It can be stressful going on job interviews. You want to make a good impression and demonstrate that you are a great fit for the job. But you're worried about filling out the job application because you were once fired from a company. You're considering not adding it to your job history, but what if it shows up in a background check?
Most job applications require applicants to provide a job history, including past supervisors' names and contact information. One purpose is to verify that candidates have truthfully represented their past skills, job titles and responsibilities. If you fail to add a particular company because you want to hide the fact that you were fired, there's a chance you might get away with it. But being fired could also show up elsewhere in the background check.
Part of a background check is contacting previous employers for references. Your potential employer may engage a previous supervisor or coworker in a conversation, during which the former colleague may inadvertently refer to the job you're trying to hide. The same holds true with personal references -- a friend or family member may unwittingly mention you once working at a job not listed in your employment history. An employer might contact that company and learn about you having been fired.
Social Security number (SSN) traces are often part of a background check. The applicant's SSN is searched within proprietary databases that cater to those with a need to know, such as private investigators, law enforcement and background check companies. The resulting information verifies such information as the applicant's identity, current and past addresses and other information. Sometimes past employment data also shows up, such as a company name and job title -- unfortunately, it could be the job you omitted on your application.
Information about a past job you're trying to hide may come out in the course of a background check. If an employer hears about a job you failed to mention on your application, and he contacts that company and learns you were fired, you end up looking untrustworthy and deceptive. It's better to be upfront about a past termination. List it in your job history, discuss it briefly in your interview and then focus on your strengths and enthusiasm for the new position.
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