How should I respond when I lied about my education and the company finds out through background check?Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?Should I say that I am student on the interview if I am on academic leave?Job offer contingent on background check: when to give notice?How to follow-up without being bothersome?How to show unfinished Grad program in resume and explain it in interview, since I am ashamed of talking about it?How do I inquire about a missing email just after I got the job?Moving on for on the job training or Staying and training through educationIf my CV employment months are a bit off, does this affect my chances after the background check finds out?I did an internship 6 years ago in Beijing, but due to timezone difference a Background Check company refuses to call them. How do I ask for “Proof”?Should I continue to interview during the background check?How to respond to a “How's it going” from a potential employer?1099 and background check
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How should I respond when I lied about my education and the company finds out through background check?
Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?Should I say that I am student on the interview if I am on academic leave?Job offer contingent on background check: when to give notice?How to follow-up without being bothersome?How to show unfinished Grad program in resume and explain it in interview, since I am ashamed of talking about it?How do I inquire about a missing email just after I got the job?Moving on for on the job training or Staying and training through educationIf my CV employment months are a bit off, does this affect my chances after the background check finds out?I did an internship 6 years ago in Beijing, but due to timezone difference a Background Check company refuses to call them. How do I ask for “Proof”?Should I continue to interview during the background check?How to respond to a “How's it going” from a potential employer?1099 and background check
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I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
In order for us to move forward and complete the background check investigation, we need to understand the reason for the discrepancy and know about your highest level of education completed.
interviewing new-job hiring-process ethics employer-relations
|
show 4 more comments
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
In order for us to move forward and complete the background check investigation, we need to understand the reason for the discrepancy and know about your highest level of education completed.
interviewing new-job hiring-process ethics employer-relations
27
Can you please clarify whether this is a job you already have, or a job that you are in the process of applying for?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 16:47
19
Two questions: you say "your employer" but this is the sort of thing that happens before they employ you; can you clarify the scenario you're describing? What exactly are they "moving forward" on? Second, you say that you "lied about your education"; can you say a little bit about why you lied? A lie is a deliberate attempt to mislead; why did you make this attempt? That will help us advise you about good next steps.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 18:50
9
@EricLippert That's usually true, but sometimes background checks may be conducted after someone is already employed. For example, I've known of cases with friends where they had background checks going on months after they started working at a job that required a security clearance, just due to the backlog of background checks that needed to be conducted. They just had to work on unclassified stuff until the security clearance was completed.
– reirab
Mar 22 at 19:10
4
@Pharap It would be a much better question if it made the stage of employment clear (before starting, just started, worked there for 10 years).
– Patricia Shanahan
Mar 22 at 19:36
3
Possible duplicate of Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 at 21:33
|
show 4 more comments
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
In order for us to move forward and complete the background check investigation, we need to understand the reason for the discrepancy and know about your highest level of education completed.
interviewing new-job hiring-process ethics employer-relations
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
In order for us to move forward and complete the background check investigation, we need to understand the reason for the discrepancy and know about your highest level of education completed.
interviewing new-job hiring-process ethics employer-relations
interviewing new-job hiring-process ethics employer-relations
edited Mar 23 at 2:12
Criggie
1,6541021
1,6541021
asked Mar 22 at 5:37
Isaac WrightIsaac Wright
393124
393124
27
Can you please clarify whether this is a job you already have, or a job that you are in the process of applying for?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 16:47
19
Two questions: you say "your employer" but this is the sort of thing that happens before they employ you; can you clarify the scenario you're describing? What exactly are they "moving forward" on? Second, you say that you "lied about your education"; can you say a little bit about why you lied? A lie is a deliberate attempt to mislead; why did you make this attempt? That will help us advise you about good next steps.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 18:50
9
@EricLippert That's usually true, but sometimes background checks may be conducted after someone is already employed. For example, I've known of cases with friends where they had background checks going on months after they started working at a job that required a security clearance, just due to the backlog of background checks that needed to be conducted. They just had to work on unclassified stuff until the security clearance was completed.
– reirab
Mar 22 at 19:10
4
@Pharap It would be a much better question if it made the stage of employment clear (before starting, just started, worked there for 10 years).
