How many years back are they going to check my previous employment?

I saw a employment application once that left space for ten jobs. They wanted you to list all your jobs even ones that had been only for a few weeks or even just a few days. They told me they would call all my employers going back 15 years. I found this to be highly offensive and told them I felt like I was applying for the Secret Service not a low wage job in a general office.

How many years back do you think most companies would go back in investigating your employment?

Most companies look back over 3 - 4 jobs depending on your length of time at each one.

I had an employer go back over all of my jobs as I was required to be bonded and he needed to be sure I wasn't fired for potentially legal purposes (i.e. embezzlement). It was a pain, but I ended up with a great position.

One employer I worked for had over 500 applicants for one position, he asked for all previous employment as a test: if they really wanted the job they would make the effort. The woman he ended up hiring he did so because her job history was fascinating - she was brutally honest as to why she left some of her jobs and this really impressed the manager hiring for the position.

I work in the HR department and we usually only check the job where the "reasons for leaving" look shady. But most companies dont keep info over 7 years

I used to do the hiring at my company and I would check 2 job references and 1 personal reference. Going back 15 years is crazy your boss's at the time probably aren't even there anymore. Maybe there just trying to scare you.

Most of the offices that I have ever worked for just check the last employer. If you worked there for a decent amount of time. If you have had multiple jobs over a 15 year time period, then that just plain looks bad anyways!