In “I Lied to My Interviewer About Being Employed: What Should I Do?” Alison Green provides thoughtful advice to a reader who’s tangled in a web of deceit after panicking and falsely claiming employment during an interview. Green emphasizes the importance of honesty, cautioning that even seemingly minor lies can tarnish your professional reputation and lead to potential job offer rescindment. The article delves into the implications of the lie, acknowledging the reader’s situation while offering practical guidance on navigating this tricky terrain. Green’s friendly and empathetic tone reassures readers that while mistakes happen, learning from them is crucial for future success.
I Lied to My Interviewer About Being Employed: What Should I Do?
Have you ever found yourself in a tricky situation where you felt compelled to stretch the truth in an interview? Maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth coming clean or if you should keep quiet and hope for the best. If you’ve lied about being currently employed during an interview, you’re not alone. Many people have faced similar dilemmas and wrestled with the consequences. Let’s dive into this issue and explore what your next steps could be.
This post, written by Alison Green, was originally published on Ask a Manager.
A Reader’s Dilemma
A reader reached out with the following issue:
I got a job offer last week that I’m really excited about, especially because I was let go in mid-January and it’s been stressful to job hunt. I was recruited to apply for a few different positions, and one ended up with an offer. I told the recruiter I wasn’t currently employed, and he said I shouldn’t tell the company I was interviewing with. Everything online said the mostly same thing — don’t tell anyone you’re unemployed when interviewing.
I’ll admit I didn’t have my resume updated with an end date of my employment with my previous employer, because I was always told it looks better to be currently employed, and I figured the difference between January and February wasn’t that big of a deal. I also work in an industry where it’s standard to be locked out the second you give notice, so telling potential employers that I’m available to start immediately isn’t a red flag for anyone.
However, I was trying to avoid actually lying and saying I was currently employed when I wasn’t. In the interview that lead to my job offer, they directly asked if I was currently working at my last company, and I said panicked and said yes. (My after-the-fact justification is that I am working a bunch of side gigs to make ends meet while I look for something permanent and full time. But, still. I lied. And I feel terrible about it.)
I’ve never been laid off before, and my savings are dwindling rapidly. I’ve never lied to an employer before either. My previous company doesn’t provide references, only confirms dates of employment when asked, which is also industry standard. I don’t think this new company will check with my previous employer, since they believe I’m currently employed.
Should I come clean to my possible new employer? I have an offer letter, but the job offer is contingent on references and background check, so it’s not set in stone. Should I tell them after I start? Take this to the grave? Is this something everyone does (which is what my friends have told me) or is it actually a big deal to lie about this?
The Implications of Lying
Why Honesty is Crucial
Lying in any form, especially in a professional setting like an interview, can jeopardize your chances of securing the job. It reflects on your integrity, which is an essential quality employers look for. When hiring managers find out that you lied, it’s natural for them to question what else you might have been dishonest about during the interview process or what you might lie about on the job. It’s a serious matter.
Potential Ways the Lie Could Be Discovered
Even if you think no one will find out, there are multiple ways your lie can be unveiled. Employers may:
- Speak to Other References: Even if they don’t call your old employer, they might talk to other references who could inadvertently reveal your unemployment period.
- Conduct Dropped Hints: Casual conversations or off-the-cuff remarks from others (“Oh, I was surprised Jane was laid off in January”) can tip employers off.
- Cross-Verify Dates: Background checks often include employment verification, where discrepancies can easily be spotted.
To make this easier to understand, let’s put it in a table:
| How the Lie Could Be Discovered | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaking to Other References | They might casually mention your unemployment period. |
| Casual Conversations | Off-the-cuff remarks can inadvertently reveal the truth. |
| Background Checks | Discrepancies in employment dates can be easily spotted. |
The Impact on Your Career
Being caught in a lie can have severe consequences:
- Job Offer Withdrawal: The company may retract the job offer.
- Reputational Damage: Your professional reputation could be tarnished.
- Loss of Trust: Future employers may find it hard to trust you, based on your record.
Should You Come Clean?
Given that the job offer is contingent on references and a background check, coming clean might seem like a daunting option. However, being upfront about your situation might reduce the negative impact in the long run.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Consider the following pros and cons before you decide to come clean:
Pros:
- Maintaining Integrity: Being honest is important for your self-esteem and peace of mind.
