[Closi]

> is it really the first thing an ex-convict looking for a job should do?

Well the first part of your post describes why that might be necessary (i.e. you imply you would be unlikely to hire an ex-convict because they might do 'stupid shit', while OP is trying to find a job to get his feet back on the ground).

Nobody wants to lie, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to sort your life out.

[throwaway301010]

Pragmatically, I'd not be prepared to lie because it is a criminal offence, fraud, and I doubt a court would look kindly on a repeat offence. But I tend to agree: "you gotta do what you gotta do", in my case feed the kids.

[kkjjkgjjgg]

Sure if nothing else works, but sorting your life out by doing the same thing that landed you in prison to begin with really strikes me as a bad idea.

It's maybe sort of a fundamental attitude, either you are honest or not.

Also this "I had no other choice" rationale also seems like a risk factor for slipping into crime again.