– Patricia Shanahan
Mar 22 at 19:36
3
Possible duplicate of Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 at 21:33
|
show 4 more comments
27
Can you please clarify whether this is a job you already have, or a job that you are in the process of applying for?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 16:47
19
Two questions: you say "your employer" but this is the sort of thing that happens before they employ you; can you clarify the scenario you're describing? What exactly are they "moving forward" on? Second, you say that you "lied about your education"; can you say a little bit about why you lied? A lie is a deliberate attempt to mislead; why did you make this attempt? That will help us advise you about good next steps.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 18:50
9
@EricLippert That's usually true, but sometimes background checks may be conducted after someone is already employed. For example, I've known of cases with friends where they had background checks going on months after they started working at a job that required a security clearance, just due to the backlog of background checks that needed to be conducted. They just had to work on unclassified stuff until the security clearance was completed.
– reirab
Mar 22 at 19:10
4
@Pharap It would be a much better question if it made the stage of employment clear (before starting, just started, worked there for 10 years).
– Patricia Shanahan
Mar 22 at 19:36
3
Possible duplicate of Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 at 21:33
27
27
Can you please clarify whether this is a job you already have, or a job that you are in the process of applying for?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 16:47
Can you please clarify whether this is a job you already have, or a job that you are in the process of applying for?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 16:47
19
19
Two questions: you say "your employer" but this is the sort of thing that happens before they employ you; can you clarify the scenario you're describing? What exactly are they "moving forward" on? Second, you say that you "lied about your education"; can you say a little bit about why you lied? A lie is a deliberate attempt to mislead; why did you make this attempt? That will help us advise you about good next steps.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 18:50
Two questions: you say "your employer" but this is the sort of thing that happens before they employ you; can you clarify the scenario you're describing? What exactly are they "moving forward" on? Second, you say that you "lied about your education"; can you say a little bit about why you lied? A lie is a deliberate attempt to mislead; why did you make this attempt? That will help us advise you about good next steps.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 18:50
9
9
@EricLippert That's usually true, but sometimes background checks may be conducted after someone is already employed. For example, I've known of cases with friends where they had background checks going on months after they started working at a job that required a security clearance, just due to the backlog of background checks that needed to be conducted. They just had to work on unclassified stuff until the security clearance was completed.
– reirab
Mar 22 at 19:10
@EricLippert That's usually true, but sometimes background checks may be conducted after someone is already employed. For example, I've known of cases with friends where they had background checks going on months after they started working at a job that required a security clearance, just due to the backlog of background checks that needed to be conducted. They just had to work on unclassified stuff until the security clearance was completed.
– reirab
Mar 22 at 19:10
4
4
@Pharap It would be a much better question if it made the stage of employment clear (before starting, just started, worked there for 10 years).
– Patricia Shanahan
Mar 22 at 19:36
@Pharap It would be a much better question if it made the stage of employment clear (before starting, just started, worked there for 10 years).
– Patricia Shanahan
Mar 22 at 19:36
3
3
Possible duplicate of Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 at 21:33
Possible duplicate of Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 at 21:33
|
show 4 more comments
10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
In some locations, it is a crime to provide certain types of false information to a potential employer. If this is the case where you are, or you are not sure, you should consider Eric Lippert's Answer. Otherwise read on:
Side note: they are very professional.
You should own up to the the lie, apologise, be honest about the reasons why you lied, indicate that you are committed to learning from the experience, ask for a second chance to prove your trustworthiness, and thank them for giving you an opportunity to explain yourself.
Then you should indicate what your actual highest level of education is, and don't lie this time.
Your chances are very slim. Hopefully you can rationalise why you were dishonest with them in a way that they are willing to accept. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
95
Emphasis on the don't lie this time
– Arthur Attout
Mar 22 at 13:33
55
Also, plus one on the side note. This is definitely a laudable attitude on the part of the employer.
– João Mendes
Mar 22 at 14:43
17
2nd emphasis on very slim. People have made very successful careers, only to have it all taken away from them 20 years later due to being caught lying on their resume that they used to get their foot in the door. There's a politician or professor that comes to mind, but the name evades me.
