resume/job apps

Do you guys put your off the books jobs on your resume / job applications (past employment section)

i've only worked 2 jobs and they were off the books and unrelated to the kind of jobs im applying for right now. Also, almost all jobs ask for professional references.

If i leave it off I will have no experience, just my college degree which was from 2 years ago... so i will have a major gap and my resume would be pretty much half empty.

What would come up in a background check? And would they actually call my previous employers even tho it is not relevant experience?

Thanks.

They might, but I don't see the subject of you having a social security coming up during the conversation. The only thing is your old employer might deny you ever worked there since he hired you under the table. If I were you I would call them before hand and let them know that you just listed them as professional references and ask if they would be willing to vouch for you. At least that way they will be expecting the phone call and will have a chance to think about what they'll say.

Good luck!