- Reduced Stress: You won’t constantly worry about being found out.
- Building Trust: Being truthful might actually endear you to potential employers.
Cons:
- Jeopardizing the Offer: The company might retract their job offer.
- Awkward Conversations: Admitting to the lie can be uncomfortable.
- Negative Impressions: You risk creating a negative first impression.
A Possible Approach
If you decide to come clean, here’s a possible approach:
- Be Direct and Honest: Explain that you panicked during the interview and didn’t want to cause a red flag by revealing your unemployment.
- Show Accountability: Admit it was a mistake and discuss what you’ve learned from the experience.
- Reiterate Enthusiasm: Emphasize your excitement about the job offer and your willingness to start immediately.
Example Conversation
Here’s how you might frame this conversation:
“I wanted to address something important. During my interview, I was asked if I was currently employed at my last company, and I said yes due to a moment of panic. I was actually laid off in January, and I’ve been working side gigs since. I’m very enthusiastic about this opportunity and realize that being upfront is crucial. I hope this doesn’t affect your decision. I truly believe I could bring a lot of value to your team.”
Should You Keep Quiet?
Choosing to keep quiet is risky, as the truth might come out one way or the other. But if you decide this is the best path for you, then here’s how you can prepare:
Mitigate Risks
Consider the following ways to manage the risks:
Contact Other References
Alert your other references not to mention your period of unemployment.
Prepare Your Story
Have a plan for how you will explain your situation if it comes up later.
Focus on Performance
Once you start the job, ensure you’re performing at your best to build goodwill.
Living with Secrecy
Living with the knowledge that you lied and the accompanying stress can be challenging. It’s essential to assess if you can handle this burden without it affecting your job performance and overall well-being.
Industry Standards and Practices
Bias Toward the Employed
While it’s true that some employers display a bias towards candidates currently employed, this is typically more pronounced in longer unemployment cases. Being unemployed for a month or so usually doesn’t register as negatively.
Standard Advice Misinterpretation
Often, the advice “don’t say you’re unemployed” is misunderstood. Here’s a breakdown:
| Misinterpretation | Actual Advice |
|---|---|
| Lying About Employment Status | The intent is not to lie, but rather not to proactively disclose your unemployment unless directly asked. |
| Unemployment as a Red Flag | Short periods of unemployment (like a month) generally don’t raise significant concerns. It’s extended gaps (years) that might be more problematic. |
Understanding Real Employer Concerns
Employers are generally more concerned with your skills and ability to perform the job. They care about your honesty, integrity, and how you fit within the company culture.
Moving Forward
Navigate Future Interviews
Honesty truly is the best policy. Here are some tips for future interviews:
- Update Your Resume: Always keep your resume accurate. Clearly state end dates for previous employments.
- Practice Transparency: If asked about your employment status, be straightforward.
- Highlight Positivity: Focus on the skills you’ve gained during your unemployment period, including side gigs.
Learn and Grow
Everyone makes mistakes, and this experience is a chance to learn and grow:
- Reflection: Reflect on why you felt compelled to lie and how you can avoid such situations in the future.
- Self-Improvement: Use this as an opportunity to build stronger, more honest communication skills.
- Feedback: Seek advice from mentors or career advisors on how to best present your professional story.
Professional Development
Engage in activities that will enhance your professional profile:
- Continuous Learning: Take courses and certifications relevant to your field.
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals to increase your employment prospects.
- Project Work: Engage in freelance or volunteer projects to fill employment gaps with meaningful experiences.
Conclusion
Lying to an interviewer about your employment status can indeed be a significant issue, but it isn’t uncommon for people to find themselves in such situations. The best course of action depends on your personal comfort, the specifics of the job offer, and the overall context of your industry. Ultimately, maintaining honesty and integrity is crucial for a solid, trust-worthy career.
By understanding the implications, weighing your options, and approaching the situation with a mindset geared toward learning and growth, you can navigate through this challenge and come out stronger in your professional journey.
Remember, we all have moments of doubt, but it’s how we deal with these challenges that define our career paths. Good luck!
