louisville/Jefferson County

Kentucky's largest metro area with ban-the-box protections for city employers and vendors. Diverse opportunities across logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, bourbon industry, and service sectors.

• Amazon Fulfillment Centers - $17-19/hour

• UPS Worldport - $16-19/hour with union benefits

• Ford Kentucky Truck Plant - $18-24/hour

• GE Appliances - $16-21/hour

• Norton Healthcare - $13-17/hour support roles

Lexington/Fayette County

Second-largest Kentucky metro. University town with healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, horse industry, and education opportunities.

• UK Healthcare - $14-18/hour support staff

• Amazon/Walmart Distribution - $17-21/hour

• FedEx Ground - $15-18/hour

• Kroger Stores - $13-16/hour

• Manufacturing Facilities - $15-20/hour

Northern Kentucky (Covington/Florence/Hebron)

Cincinnati metro area proximity. Major logistics hub with Amazon facilities, airport cargo, manufacturing, healthcare.

• Amazon Hebron Facilities - $17-19/hour

• CVG Airport Operations - $14-22/hour

• FedEx Ground - $15-18/hour

• Manufacturing Plants - $16-22/hour

• Retail/Food Service - $12-16/hour

Bowling Green

Home to Western Kentucky University, Corvette plant, automotive suppliers, healthcare, manufacturing.

• GM Corvette Assembly - $18-26/hour

• Automotive Suppliers - $15-21/hour

• Healthcare Facilities - $13-18/hour

• Walmart Distribution/Retail - $13-20/hour

• Food Service/Hospitality - $12-15/hour

Georgetown

Toyota manufacturing hub with supporting industries. Higher wages reflect automotive concentration.

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing - $18-25/hour

• Automotive Suppliers - $16-22/hour

• Warehouse/Distribution - $15-19/hour

• Retail/Service - $12-16/hour

• Healthcare Support - $13-17/hour

Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Kentucky

While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Kentucky.

Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)

Kentucky's logistics industry and manufacturing sector create exceptional CDL opportunities.

UPS Drivers - Start as package handler ($16-19/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $85,000-95,000 annually. Full Teamsters benefits including pension. Guaranteed 40 hours weekly. Long waiting list but excellent long-term career.

Long-Haul Trucking - OTR drivers: $55,000-80,000. Kentucky-based companies hire after waiting periods for non-violent offenses. Home time varies. Good option for those needing distance from local area.

Local/Regional CDL Drivers - Food distribution, materials hauling: $50,000-70,000. Home daily or weekly. Companies like Sysco, McLane, regional carriers actively hire.

Waste Management Drivers - Refuse truck drivers: $45,000-65,000. CDL training often provided. Physical work but excellent job security and benefits.

Skilled Trades

Union Electrician - IBEW apprenticeships in Louisville, Lexington. Apprentices start $40,000-50,000. Journeyman electricians: $60,000-90,000. Four-year paid apprenticeship. Strong demand in Kentucky construction and manufacturing.

Plumber/Pipefitter - UA union apprenticeships. Apprentices: $38,000-48,000. Journeymen: $55,000-85,000. Commercial/industrial pays more than residential. Strong demand statewide.

HVAC Technician - Commercial and residential. Experienced techs: $45,000-70,000. EPA certification required. Community college training available. High demand with Kentucky's climate extremes.

Welders - Manufacturing, construction, fabrication shops. Earnings: $40,000-65,000. AWS certifications increase earning potential. Strong demand in automotive and manufacturing sectors.

Industrial Maintenance Technician - Multi-craft positions at Ford, Toyota, GE. Earnings: $55,000-80,000. Electrical/mechanical skills required. Often promoted from production with company training.

Manufacturing Advancement

Automotive Production (UAW) - Ford, Toyota skilled positions after starting in production. Earnings: $60,000-90,000 with overtime. Maintenance, quality, logistics roles. Union benefits and job security.

