Let us cut to the chase, you have a criminal record, so finding a job is not an easy task. You fill out the application, go through an interview and then hit a wall when the background check kicks in. Then the feeling of frustration and hopelessness at times

But what if we tell you here is the thing: you are not alone. There are multiple people in the same boat, and many of them have shared their journey of what has actually worked for them.

So, with real stories and real experience we have brought the gig apps we’ve pulled together a list of gig apps and alternative job options that might give you a shot even with a record.

Gig Apps That May Hire People with a Criminal Record

Despite your criminal record, multiple apps or platforms are willing to hire you. Many don’t ask for much beyond a background check, and some are more open to hiring people with past convictions if the offense was non-violent or happened a long time ago. 

DoorDash

DoorDash is one of the most popular delivery apps and is seen as one of the more forgiving ones when it comes to criminal records. To get started, you will need a valid driver’s license, insurance and a smartphone. The company runs a background check through a third party, usually Checkr. People with older and non-violent records around those involving drug possession or minor offenses can get approved.

But violent crimes like theft or sex offenses can result in disqualification. Some users who were initially rejected were able to replay after a few months with success, so please recheck what might have occurred.

Once you are approved, then you can start delivering food on your own schedule using a car, bike or scooter. 

Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex allows you to deliver packages for Amazon using your own vehicle. The pay is higher than that of many other gig apps. But shifts are scheduled in blocks (usually 3–4 hours at a time). Besides, Amazon also runs a background check through a third-party service. Applicants with old, non-violent felony records of drug charges or property crimes have often been approved. In cases where the offense occurred more than 5–7 years ago. You might need to provide documentation or proof that your case is closed. If your record includes violent crimes or theft, you may be rejected. A clean driving history is also important.

Instacart

Instacart gives independent contractors chances to ship and deliver groceries. You can choose between two roles: full-service shopper (shop and deliver) or in-store shopper (shop only, no driving). The company checks your criminal and driving history. The older non-violent offenses are sometimes accepted if you apply for the in-store role. For example, a drug possession charge from years ago may not be an issue. But the recent theft or violent crime might be.

In addition to that, Instacart also requires a smartphone and some basic physical ability, since you’ll be walking and lifting groceries. The flexible hours make it a good fit for people looking to rebuild their work history.

Postmates

Postmates has now merged with Uber Eats in some locations. Still, it functions as a standalone app in others. It is a food and item delivery platform that runs background checks during sign-ups. People with felony convictions that are non-violent and over 5-7 years old have been approved sometimes. If your record includes violent offenses, DUIs, or fraud, then there is a high chance your application might be denied.

Just like the other apps, the exact outcome depends on your location and the specific nature of your record. If you are approved, then you can start your work right away.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats lets you deliver food from local restaurants to customers using your own vehicle or a bike. Because Uber also runs a ride-hailing service, their screening process is a bit stricter than other delivery apps. They check both criminal records and driving history. Applicants with misdemeanors or old felonies sometimes get through. But a serious or recent offense shall result in disqualification.

A clean driving record is very important for this platform, as too many speeding tickets, accidents, or a recent DUI can hurt your chances. However, if you’re approved, the platform offers consistent work with weekly payouts.

Grubhub

Grubhub is another major food delivery app with flexible scheduling. The company is widely known to give selective background checks. They review the past 7 years of your criminal record. However, they may vary by state. Applicants with older and non-violent charges have occasionally been approved. However, theft, fraud or violent offense are disqualified most of the time.

A valid driver’s license, insurance and a smartphone are required. In some cases, people were denied by Gurbhub but accepted by DoorDash or Uber Eats, so it’s worth applying even if you’re unsure. If approved, you can schedule blocks of time to work or log in when you’re free.

Shipt

Shipt is a grocery delivery service similar to Instacart. To work with Shipt, you’ll need to be 18 or older, have a valid U.S. driver’s license, car insurance, and a smartphone. Shipt performs a background check that includes your criminal record and driving history. Approval can vary widely based on your location. 

Some applicants with older or minor offenses have been hired. However, recent violent crimes or theft-related charges may lead to rejection. If you’re accepted, you can choose your own schedule, and Shipt often allows you to shop and deliver in the same neighborhood.

Things to keep in mind before you apply 

  • Some applicants with criminal records have been approved, while others with similar histories have been turned down.
  • If you have a non-violent or earlier crime, it’s more probable that it will be missed than if you have a recent conviction for violence, theft, or fraud.
  • The rules for background checks might be very different from one state or city to the next.
  • Over time, company rules about criminal histories may evolve, making them either more lenient or stricter.
  • Most gig platforms use third-party services like Checkr to do background checks and help them make their final recruiting selections.

If You Don’t Get Hired, What to Do? 

Don’t give up if a gig app turns you down; there are still other choices that are worth looking into. The first thing you should do is check into second-chance employers in your neighborhood. These businesses recruit people with criminal records and think that everyone should have a fair chance to start over. 

Besides, there are multiple freelancing jobs you can do, like writing, graphic design, managing social media, or providing virtual support. The chance to work from anywhere in many of these jobs and client feedback help to create a good reputation. 

It’s also a good idea to get in touch with local reentry programs or job support agencies. Because these groups are there to help people with criminal records get back to employment. 

They train them with interviews and put them directly in jobs suitable for them. Using these resources will help you locate steady and long-term work. 

Last Thoughts

The criminal record is not the thing to hold you up from getting accepted to gigs apps. There are multiple platforms that still have openings. But they rely on the type of your personal record and data. 

Always be upfront and honest and talk about how you have been working to get better and apply to more than one platform to help your prospects. 

Don’t give up; the proper chance is out there, and your past doesn’t have to determine your future.

FAQS

  • Can I continue working with gig apps if I have a criminal record?

Yes, a lot of gig apps do hire people who have been in trouble with the law. It usually depends on what the crime was and when it happened.

  • Which applications are more likely to hire people with records?

Companies like Instacart, DoorDash, and Wonolo are known to hire people who have been in trouble with the law. For some positions, Wonolo even has a program called Path Forward that doesn’t investigate people’s backgrounds.

  • Do gig apps examine your background?

A lot of them do. But the regulations are different. Some people only look at the last seven years of your record. Some people care more about what kind of crime it was and whether you’ve improved since then.

  • Do any apps not check your background at all?

Yes, most applications that let you work on Craigslist gigs, Fiverr, Upwork, or paid surveys don’t complete background checks. You can start working on a lot of these right now.

  • What happens if I apply and still don’t get in?

Don’t give up. You can ask for a review of the judgment or apply to other apps that have different rules. Some applications even offer dedicated programs to help folks who have been in trouble before.