Instacart is a delivery app that allows customers to order grocery and non-grocery items online. The company is hiring on a regular basis, particularly for shoppers/delivery drivers. It is an attractive gig with easy-to-meet requirements.
As long as you’re over 18, eligible to work in the US, and have a bank account, access to a vehicle, and smartphone, you can apply to become an Instacart shopper/driver.
While these requirements are straightforward, you might wonder if Instacart does background checks, with countless companies doing the same. Our article will answer this question and provide an overview of what to expect from Instacart’s hiring process.
Answering if Instacart Do Background Checks
Instacart, like many businesses in the US, does background checks on candidates. If you plan to apply, know that you’ll undergo a background check before working. Based on your background check results, Instacart may accept or decline your application to work as a shopper/driver or in other open positions.
What to Expect From an Instacart Pre-Employment Background Check
We’ve answered if Instacart does background checks. Now, let’s cover what to expect from this process.
Instacart background checks are pretty standard. If you’ve gone through a background check in the past for employment, you’ll have a similar experience. Here’s an overview of what Instacart checks during a pre-employment background screening.
- Identity Verification: Instacart background checks include identity verification to confirm you have a valid driver’s license.
- SSN Trace: Instacart will ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity. It is also a way for Instacart to ensure any records that might not appear due to a name change will be accessible.
- Employment History: Like most jobs, Instacart will verify your employment history. Although this part of the background check may not go as far as contacting previous employers, it might happen if needed. Nonetheless, Instacart doesn’t require employers to have past working experience.
- Criminal Records: Instacart will check your criminal history to assess if you’re fit for a position. However, this doesn’t mean you will be immediately disqualified if you have a criminal record. It may not affect the hiring decision if it was a minor offense or the record is from a long time ago.
- Motor Vehicle Records: Operating a motor vehicle is a big part of Instacart, as you’ll need to deliver the items to the customers. As you can expect, Instacart background checks include motor vehicle records. If you’ve had accidents or driving-related convictions in the past, Instacart will know about them. These can determine whether you pass an Instacart shopper/driver background check.
Do Instacart Drug Test?
One common question regarding Instacart background checks is if the company follows it with drug tests. Instacart has a section in the contractor agreement that states the company has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol and that contractors are solely responsible for complying with federal, state, and local laws.
However, Instacart doesn’t drug test employees, though any drug-related offenses will appear on the background check.
What Red Flags May Disqualify You During an Instacart Background Check
There isn’t a specific list of disqualifying offenses on an Instacart background check. Still, a couple of general red flags may make you ineligible to work at Instacart. Below, you’ll find some of the reasons that may disqualify you from an Instacart background check.
- DUIs
- Violent Crimes
- Sexual Offenses
- Theft
- Bad Driving Record
While these are just a few red flags to name, any details from your background check may disqualify you, depending on the position. For example, a low credit score may be considered a red flag for a management role.
Discover What Will Come Up on Your Instacart Background Check
Now that you know if Instacart does background checks, the easiest way to determine if you would pass this process is by running one on yourself. This will give you a clear understanding of whether you would pass an Instacart background check.
There are several ways to conduct a background check on yourself, but your options aren’t limited to consumer reporting agencies that charge hefty amounts.
You can perform a free online background check on yourself through websites like FreePeopleSearch. It has a free people look up feature, enabling users to search for criminal records, employment history, public records, lawsuits, and other details included in a standard background check.
By searching yourself, you will know what might disqualify you from an Instacart pre-employment background check. You can also use the same features to discover more information about others – all you need is their name, city, and state.
