Does Hertz Background Check?

Michelle Wilson - December 24, 2022

Finding a well-paying job after prison is one of the most difficult challenges that felons face after release. Most businesses avoid hiring people with a criminal record, meaning landing a job is just one of the numerous obstacles that make the transition to normal life difficult. Fortunately, government authorities have launched several initiatives to ensure that felons are given a fair chance at employment and are not subject to discrimination during the hiring process.

Many organizations now endorse the cause and openly comment on their willingness to hire felons who show an honest work ethic. Hertz is just one of these organizations. Hertz is a car and equipment rental company with a global presence. The company was founded in 1918 in New Jersey and continues to be managed by Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. The company now operates in several areas, including international automobile rentals and rentals of equipment.

With a significant presence, it should be no surprise that many quality job opportunities exist with the company. However, the question remains, is there a job for everyone? The following blog post will discuss whether Hertz conducts background checks and if this requirement eliminates felons from eligibility.

Hertz Job Application Process

Hertz is not unlike other companies in that they require candidates to undergo a series of steps, including an online application and background check before they decide to hire. These steps are necessary not to discriminate against any candidates but to ensure a candidate will succeed in the role.

Although it is impossible to say if someone is a good fit, some things managers will typically consider red flags, including a pessimistic outlook, inability to get along with customers, missing skills from the application, and a general problem with attendance.

Finding a Job That Is a Good Fit

Today, the majority of job searches start online. Interested candidates can browse available positions on The Hertz Corporation’s career page to view any openings. In most cases, the most commonly available positions include vehicle attendants, drivers for transport vehicles, and customer service representatives.

After browsing through available roles, candidates can select the job opening they are interested in and apply directly through the career portal. If the candidate is a good fit, a hiring manager from Hertz will contact them for a phone interview. If the interview goes well, the hiring manager will request that the candidate complete a background check and drug test within 24 hours. Then, if the results are positive, the hiring manager will make the candidate an offer. Although the company requires a few steps, it is worth noting that the entire process typically only takes a maximum of 4 weeks.

Available Entry Level Roles at Hertz

Within Hertz, several entry-level roles are available to candidates. Here is a brief overview of a few of them.

• Counter sales: Counter salespeople are the first people a customer will see when they enter a Hertz location. They are in charge of the entire sales process, from the initial request to the order’s execution.
• Domestic reservations agent: A domestic reservations agent handles phone and other platform requests from guests, businesses, and travel agents. Each employee must ensure that booking information is entered correctly into the reservation system and that car availability is maintained and updated on online booking platforms.
• Courtesy bus driver: A courtesy bus driver picks up passengers and drops them off at designated locations. As part of their role, they follow a predetermined route per a timetable.
• Claims clerk: As a claims clerk, candidates will help the manager process damage claims and incident reports. They will also investigate and review chargebacks to the company and perform clerical duties like photocopying and processing invoices.
• Vehicle service attendant: A vehicle service attendant performs minor vehicle repairs and maintenance.

Although just a few of the available positions, it becomes evident that many entry-level roles are available for candidates. The only caveat to apply is that applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent schooling (such as a GED) and be at least 18 years old.

Hertz Background Check

Hertz conducts thorough background checks, which can take up to three weeks to complete. Background checks typically include criminal, educational, and previous employment and driving records. Hiring managers may also require a credit report as a part of this process.

Therefore, while a criminal record may not eliminate a candidate from consideration altogether, many businesses will still review credit reports, driving records, and educational records as a starting point to understand underlying behaviors. According to online reports, Hertz hires people with felony and misdemeanor convictions as long as they disclose it during the hiring process and the background check.

However, those with a DUI are unlikely to be hired by Hertz because they are a transportation company and carefully consider each candidate’s driving offenses.

Drug Test

In addition to a background check, all new hires at Hertz must undergo a pre-employment drug test. The applicant must provide a urine sample at a nearby testing facility. Hertz typically administers a full 5-panel test. Any prescription drug found in the drug test report will require the applicant to provide a medical prescription. In most cases, the total time to produce a drug test report will be up to 48 hours.

Advice For Getting Hired at Hertz

However, before the background check stage, candidates can do a few things to stand out in their interview. First, many previous managers share that having a positive attitude and a cheerful demeanor is essential. They must also be adaptable and willing to work irregular hours, have dependable references, and come ready to submit a current resume.

For those with a criminal history, it is crucial to be forthcoming with all personal information and history. Therefore, many agree that it is preferable to apply in person and explain any felony convictions rather than filling out an application and submitting it online. Although felons’ chances of getting a job are better if they expunge their record, a positive first impression can still set a candidate for success.

In addition to honesty, companies typically value professionalism. Therefore, team members can arrive early for their interview, wear appropriate clothing and speak to the hiring manager in a clear and enthusiastic tone.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Hertz is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. It means they believe in giving people opportunities regardless of caste, religion, gender, race, or color. They also hire people with felony convictions based on the type and severity of the crime and the length of time since the felony occurred.

Background Checks for Car Rentals

Although the above content highlights background checks for job applicants, it is worth also considering the situation for those using Hertz rental services. Car rental companies generally keep an up-to-date “Do Not Rent To” list. A person usually ends up on this list after an incident with a rental car, but it can also be due to a poor driving history in other vehicles. When renting a car, a person is asked for their driver’s license, primarily for identity verification and to ensure the license is valid. It is worth noting that the government doesn’t require rental car companies to conduct driver record checks.

Conclusion

Therefore, although the company does conduct a background check for new applicants, candidates will in no way be eliminated from qualification based on this conviction alone.