Is it illegal to lie on a job application?

Also is there anyway people can find out about your job history. Is there some sort of system.

Lying is so easy a caveman can do it.

I may be illegal. I recommend not doing it.

For most employers it is not illegal. If you are applying for a government job you may be guilty of perjury if you lie. That's a criminal offense! You can embellish and exaggerate but never lie.

It's often illegal on government jobs; grounds for dismissal on all jobs -- even if it takes them years to find out.

Easy enough to have your whole history traced -- but it's expensive. So if you've managed to cover up some deep dark secret they probably won't find out.

It is illegal; There's a statement at the end of the application where you sign and certify that all the info is correct. If you lie, it constitutes fraud which I believe is a felony.

Yes, it is illegal. You sign that you are telling the truth. You may not go to jail, but you can certainly get sued or lose your job based on lying on your application.

The way they check? They call the jobs you used to have to verify employment. They ask for transcripts or ask to see diplomas from the schools you say you graduated. And they can ask for your paycheck stubs, W2s, etc. to verify salary.

yes it is illegal.

the way they can find out is by calling previous employers and checking up on your history. some do, some don't. depends on the job you're applying for. My current employer called my ex boss and asked about my work ethic, if they had any problems with me, whether they fired me or not, and why.

Yes it is Illegal however there are way to do it without it being illegal.
For example, you can put down that you attended a certain University. If you attended something at that University you are not lying by saying you attended that University. Just don't claim credits you don't have.

If you are undergoing a very intense background check - for a security job or maybe something in an area where you would get a government security clearance then they may be able to gather more information on you. For instance if they contact a former employer, and that employer has a company listed on your application or resume with them they could turn that information over if they are asked.

If they go through social security for a listing of employers you have worked for.

Yes, it is fraud to lie on a job application and could cost you the job. You sign a waiver form stating that you have provided truthful and complete information. Omission of information that is relevant (if you worked in food and are applying to an office this would not be relevant) is considered fraud.

Just depends on who you are going to work for and how far they want to take a background check.

It is fraud, and most of the time they won't find out, a lot of times they don't even call your references but you never know who will, and lying is wrong.

Depends upon the job. Some jobs it is illegal and for all jobs can result to being fired or terminated from the position.