– Travis
Mar 22 at 15:53
59
@Nelson They're informing them in case they made a mistake. For example, the applicant could have graduated under one name, but now use another (marriage, legal name change, sex change, etc). Or they could have contacted the wrong school (U of Chicago vs U of Illinois Chicago).
– Gabe Sechan
Mar 22 at 18:18
22
@BobRodes: It is a class C felony in the state of Washington to lie about your education on a resume. Five years in jail, $10000 fine. The OP should contact a lawyer and stop taking advice from random strangers on the internet who say things like "from what I've read...".
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:17
|
show 10 more comments
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
- The presupposition of the question is a bad supposition. You do not respond. You're in a hole of your own digging; stop digging.
- You stop soliciting legal advice from strangers on the internet and get it from a lawyer.
- Once you have a lawyer, ask them if you have committed fraud or any other crime, and how you should proceed so as to decrease your risk of being prosecuted if you have.
25
@JoeStrazzere: I'm suggesting that the OP get a lawyer and ask them what to do. They might have committed a crime; that's the high-order bit, not the job.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 23:27
11
@JoeStrazzere: Fraud is a crime pretty much everywhere. Don't think of it as "lying on a resume". Think of it as an attempt to defraud a company, because that's what it is. Now, as for whether it is a "felony" or not varies by jurisdiction, but that's hardly relevant. Here, I'll edit the text to say "crime" instead, how's that?
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:06
29
The original poster should stop taking advice from people who are googling the law and get a lawyer.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 2:22
4
I second the line of do not respond. Whether the situation is serious enough to get a lawyer, one would need to know more. Presumably the OP is in enough of a financial hole already.
– Therac
Mar 23 at 6:34
4
You could add that if the OP is in the US (and possible other countries) on a working visa, they should not leave the country. Lying about education (or former jobs) on a job application can be a violation of the visa conditions that can result in a permanent ban an immigration officer may not show as much clemency as a court. +1 for having to get a lawyer right now.
– Bent
Mar 23 at 9:37
|
show 6 more comments
I would say that you take it as a life lesson, and be more scrupulous about preserving your integrity in the future. I would also say it's safe to assume that you've blown your chances of getting this job.
Honest people aren't people who are never dishonest, they are people who regret their moments of dishonesty, and are not dishonest in quite the same way again. By admitting that you haven't been entirely truthful, you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one.
Now, you'll need to ask yourself why, and you probably ought to spend some time soul-searching before you try to explain it to the employer. (Things like being scared of not being able to find a job come to mind.) When you do attempt to explain yourself to the employer, you might start by saying that you recognize that you have blown your chances of getting hired, but that you wanted to speak on a personal level. Then pretty much bare your soul, in 100 words or fewer. (Not to try to get the job back, but to get it out of your system.) Then apologize and leave it at that. (You could thank them for the life lesson, too, if you can be sincere about it.)
(EDIT: Eric Lippert has pointed out that there are laws in some states that criminalize lying about your education on a resume. I would suggest that you get a lawyer's advice before telling the employer that you did this.)
Finally, you can be glad that you got caught now, instead of two or three years in. If you are an honest man, it would have eaten at you, and you would feel relieved when it finally came out in spite of the fallout. If you aren't an honest man, you'd probably find that you were unable to talk your way out of it, assuming you hadn't been fired already for some other lapse of integrity.
So, man up, face the consequences, forgive yourself (even if other people don't), do your best to put it right, and don't do it again.
3
If OP has blown the chances of getting the job, then what are the benefits of "baring their soul" versus just withdrawing the application?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 14:58
15
@NateEldredge Well, firstly, we're just assuming he's blown his chances. (I agree it's the most likely outcome, but there's a tiny chance this employer might defy the odds yet.) Being honest keeps that door open, however slim the chances may be. Walking away without explanation definitely closes it. Also, depending on the industry OP is in, word might travel to other employers about this guy who lied on his resume. Taking the time to explain himself (no matter the reasoning) can't possibly make him look worse than ghosting as soon as he gets caught in a lie.
