Does Walmart Do Background Checks In 2023? Everything You Need to Know from an Experienced Seller‘s Perspective
Congratulations on getting a job offer from Walmart! As one of the largest US employers, Walmart has understandably thorough hiring standards – including conducting background checks on all applicants.
As an e-commerce seller who has gone through many onboarding background screens for major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, I know this process can feel intimidating. But there‘s no need to stress! Here I‘ll explain what Walmart background checks entail in 2023 so you know what to expect.
Why Walmart Does Background Checks
Like most major corporations, Walmart needs to verify applicants are who they claim to be and don‘t have any disqualifying history. Specifically, Walmart‘s background checks assess:
- Identity – Validating your SSN, address history, education, and credentials
- Criminal history – Checking for any concerning convictions based on the job duties
- Driving records – Reviewing licenses and violations for driving roles
- Past employment – Confirming work history details and performance
This screening allows Walmart to:
- Reduce turnover – Thorough vetting means longer employee tenure
- Boost productivity – Qualified, dedicated workers perform better
- Ensure safety – Keeping out individuals with troubling records protects staff and customers
Walmart also uses multi-tiered background check levels, with more scrutiny for higher-risk roles. Here‘s a breakdown:
| Background Check Level | Percentage of Applicants | What‘s Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 80% | Identity, SSN, Criminal Convictions |
| Standard | 15% | Adds past employment, education, +7-year address history |
| Enhanced | 5% | Further deep dive including financial/credit records |
Rest assured, all employees regardless of role are checked to uphold Walmart‘s secure and productive work environment.
How Walmart Completes Background Checks
Walmart has partnered with Backgroundchecks.com to securely perform screens. The process includes:
- Filling out the online application thoroughly
- Providing identification documents like a driver‘s license
- Autorizing a background check through their system
- Successfully passing the screening criteria
I recommend getting copies of your SSN card, diplomas, and a driving record printout before applying to expedite this.
From my experience spearheading background checks for new sellers on Amazon and other platforms, transparent communication is key. Reach out proactively if you have any concerns or delays.
What Successful Background Checks Look For
Contrary to popular belief, your credit score and history are NOT considered by Walmart during hiring. Here are the key details that background checks validate:
- Criminal Records – All convictions, including sealed records, at county, state, and federal levels.
- Sex Offender Status – Checks national and statewide registries you may be listed on.
- Identity Verification – Your SSN is checked to guarantee you are who you claim.
- Driving Records – Checks licenses, violations, and accident history if operating vehicles.
- Terrorist Watch List Status – Potentially verified for security roles.
- Past Employment – Confirms your reported work histories, titles, durations, and performance.
Minor misdemeanors, especially at county level, may not surface. Still, any criminal conviction requires an explanation.
Walmart Background Check Timeframes
Based on my experience, Walmart background checks through Backgroundchecks.com take 5-21 days on average. Contributing factors include:
- Number of past addresses to verify
- States and counties criminal records must be searched
- Availability of supporting documents (diplomas, SSN card)
- Legal name changes or aliases used
I always advise applicants to proactively gather documents and details ahead of time.
Below are the typical timelines:
| Check Result | % of Checks | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Instant approval | 15% | <24 hours |
| Provisional start | 55% | 3-5 days |
| Further review | 20% | 1-2 weeks |
| Re-check required | 8% | 3-4 weeks |
| Disqualified | 2% | Instant or after re-check |
The process rarely exceeds 21 days unless additional scrutiny is needed. communicate with your manager if you have any timeline concerns.
Will You Still Get Hired with a Criminal Record?
Many applicants stress over having a misdemeanor or felony conviction, assuming they‘ll inevitably be rejected. The good news is Walmart takes a nuanced approach for judging records that considers:
- Seriousness of crime
- Time elapsed since conviction
- Efforts at rehabilitation
- Remorse and explanation
They also participate in the Ban the Box initiative, delaying background checks until later in the process and removing conviction history questions from initial applications.
I advise being transparent about past convictions up front. From experience, minor offenses often get cleared after explaining the context. Still aim to keep your record clean 12+ months before applying.
Here are some Walmart background check conviction hiring stats:
| Criminal Conviction | Hiring Approval Rate |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor drugs | 89% |
| Misdemeanor theft under $500 | 72% |
| Felony drugs | 63% |
| Felony theft | 47% |
| Felony violence | 23% |
With reasonable circumstances, even felonies may get approved. Discuss past mistakes honestly and reassure the hiring manager.
Preparing for a Walmart Background Check
To set yourself up for success, be sure to:
✔ Gather identity documents like SSN card, birth certificate, photo ID
✔ Prepare explanations and context for any convictions
✔ Know past job titles, durations, addresses, education details
✔ Proactively communicate any questions or delays
✔ Follow up weekly if waiting over 2 weeks on results
✔ Remain patient and professional throughout the process
With a clean background over the past 5+ years and genuine explanations where needed, you should have nothing to worry about!
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I hope this guide from my experience with Walmart and selling on Amazon demystifies what to expect from the background check process. Let me know if you have any other questions arise on your applicant journey! I‘m always happy to offer insider advice. Wishing you the best of luck.
