Does AT&T Hire Felons?

AT&T Inc. is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, offering services throughout the United States and around the world.  The two largest segments of their business are their mobile telephone services and fixed telephone services.  They also have a large media and entertainment platform.

Felons will face numerous trials and tribulations upon their release.  Many will have a hard time finding employment because quite a few employers will outright reject their application. This should not be so if society wants them to become productive and happy members of society. It has been shown that the best way for felons to reintegrate into society is by gaining meaningful employment.  Employment reduces the likelihood of them returning to a life of crime.

About AT&T

AT&T started as a subsidiary of Bell Telephone Company back in the 1800s.  The current AT&T focuses on the sales and distribution of mobile telephone services, fixed landlines, and is the controlling force behind Direct-TV.

The company’s roots go back as far as 1877 when Alexander Graham Bell founded the Bell Telephone Company. Bell Telphone broke into multiple companies during the 1980s when an antitrust lawsuit was filed against them by the U.S. government. Later, in the mid-2000’s ten of the original companies combined to create AT&T, the company we know today.

Since the early 2000s’, AT&T has more than quadrupled its revenue from $45 billion in 2001 to $183 billion in 2019. As of 2016, they employ over 268 thousand employees throughout North America, establishing itself as a solid company with continued growth.

AT&T offers a range of benefits for most of its employees.  For any full-time retail employee, they offer competitive pay, employer-provided mobile devices, medical and dental coverage, and paid time off in some instances.

People are drawn to AT&T for a few different reasons.  Mainly that it is a company where you can start and grow a career, all the while having access to some of the newest and most innovative technology.

Does AT&T Hire Felons?

AT&T does not outright say that they won’t hire felons. It will help if the felony is at least seven years old, but this is no guarantee.  It seems from the research I have done that AT&T is not a felon-friendly employer< but will consider experience, skills, and conviction type.

Keep in mind that the hiring managers have the last say, so the impression you make can be the difference in a felon getting hired. This will vary from store to store.

Does AT&T run background checks?

As part of the hiring process, AT&T runs a background check. They seem to not be concerned with anything over 7 years old, although the check goes back approximately 10 years.

They’re mostly looking at criminal history for violence or theft. Current and past employees report it as being a long, drawn-out process, taking from 3 to 10 days.

Careers At AT&T

AT&T provides a wide range of services from in-home and business telephone and entertainment to retail locations that sell and provide information about cellular services and mobile devices.  With such a large company that provides such a large range of services, there has to be an infrastructure and employees to provide everything.

There are three major positions focusing on their retail portion of the company.   The retail sales consultants, assistant store managers, and store managers make up the positions found in stores.

The retail sales consultants are the face of the operation.  They meet and greet the customers, demonstrate and sell products that will meet the expectations of the customer.  All the while, driving sales for the store.

Assistant store managers oversee all aspects involved in the operation of retail stores,  from assisting with merchandising and product launches to helping meet and exceed sales objectives.  They are also all responsible for managing and developing the sales team.

The store manager shares all of the same responsibilities as the assistant store manager but has the added responsibility of vetting and hiring new employees.

Application Process At AT&T

To apply at AT&T visit their website at https://www.att.jobs/ and search the state and city where you are looking for employment.  Your other option would be to look on the same website, find stores that are hiring and go into the physical location and ask to speak with the manager.

For AT&T’s retail positions, they are looking for a few different traits. Anyone that has any sales, customer service, or telecommunications experience will have a leg up on the competition so be sure to mention this on the application or in person.

If you submit your application online, follow up with the in-store a few days later.  This way the manager can put a face with the application. Show that this is a position that you truly want and are willing to work for it.

Remember, AT&T has a fairly strict policy for felons, but it comes down to the decision of the manager.

Present yourself as someone who is knowledgeable, who has some skills they are looking for and who is engaged. Present yourself as someone who will help drive sales and continue customer relations.

Application Links

Company- https://www.att.com/

Careers- https://www.att.jobs/