– Steve-O
Mar 22 at 15:38
"you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one." I get what you mean here but I think it comes off as kind of judgmental of OP. There's an interpretation of this where you're calling them a dishonest man, which wouldn't be fun to read (despite the topic of their post)
– data princess
Mar 22 at 15:52
10
@dataprincess the first two words of the question are "I lied". Dishonesty isn't an implication here, it's a fact to be dealt with.
– hobbs
Mar 22 at 16:22
@NateEldredge, The OP said, "I lied ... to my employer" and "How do I respond to my employer ..." I took this to mean the background check wasn't done before the OP joined the company.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:39
|
show 7 more comments
How close are you to graduating?
If You're Not Close
If you're not close, the other answers are spot on. Please read them and come clean.
If You Are Close
If you are close, contact your school. Find out everything you need to graduate. It may not just be credits, there are often money issues that can prevent you from showing as graduated, too. Get the full list.
Now, respond to your employer along the lines of "I contacted my school, and it turns out you're right, I'm not showing as graduated to them. I spoke with a counselor and received the full list of what I need to show as graduated, and will be remedying the situation as soon as possible. I hope that this will not impede my ability to work here, as I am very excited to be here, etc etc."
It shows you admit that there's a problem, and that you're taking the initiative to remedy the problem. If they keep you on (and yes, that's still very much a big if), make sure you do take those steps, though.
2
@JoeStrazzere Agreed. This could be a solid tactic coupled with an honest response to the question of why the discrepancy exists. 'I'm sorry, this is why this happened, and this is what I am doing to remedy it."
– Saiboogu
Mar 23 at 2:58
5
I'm not sure that the defense of "I'm too stupid to know whether I've graduated or not" increases the chance of securing the job.
– Abigail
Mar 23 at 18:59
6
As an anecdote: This actually happened to me. I completed all my credits, and intentionally skipped my graduation ceremony because I was going to grad school and didn't care. Turns out: I never submitted my request to graduate, and so when a company that had offered me a job conducted a background check, they found that even though I had said that I graduated, the school disagreed! I wrote them back to the effect of "Turns out you're right, I didn't graduate" and then immediately filed for it. Thankfully they were understanding (I really did have all the credits) and we went forward.
– dlev
Mar 24 at 4:20
2
@Abigail I like those odds better than "yeah, I lied, you caught me."
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:06
4
@dlev I once was prevented from showing as graduated because I owed the school around $3,000 that loans didn't cover. Luckily, it didn't stop me from getting a job, and I eventually paid it off. Sometimes, somebody not graduating is over a really minor issue that shouldn't effect how employable they are.
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:12
add a comment |
Be as honest as possible. If you were on track to graduate but fumbled at last minute that is understandable. But otherwise very hard to save this, if there was a less positive explanation.
Keep whatever you say simple and truthful.
4
Fumbling your course at the last minute may be understandable, but later pretending that you did not is not.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 23 at 15:00
2
The overriding concern is going to be that you lied, not that you aren't fully qualified. Unless there's something about the wording of your resume that makes it ambiguous (and that's still not a good look) I don't think there's any comeback from this.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:39
add a comment |
I am tempted to claim this as a duplicate of "How can I fix my relationship with my 7 month old cat after I've constantly abused her the past month?". While this may sound ludicrous, the problem is the same: you have broken a fundamental rule of social interaction for a relation that ultimately is dependent on mutual trust and trustworthiness. This is a question of the "how can I resume using a bridge I have burnt?" kind.
This bit will determine the stance of management and HR towards you in future because it casts into doubt everything that needs to be trusted at face value in a robust relationship.
You probably should consider polishing your resume. Or in this case, unpolishing it. It is quite likely that you'll be better off moving elsewhere even in case that your current employer can be made to swallow that toad (likely at a price).
I'm not used to recommendations of making a resume look less polished. But since the last resume was apparently over-polished, "unpolishing it" strangely sounds rather sensible.
– TOOGAM
Mar 24 at 20:03
add a comment |
You definitely need to own up to not having a degree. If you are close to having or it's a paperwork issue explain that.