Production Supervisors - Advancement from production floor. Earnings: $50,000-70,000. Available at Ford, Toyota, GE, automotive suppliers. 2-4 years experience typically required.

Quality Control/Inspectors - Manufacturing quality roles. Earnings: $45,000-65,000. Attention to detail critical. Certifications helpful. Less physical than production.

Kentucky Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

Kentucky offers growing support for justice-impacted job seekers through accessible expungement and workforce development.

Expungement in Kentucky

Kentucky expungement law (KRS 431.078) offers accessible record sealing for eligible convictions.

Misdemeanor Expungement:

• Eligible 5 years after completion of sentence

• Must have paid all fines, fees, and restitution

• No pending charges

• Certificate of eligibility required ($40 through Kentucky Court of Justice)

• Petition filing in court where convicted

Class D Felony Expungement (KRS 431.073):

• Certain Class D felonies eligible

• Waiting periods and requirements vary

• More restrictive than misdemeanor expungement

• Legal assistance recommended

Clean Slate Initiative:

• Proposed legislation for automatic expungements

• Would eliminate petition requirements and fees

• Under consideration—check kycourts.gov for updates

Process:

1. Obtain certificate of eligibility ($40) from Kentucky Court of Justice

2. File expungement petition in original conviction court

3. Serve notice to Commonwealth Attorney

4. Attend hearing (if required)

5. If granted, records sealed from public view

Resources: Visit kycourts.gov/expungement for forms, instructions, and eligibility information.

Ban-the-Box Protections

Louisville Ban-the-Box (2014): Prohibits city employers and vendors from asking about criminal history on initial applications, deferring background checks to later hiring stages.

State Executive Branch: Kentucky state executive branch agencies cannot inquire about criminal records on initial applications.

Note: Kentucky lacks statewide ban-the-box for private employers, but many large companies voluntarily adopt fair-chance policies.

Background Check Limitations

Kentucky follows federal FCRA rules:

• Jobs under $75,000 annually: Arrests/convictions older than 7 years (except felony convictions) cannot be reported

• Felony convictions can be reported indefinitely under federal law

• Expunged records cannot be reported

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Federal WOTC provides Kentucky employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions (40% of first-year wages up to $6,000). Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances.

Additional Kentucky Resources

• Kentucky Career Centers - Free job search assistance, resume help, training referrals, and connections to employers. Website: kcc.ky.gov or call 502-564-7456

• Kentucky Department of Corrections Re-Entry Program - Pre-release employment preparation, community work centers, job placement assistance. Website: corrections.ky.gov

• Goodwill Industries of Kentucky - Job training, placement assistance, support services. Mission-driven second-chance employer. Website: goodwillky.org

• Kentucky Legal Aid - Free legal assistance for expungement and employment discrimination. Website: kyjustice.org

• Louisville Urban League - Employment services, job training, career development for Louisville area. Website: louisvilleurbanleague.com

• Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) - Affordable workforce training in high-demand fields. Financial aid available. 16 colleges statewide. Website: kctcs.edu

Staffing Agencies in Kentucky That Work With Felons

Kentucky staffing agencies actively place justice-impacted individuals and offer temp-to-hire pathways.

• Express Employment Professionals - Multiple Kentucky locations including Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky. Industrial, warehouse, manufacturing, administrative placements. Explicit second-chance hiring. Pay range: $14-20/hour depending on assignment. Website: expresspros.com

• Kelly Services - Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky offices. Light industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Case-by-case evaluation of criminal records. Pay range: $13-19/hour. Website: kellyservices.com

• Manpower - Statewide presence. Manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades placements. Works with individuals with records on individual basis. Pay range: $14-22/hour (skilled trades higher). Website: manpower.com

• PeopleReady (formerly Labor Ready) - Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky. Daily pay, same-day work. Construction, warehousing, events, general labor. Very felony-friendly. Pay range: $12-18/hour. Website: peopleready.com

