Tyson Foods: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson in Springdale, Arkansas, where the company remains headquartered today. What began as a regional poultry operation has grown into the world's second-largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TSN.

Tyson Foods operates more than 100 production and distribution facilities across the United States, with major processing locations in Springdale, Arkansas; Dakota City, Nebraska; Joslin, Illinois; and dozens of other cities. The company's portfolio of consumer brands includes Jimmy Dean, Ball Park, Hillshire Farm, Sara Lee, State Fair, Aidells, and Wright Brand, among others.

With approximately 138,000 employees, Tyson Foods maintains one of the largest workforces in the American food industry. Roles span across plant and production work, transportation and logistics, quality assurance, food safety, and corporate functions.

Company culture and employee programs: Tyson Foods employs workers across a wide range of roles, from hourly production and packaging positions to CDL drivers, maintenance technicians, food safety specialists, and corporate professionals. Many plant and production roles do not require a college degree, making Tyson an accessible employer for a broad range of applicants. The company uses Workday as its applicant tracking system, with job listings and applications available through tysonfoods.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com.

Yes. Tyson Foods conducts background checks as a standard part of its hiring process across position types, including plant and production workers, drivers, and corporate employees. Given the company's size and the regulated nature of food manufacturing, background screening is a routine step for candidates receiving a conditional offer.

Most background checks for Tyson Foods positions are completed within three to five business days, though the actual timeline can vary. For more detail on what affects turnaround times, see Checkr's guide on background check turnaround times.

Factors that can affect how long the process takes include:

A standard background check conducted through a third-party CRA may include several components depending on the role. Common elements of a Tyson Foods background check may include:

The specific components included in a background check may vary depending on the nature of the position being filled.

In most cases, background check reports cover the past seven years of a candidate's history. This is a common standard based on FCRA guidelines and state laws. However, some states have additional restrictions on how far back criminal records can be reported, particularly for convictions below certain thresholds.

Tyson Foods, like all employers, is also subject to "ban-the-box" laws in the jurisdictions where they operate. These laws vary by state and locality and may restrict when an employer can ask about criminal history during the application process.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reports, including employment background checks, can be collected and used. Key protections for candidates under the FCRA include:

Drug testing is common in food manufacturing environments, and Tyson Foods is no exception. The company operates under USDA food safety regulations, and maintaining a drug-free workplace is a standard requirement for many production and safety-sensitive roles. Candidates should expect that a drug screening may be required as part of the post-offer process. Specific drug test policies and substances screened may vary by facility location, state law, and the type of role being filled.

Tyson Foods evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis rather than applying a blanket exclusion policy. Many jurisdictions where Tyson operates have fair chance hiring guidelines or ban-the-box laws that limit when and how criminal history can factor into hiring decisions. Whether a felony conviction affects eligibility for a specific role may depend on the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, the type of position being applied for, and applicable state or local laws.

Candidates with prior felony convictions are generally encouraged to apply and complete the process. If a background check returns relevant criminal history, employers are typically required under the FCRA to provide the candidate with a copy of the report and an opportunity to respond before any final decision is made.

The Tyson Foods hiring process follows a structured sequence from application through onboarding. While specific steps may vary by location and role type, candidates can generally expect the following:

Candidates can track their Tyson Foods application status by logging into the Workday portal at tysonfoods.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com using their existing account credentials.

If you want to review your own background information before applying to Tyson Foods or any other employer, Checkr offers personal background check options that give you visibility into what a potential employer may see.

Reviewing your own report in advance gives you the opportunity to identify and dispute any inaccurate information before it becomes part of an employer's hiring decision.

If Tyson Foods is using Checkr to conduct your background check, you can check the status of your report and find answers to common questions through the following resources:

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.