Many companies do a minimal clearance when they hire and as the company takes on new clients or changes in insurance requirements, they will often do in depth background checks.
I worked for a company that did in-depth background checks every 5 years. The equivalent of an FBI Check. Be prepared that companies can retrieve information very cheaply on their employees and use it to their advantage.
Good Luck!
add a comment |
I'm confused as to why there is a background check after you are employed rather than before. I'd also need to know how long you have been employed. That makes a big difference. Also, is this a highly skilled position? And does your intended degree really matter?
If the job is software engineering and your degree was art history, then having the degree is largely irrelevant, and you could come right out and say that. A sales job is another job where your choice of degree is often not meaningful. So, it's still a lie, but it's not a grievous one. You can probably talk your way out of it.
If the job is software engineering, then you are lucky, because that is a field where being self-taught is not usually a liability, and plenty of people never finished their degrees. Famously, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, and lots of others who are lesser known. But you need some credibility. You need some kind of proof that a degree would make no difference to your performance, and that's where it would be nice if you had already worked there a year or more. If this is the case, then you can probably talk your way out of it.
If this is a job that you just started, and you have established no credibility or meaningful performance, then I the only reasonable option is to fall on your sword and offer your resignation. It's not likely they will keep an unknown entity that has been caught in a lie. I wouldn't even try to explain the lie. Note, I didn't say quit. I said offer your resignation. They may accept it (the most likely scenario), but they may not. If they don't accept it immediately, it's because they like you for some reason and they will probably call you in to explain the lie. If you don't have a really, really good explanation, then don't waste their time.
One example could be for a government clearance. Most people aren't given a background check for that before they are hired. Another example is that many companies don't do an in-depth background check upon hiring but if something comes to light afterward they will initiate a more thorough check. You see this in the news at least once or twice a year where a high level person comes under scrutiny for some reason and it is discovered that they lied about their education or work history.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:42
I once had a colleague who messed up a customer project very badly, in ways only someone lacking the basic knowledge his resume said he had could. Customer threatened to sue for misrepresenting the guy, my employer ordered a thorough background check of his resume and found the entire thing was a solid pack of lies (normally here your resume is taken on good faith, most often that's no problem). He got fired on the spot, and got some serious claims for damages against him.
– jwenting
Mar 25 at 8:19
I had an employer do a background check on me after I had worked there for a few years. They had simply increased the requirements for employment, so they could win more government contracts or something. They applied it to new hires first but eventually got around to checking pre-existing employees like myself.
– stannius
Mar 25 at 20:27
add a comment |
My gut says act shocked too, but that's a horrible idea.
What the company is looking for is a reason that you do in fact have a higher education even though their background check shows that you don't. Something along the lines of, "I missed on class" or something.
Don't lie this time, though it's interesting that they're still talking to you at this point.
I think "professional" is the word for "still talking to you at this point". They basically write: you seem to have lied. But They wrote it in a more professional way. Including the (unlike) probability that their background check failed somehow.
– Mayou36
Mar 23 at 3:06
1
They're far more likely to be looking for a reason why the university might not have the graduation on record, such as an administrative error. Unless you can provide that, you're toast.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:41
add a comment |
Do you want this job?
Than you need to research every power of persuasion out there.
1. Do not admit to a lie.
2. Take a moral high ground.
"From past experience, companies discriminant against those without a
degree. Either through automated filtering of resumes, or direct
hiring biases. It is unfortunate, but this was required in order to cut through
discrimination to showcase my skills that I can bring to your company,
sans degree...."
Someone with better persuasion and manipulation can likely come up with a phrasing far more powerful that what is presented above. Many will dislike this comment. But apologizing, or whatever is stated above, will not get you the job. good luck!
31
Um... what? How can somebody who was caught in a lie "take the moral high ground"? Did you mean "attempt to steal the moral high ground"?
– T.J.L.
Mar 22 at 15:23
11
That means in addition to lying implicitly accuse the company recruiters of some sort of unfair discrimination. Yes, I'd definitely would want someone in my company that tries to twist the truth by making up accusations and that uses illegal routes to achieve what she/he thinks is right, I wouldn't see any lawsuits coming up in the future from or due to that employee. Btw. the example actually does admit to a lie, just doesn't call it by name or apologize for it.
