If I was fired from a job five years ago, should I place it on the application for a 10 year background check?

Question

I was fired from a job in April 2003. Most of the employers I apply for require me to complete a full ten year background. Should I put that job on the application or leave it off? If I leave it off it provides a two year gap. Thank you

Answer 1

You are between a rock and a hard place.  Even if you do not put the job on your application you may well be asked what was going on for those two years.  In addition if you do not and they discover it then you have falsified your application which would be grounds for termination leaving you with another job experience to decide what to do about on future applications.

Include it.  Why were you fired?  Provide a letter with your application that explains the termination in detail.  If your termination went through an administrative or legal process then your previous employer can/will provide such information to the company doing the background check.

Answer 2

yes, place that job on your application. The company that you were fired from can only verify employment nothing else.