• Tradesmen International - Skilled trades staffing (electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters). Louisville, Northern Kentucky. Evaluates skills over background. Pay range: $18-30/hour (varies by trade and certification). Website: tradesmeninternational.com

• Spherion Staffing - Louisville, Lexington areas. Administrative, industrial, and professional placements. Individual assessment approach. Pay range: $13-20/hour. Website: spherion.com

• Adecco Staffing - Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky. Manufacturing, logistics, light industrial, office/administrative. Temp-to-perm opportunities. Pay range: $13-18/hour. Website: adeccousa.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Kentucky have ban-the-box laws?

Kentucky has limited ban-the-box protections. Louisville's ban-the-box ordinance (enacted 2014) prohibits city employers and vendors from asking about criminal history on initial applications, deferring background checks to later hiring stages. State executive branch agencies cannot inquire about criminal records on initial applications. However, Kentucky lacks statewide ban-the-box legislation for private employers. Many large employers voluntarily adopt fair-chance policies.

Q2: Can I get my felony expunged in Kentucky?

Kentucky allows expungement of misdemeanors 5 years after completion of sentence (KRS 431.078). Certain Class D felonies may qualify under KRS 431.073. The process requires a certificate of eligibility ($40) through Kentucky Court of Justice, followed by petition filing. A proposed Clean Slate law would establish automatic expungements for eligible records. Visit kycourts.gov/expungement for forms and eligibility information.

Q3: What is Kentucky's minimum wage in 2025?

Kentucky's minimum wage is $7.25/hour, matching federal minimum. However, market competition drives most entry-level employers to pay $12-17/hour. Major employers like Amazon ($17-19/hour), UPS ($16-19/hour), and Walmart distribution ($18-22/hour) pay significantly above minimum wage. Tipped employees receive $2.13/hour base wage.

Q4: Does Amazon hire felons in Kentucky?

Yes. Amazon has multiple Kentucky fulfillment centers (Louisville, Hebron). Amazon evaluates convictions over 7 years old on case-by-case basis. Warehouse positions most accessible. Starting pay: $17-19/hour with day-one benefits, 401(k), and education assistance up to $5,250 annually. Apply at amazon.jobs.

Q5: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Kentucky?

Yes. Many Kentucky companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5 years old. UPS, FedEx, Waste Management, Republic Services, and food distribution companies actively hire. Earnings: $50,000-80,000. Some companies offer free CDL training with work commitment. Kentucky's logistics industry creates constant demand.

Q6: What are the highest-paying jobs for felons in Kentucky?

CDL drivers ($50,000-80,000), union manufacturing workers at Ford/Toyota ($60,000-90,000 with overtime), HVAC technicians ($45,000-70,000), electricians ($60,000-90,000), plumbers ($55,000-85,000), welders ($40,000-65,000), warehouse supervisors ($45,000-65,000), industrial maintenance technicians ($55,000-80,000).

Q7: Does UPS Worldport hire felons?

Yes. UPS Worldport in Louisville is a fair-chance employer with union protections. Package handlers start at $16-19/hour with Teamsters union benefits including comprehensive healthcare, pension, and up to $25,000 tuition assistance. Background checks conducted but individualized review process. Most non-violent offenses acceptable after waiting periods. Promotion opportunities to supervisory roles and driver positions.

Q8: Can I work at Ford or Toyota with a felony?

Yes, but considerations apply. Ford Kentucky Truck Plant and Toyota Georgetown conduct background checks but perform individualized assessments. Most non-violent felonies after 7 years are considered. UAW union representation provides additional protections and fair evaluation processes. Production positions most accessible. Starting pay: $18-25/hour with excellent benefits, profit-sharing, and advancement opportunities.

Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Kentucky job applications?