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 22 at 15:57
5
I understand the visceral response that makes people want to downvote this as it comes across as 'when confronted with the lie, go on the offensive' but if the candidate/employee actually has such experience, this would be an honest explanation for why they did it, and probably their best chance. The company/recruiter would not necessarily need to be corrupt or incompetent to accept it as an explanation, frustration/desperation can lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They would however be foolish to accept it without further investigation to verify it is an anomaly.
– Mr.Mindor
Mar 22 at 16:49
11
This is terrible advice. There's a reason why job boards and applications usually have the option of attaching a cover letter or portfolio. This is is to help showcase and let the recruiters know what you've done/can do even if you have no formal/accredited degree or professional experience.
– my_mistakes
Mar 22 at 17:49
10
@paulj - A good indication that you might need to rethink your approach: you're trying to explain that the right answer is psychologically manipulative persuasiveness... yet you're not able to persuade people that your method is a good idea.
– Kevin
Mar 22 at 18:20
|
show 4 more comments
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10 Answers
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10 Answers
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In some locations, it is a crime to provide certain types of false information to a potential employer. If this is the case where you are, or you are not sure, you should consider Eric Lippert's Answer. Otherwise read on:
Side note: they are very professional.
You should own up to the the lie, apologise, be honest about the reasons why you lied, indicate that you are committed to learning from the experience, ask for a second chance to prove your trustworthiness, and thank them for giving you an opportunity to explain yourself.
Then you should indicate what your actual highest level of education is, and don't lie this time.
Your chances are very slim. Hopefully you can rationalise why you were dishonest with them in a way that they are willing to accept. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
95
Emphasis on the don't lie this time
– Arthur Attout
Mar 22 at 13:33
55
Also, plus one on the side note. This is definitely a laudable attitude on the part of the employer.
– João Mendes
Mar 22 at 14:43
17
2nd emphasis on very slim. People have made very successful careers, only to have it all taken away from them 20 years later due to being caught lying on their resume that they used to get their foot in the door. There's a politician or professor that comes to mind, but the name evades me.
– Travis
Mar 22 at 15:53
59
@Nelson They're informing them in case they made a mistake. For example, the applicant could have graduated under one name, but now use another (marriage, legal name change, sex change, etc). Or they could have contacted the wrong school (U of Chicago vs U of Illinois Chicago).
– Gabe Sechan
Mar 22 at 18:18
22
@BobRodes: It is a class C felony in the state of Washington to lie about your education on a resume. Five years in jail, $10000 fine. The OP should contact a lawyer and stop taking advice from random strangers on the internet who say things like "from what I've read...".
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:17
|
show 10 more comments
In some locations, it is a crime to provide certain types of false information to a potential employer. If this is the case where you are, or you are not sure, you should consider Eric Lippert's Answer. Otherwise read on:
Side note: they are very professional.
You should own up to the the lie, apologise, be honest about the reasons why you lied, indicate that you are committed to learning from the experience, ask for a second chance to prove your trustworthiness, and thank them for giving you an opportunity to explain yourself.
Then you should indicate what your actual highest level of education is, and don't lie this time.
Your chances are very slim. Hopefully you can rationalise why you were dishonest with them in a way that they are willing to accept. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
95
Emphasis on the don't lie this time
– Arthur Attout
Mar 22 at 13:33
55
Also, plus one on the side note. This is definitely a laudable attitude on the part of the employer.
– João Mendes
Mar 22 at 14:43
17
2nd emphasis on very slim. People have made very successful careers, only to have it all taken away from them 20 years later due to being caught lying on their resume that they used to get their foot in the door. There's a politician or professor that comes to mind, but the name evades me.
– Travis
Mar 22 at 15:53
59
@Nelson They're informing them in case they made a mistake. For example, the applicant could have graduated under one name, but now use another (marriage, legal name change, sex change, etc). Or they could have contacted the wrong school (U of Chicago vs U of Illinois Chicago).
