Does my work history have to be accurate when filling out an application?

Tara: Does my work history have to be accurate when filling out an application?
When filling out job applications, I’ve tended to change some dates and leave out some of my employment history to keep from showing where I’ve been fired or not worked somewhere for very long. Do most employers have some way of knowing all the places you’ve worked and the exact dates? Does it really make a difference if this is accurate or not?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Mitchell Banks
An employer who wants to know can find out.

Answer by Q-mama
You don’t have to list every job you’ve had, especially if you left on bad terms. However, don’t fudge details about jobs you do list. Assume the employer will call to check.

Also, if you wind up leaving out a lot and there are big time gaps in your employment, expect that they will ask about that.

Answer by Tanek
It is very easy for an employer to verify your work history. They have access to IRS Tax records, the same forms they fill out for you. While most companies do not really verify all of these, there is a chance you can be terminated for filing false documents if they ever do find out.

Answer by Talita K.
I will tell you this. Perhaps the hiring manager at the company you applied to really was impressed with you, so after the interview your application is handed over to the hr person. The hr person will call the companies you listed on your app and ask the company to verify the info you have provided. I have caught applicants in blatant lies thereby rejecting their apps. I would be more impressed with a person who said she worked 9 months at a place but was fired for a non serious reason than a liar who would say they worked 3 years and quit. Many of us have less than brilliant work histories, but truth is always better than lying. Omitting bad history is also lying.