What Jobs Don’t Do Background Checks? Find Out Here

Finding a job can be challenging, especially if you’re worried about your past or simply want to keep your personal information private. Many people search specifically for what jobs don’t do background checks to improve their chances of getting hired quickly and with less stress. Many companies include background checks as part of their hiring process, which can make things harder for people with criminal records or limited work history. But not every job requires one. Many roles focus more on your current skills and ability to work hard than on your background.

This article shares a list of jobs that typically don’t require background checks. You’ll also learn why some employers skip them, what types of jobs are more flexible, and how you can improve your chances of getting hired. Whether you’re looking for your first job, a second chance, or a new start, this guide can help you move forward.

Why Employers Run Background Checks

Most companies run background checks to reduce risk. They want to protect their employees, customers, and assets. A background check may include criminal history, education, employment verification, driving records, credit reports, and drug testing. Employers also check references and social media to verify a person’s character or past behavior.

Some jobs require background checks by law. For example, roles in healthcare, education, and government must meet legal and safety standards. But not every job needs one. Many industries are more flexible, especially those with high turnover, entry-level positions, or freelance work.

When Background Checks Are Skipped

According to the National Employment Law Project, ban-the-box laws help job seekers by delaying background check questions until later in the hiring process. These policies are active in over 150 cities and 37 states.

There are situations where employers don’t run background checks. These include:

• High-turnover industries like food service or retail
• Gig or freelance jobs
• Short-term or seasonal jobs
• Companies that focus on skills and experience over history
• Employers in cities or states with ban-the-box laws

These roles often emphasize work ethic, soft skills, and the ability to complete tasks over a clean record. If a company sees that you can work hard and show results, your past may matter less.

Some employers also skip background checks to save time and money. The average background check costs $30 to $100 per applicant and can delay hiring by a few days to a few weeks.

Jobs That Don’t Require Background Checks

The following roles typically don’t require background checks. These are based on industry trends, employer feedback, and job board research. Each job includes basic info on the position, required skills, and expected pay.

Job Title	Skills Needed	Typical Pay (Yearly)	Notes on Background Checks
Construction Worker	Physical strength, tool handling	$38,000 – $55,000	Focus on completing tasks, not the past
Delivery Driver	Valid driver’s license, punctuality	$30,000 – $45,000	Often, only check the driving record
Warehouse Associate	Lifting, inventory, and accurate records	$28,000 – $40,000	Rarely require checks for entry roles
Landscaper	Physical stamina, attention to detail	$27,000 – $40,000	No formal screening in most jobs
Pet Care Worker	Comfort with animals, basic care	$25,000 – $38,000	Often trust-based hiring
House Cleaner	Reliable, organized	$27,000 – $40,000	Usually, no formal checks
Fast Food Worker	Time management, teamwork	$20,000 – $30,000	High turnover, little screening
Freelance Writer	Writing skills, grammar	$20,000 – $60,000+	No screening; based on samples
Virtual Assistant	Admin tasks, communication	$30,000 – $50,000	Often remote, no vetting
Tattoo Artist	Artistic skill, hygiene knowledge	$40,000 – $70,000+	Portfolio matters more than record
Construction Helper	Tool knowledge, stamina	$30,000 – $42,000	Task-focused, less screening
Customer Service Agent	Communication, patience	$25,000 – $40,000	May skip checks for call centers
Farm Laborer	Endurance, crop handling	$25,000 – $35,000	Hired quickly, no checks
Manual Labor / Movers	Strength, coordination	$28,000 – $45,000	Informal or small company hiring
Painter	Detail-oriented, precision	$30,000 – $50,000	Based on referrals and skill
Retail Stocker	Inventory tracking, organization	$23,000 – $32,000	Rarely checked unless handling money
Flea Market Vendor	Sales, customer service	Varies	Self-employed
Handyman	Fix-it skills, tool handling	$30,000 – $60,000	Based on results, not history
Data Entry Clerk	Typing, attention to detail	$28,000 – $40,000	Remote jobs don’t always check
Content Creator	Creativity, camera/editing	Varies	No screening for self-run accounts
Transcriptionist	Typing speed, accuracy	$20,000 – $50,000	No formal check; online gigs
Temp Event Crew	Setup, breakdown	$25,000 – $35,000	Seasonal, often walk-in hiring
Cleaner for Rentals	Consistency, speed	$28,000 – $38,000	May work independently
Small Business Assistant	Flexibility, task juggling	$30,000 – $45,000	Informal hiring by small businesses

