Why did they refuse to hire me? Is it legal?

Hi everyone, I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and recently applied for a job at FedEx. They first asked me to run a background check. After that, I went for a drug test and DOT physical. I passed my drug test and physical last week, so today I reached out for an update. The lady told me that my background check came back bad.

Some places don’t mind wasting money by sending potential employees for screenings while waiting for the background check. If the results are clean, they can start the new hire sooner.

Blaine said:
Some places don’t mind wasting money by sending potential employees for screenings while waiting for the background check. If the results are clean, they can start the new hire sooner.

My background check came back first, then they contacted me to do the drug screen and physical. This is why I’m so confused.

@Jael
It usually takes about a week or two to get background check results. The USPS one can take up to two months. Did they tell you that you passed when they told you to proceed? My guess is someone made a mistake. Maybe they hadn’t gotten the results yet or mixed you up with someone else. If you think you should have passed, I’d call them back just to make sure.

There’s no ban the box law for private companies in Oklahoma, so it’s legal for them not to hire you based on anything in a background check.

Lennon said:
There’s no ban the box law for private companies in Oklahoma, so it’s legal for them not to hire you based on anything in a background check.

That makes sense, but my main question is why would they send me for a drug screen and physical after they got my background check. Does it matter what state the company is based in? I live in Oklahoma but FedEx’s HQ is in Delaware which is a ban the box state.

@Jael
No, it matters what state you are working in. Oklahoma employment laws apply to your situation.

Casey said:
@Jael
No, it matters what state you are working in. Oklahoma employment laws apply to your situation.

Got it… thanks for clarifying.

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