Answer honestly based on what's asked. If application asks about convictions, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Louisville city employers and vendors cannot ask on initial applications due to ban-the-box. State government positions also delay criminal history questions. When lawfully asked, be honest but brief: acknowledge conviction, state timeframe, explain rehabilitation, redirect to qualifications. Expunged records generally don't need disclosure to private employers.

Q10: Are there free job training programs in Kentucky for people with felonies?

Yes. Kentucky Career Centers offer free training referrals and job search assistance. Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) provides workforce programs with federal financial aid available regardless of conviction. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training for electrical and pipefitting trades. Some employers like UPS and Amazon provide tuition assistance. Goodwill Industries offers job training and placement services.

Next Steps: Your Kentucky Job Search Action Plan

Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed for Kentucky justice-impacted job seekers.

Step 1: Assess Your Record and Expungement Eligibility

Obtain Kentucky criminal record from Kentucky State Police or court records. Review for accuracy and completeness. Determine expungement eligibility—misdemeanors after 5 years, certain Class D felonies under KRS 431.073. Consider timing of expungement petition versus immediate job search needs. Research WOTC eligibility (hired within 1 year of conviction/release). Understanding what appears on background checks allows you to prepare appropriate explanations and target suitable employers. If in Louisville, ban-the-box protections delay criminal history questions. Visit kycourts.gov/expungement for forms and eligibility checker.

Step 2: Target Felon-Friendly Industries and Employers

Focus applications on industries documented in this guide: warehousing (Amazon, UPS Worldport), manufacturing (Ford, Toyota, GE Appliances), retail (Kroger, Walmart, Target), food service (McDonald's, Yum! Brands), healthcare support, waste management. Create list of 15-20 target employers based on your location (Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, Bowling Green). Research each company's hiring process. Prioritize larger employers with structured HR and documented fair-chance programs. Consider Kentucky's unique opportunities in automotive manufacturing, bourbon industry support services, and logistics. Louisville offers strongest ban-the-box protections and most opportunities.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials

Create professional resume highlighting skills, experience, accomplishments. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any training/education completed during incarceration or probation. Prepare brief (30-60 second) explanation of criminal record focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned—practice until comfortable. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Consider getting letters of recommendation from parole officers, counselors, program supervisors, or recent employers if available. For Louisville positions, remember ban-the-box protections mean you won't discuss criminal history on initial applications. Kentucky Career Centers offer free resume assistance.

Step 4: Apply Strategically and Persistently

Submit applications simultaneously to multiple employers—plan for 10-15 applications weekly minimum. Apply directly through company websites when possible. Visit employers in person for warehouse, manufacturing, retail, food service positions where showing initiative matters. Register with Kentucky Career Centers (kcc.ky.gov, 502-564-7456) for free job search assistance and access to WOTC-seeking employers. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies that work with justice-impacted individuals (Express Employment, Kelly Services, Manpower, PeopleReady). Target Louisville positions to benefit from ban-the-box protections. Focus on high-demand sectors: logistics, manufacturing, healthcare. 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 criminal record with honesty and confidence. Focus on what you've learned, rehabilitation steps, commitment to building stable future. Prepare specific examples of reliability, problem-solving, work ethic from any context (volunteer work, personal projects, prior employment). Research company and role thoroughly before interviews. For positions requiring background checks, be proactive—disclose record when appropriate (after interview in Louisville due to ban-the-box) and provide context. Have documentation ready if needed (certificates, letters of recommendation, parole officer contact). Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If criminal history becomes issue, emphasize time passed since offense, lessons learned, skills gained, commitment to employment. Remember that major Kentucky employers (Amazon, UPS, Ford, Kroger) have structured processes for evaluating candidates with records. Highlight WOTC eligibility to make yourself financially attractive to employers.

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current practices directly with employers. Company inclusion does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Kentucky's expungement laws (KRS 431.078, KRS 431.073) and employment regulations is general in nature. Consult with Kentucky employment attorney or legal aid for specific legal advice about your situation.

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