How to Improve Your Chances

Highlight Skills Over History

When applying for jobs that don’t do background checks, focus your resume on the skills that matter most to the position. Soft skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving skills show hiring managers that you can handle responsibilities and contribute to the team. Emphasize how your current abilities match the job requirements instead of focusing on your past.

If the position involves managing supplies or people, highlight your leadership skills and your ability to maintain accurate records. Many employers want workers who can stay organized, support other employees, and complete tasks on time. This kind of performance focus helps during the hiring process, especially when background check requirements are not a factor.

Use the Right Job Boards

During your job search, it’s helpful to use platforms that support people from diverse backgrounds and don’t always require background checks. Use search terms like “no background check,” “felony friendly,” or “second chance hiring” to find job opportunities that focus more on your current skills and work ethic than on your criminal record.

Sites like Craigslist, Jobcase, Indeed (with filters), 70MillionJobs, and HonestJobs.co are good starting points. These platforms often list entry-level positions and roles that offer a flexible schedule or quick hiring without long wait times or strict verification requirements.

Be Ready to Answer Questions

If you’re asked about your past during the hiring process, keep your answer short and honest. Focus on how your current qualifications and work ethic can help the company. Hiring managers are usually more concerned about how you perform on the job than about something that happened a few months or years ago.

Mention the job-specific skills you’ve developed, and highlight your ability to support other employees or handle responsibilities with professionalism. Showing that you’re prepared and motivated can help reduce any concerns tied to a criminal record or employment gaps.

Run a Background Check on Yourself

Running a self-check before you apply can help you feel more prepared and reduce worry during the hiring process. It allows you to review what shows up on your record and correct anything that may affect your job opportunities.

You don’t need to mention a specific provider during this stage. The goal is to know what an employer might see and be ready to explain it clearly during the hiring process.

Start Your Own Business

If you’re struggling to find employment or want more control over your schedule, starting your own business is a practical option. You can explore work like freelancing, delivery, or pet services, which let you create a flexible schedule while earning income.

Owning a business means you’re in charge of your responsibilities and performance. This path works well for individuals with strong problem-solving skills and motivation to work hard, especially when background check requirements limit traditional employment options.

Conclusion

Many people ask what jobs don’t do background checks because they need work quickly or have concerns about past mistakes. The good news is that many job opportunities focus more on your current skills and ability to work hard than on your background. Whether you are applying for your first job or returning to the workforce after a break, some positions can fit your needs.

If you want to check what shows up on your record before applying, use SapphireCheck. Our background check service helps job seekers like you feel confident during the hiring process. Get the facts about your record before an employer does. Contact us to check your background today.

FAQs

What jobs usually don’t require background checks?

Jobs that usually don’t require background checks include construction workers, delivery drivers, freelance writers, house cleaners, landscapers, and food service workers. These roles often focus on skill and reliability rather than personal history.

Can I get a good job if I have a criminal record?

Yes. Many employers offer second-chance hiring. Jobs in construction, warehouse work, food service, and self-employment are common options for people with a criminal record.

Why do some jobs skip background checks?

Some jobs skip background checks due to high turnover, urgent hiring needs, or because the role doesn’t involve handling money or sensitive information. Employers may also want to reduce hiring costs and delays.

How can I find jobs that don’t do background checks?

You can find jobs that don’t do background checks by using filters on job sites like Indeed or Jobcase, searching for “no background check” roles, or applying with companies known for second-chance hiring.

Do fast food restaurants run background checks?

Fast food restaurants don’t always run background checks, especially for entry-level roles. Hiring is usually based on availability, work ethic, and attitude.