Has anybody ever lied about having a criminal record on a job application or during an interview?

I take job applications. We run criminal history BEFORE someone is hired. If they lied, they don't get the job- simple as that.

I worked for a company in the HR department. The company (for whatever reason is beyond me) didn't do a background check when they hired him and found out he lied on his application about his criminal history. They ended up firing him.

Creamsicle is right on. A friend of mine did lie. They ran the check and refused him and told him to never apply there again. The thing is, if he had told the truth it probably wouldn't have been a problem.

Typically, Lying about Convictions isnt great.
In the UK, The Criminal Record Background (CRB) check is a requirement for certain occupations.

The system does acknowledge if you have what are called "spent convictions" in other words, given the type and time elapsed since the conviction occured. If sufficent time has passed then you may not have to declare the conviction.

Dont know about the US system though. Might be worth your while to check and see if the above applies to you.

Understandably, employers might be expected to have a negative view of such a history - However, for those that are even willing to examine your application, I'd advise that you do not re-inforce the negative view that they might have when they're just taking your application at Face-value.

Be Honest and though it's hard- eventually good things will come to you

Im sure there are people who have lied on their applications but would not advise it. Tell the truth and let them know you need a job. Im sure sooner or later you will find someone that will give you one out of kindness. Doing this is against the law and if you get caught it could be held against you on other jobs when they ask for references. It sort of makes you look like a liar and noone likes a liar when it comes to big business.

No, because I don't have a criminal record.

My uncle, though, was in prison for over 20 years for committing a VERY serious crime. He told the truth about it & still ended up with a job within 3 months of his release. I don't know whether it typically works that way, but it did with him.

You should tell the truth, if my uncle could get a job with his past, I'm sure you can.

As a dog...If chasing birds, barking at cats, digging holes in the back yard and howling at the moon is a crime, I'm not ever going to get a job!!

Unless, it's a job as a security dog at the local junk yard!!