– Gabe Sechan
Mar 22 at 18:18
22
@BobRodes: It is a class C felony in the state of Washington to lie about your education on a resume. Five years in jail, $10000 fine. The OP should contact a lawyer and stop taking advice from random strangers on the internet who say things like "from what I've read...".
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:17
|
show 10 more comments
In some locations, it is a crime to provide certain types of false information to a potential employer. If this is the case where you are, or you are not sure, you should consider Eric Lippert's Answer. Otherwise read on:
Side note: they are very professional.
You should own up to the the lie, apologise, be honest about the reasons why you lied, indicate that you are committed to learning from the experience, ask for a second chance to prove your trustworthiness, and thank them for giving you an opportunity to explain yourself.
Then you should indicate what your actual highest level of education is, and don't lie this time.
Your chances are very slim. Hopefully you can rationalise why you were dishonest with them in a way that they are willing to accept. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
In some locations, it is a crime to provide certain types of false information to a potential employer. If this is the case where you are, or you are not sure, you should consider Eric Lippert's Answer. Otherwise read on:
Side note: they are very professional.
You should own up to the the lie, apologise, be honest about the reasons why you lied, indicate that you are committed to learning from the experience, ask for a second chance to prove your trustworthiness, and thank them for giving you an opportunity to explain yourself.
Then you should indicate what your actual highest level of education is, and don't lie this time.
Your chances are very slim. Hopefully you can rationalise why you were dishonest with them in a way that they are willing to accept. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
edited Mar 23 at 2:33
Marc.2377
288310
288310
answered Mar 22 at 5:53
Gregory CurrieGregory Currie
5,46982442
5,46982442
95
Emphasis on the don't lie this time
– Arthur Attout
Mar 22 at 13:33
55
Also, plus one on the side note. This is definitely a laudable attitude on the part of the employer.
– João Mendes
Mar 22 at 14:43
17
2nd emphasis on very slim. People have made very successful careers, only to have it all taken away from them 20 years later due to being caught lying on their resume that they used to get their foot in the door. There's a politician or professor that comes to mind, but the name evades me.
– Travis
Mar 22 at 15:53
59
@Nelson They're informing them in case they made a mistake. For example, the applicant could have graduated under one name, but now use another (marriage, legal name change, sex change, etc). Or they could have contacted the wrong school (U of Chicago vs U of Illinois Chicago).
– Gabe Sechan
Mar 22 at 18:18
22
@BobRodes: It is a class C felony in the state of Washington to lie about your education on a resume. Five years in jail, $10000 fine. The OP should contact a lawyer and stop taking advice from random strangers on the internet who say things like "from what I've read...".
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:17
|
show 10 more comments
95
Emphasis on the don't lie this time
– Arthur Attout
Mar 22 at 13:33
55
Also, plus one on the side note. This is definitely a laudable attitude on the part of the employer.
– João Mendes
Mar 22 at 14:43
17
2nd emphasis on very slim. People have made very successful careers, only to have it all taken away from them 20 years later due to being caught lying on their resume that they used to get their foot in the door. There's a politician or professor that comes to mind, but the name evades me.
– Travis
Mar 22 at 15:53
59
@Nelson They're informing them in case they made a mistake. For example, the applicant could have graduated under one name, but now use another (marriage, legal name change, sex change, etc). Or they could have contacted the wrong school (U of Chicago vs U of Illinois Chicago).
– Gabe Sechan
Mar 22 at 18:18
22
@BobRodes: It is a class C felony in the state of Washington to lie about your education on a resume. Five years in jail, $10000 fine. The OP should contact a lawyer and stop taking advice from random strangers on the internet who say things like "from what I've read...".
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:17
95
95
Emphasis on the don't lie this time
– Arthur Attout
Mar 22 at 13:33
Emphasis on the don't lie this time
– Arthur Attout
Mar 22 at 13:33
55
55
Also, plus one on the side note. This is definitely a laudable attitude on the part of the employer.
– João Mendes
Mar 22 at 14:43
Also, plus one on the side note. This is definitely a laudable attitude on the part of the employer.
– João Mendes
Mar 22 at 14:43
17
17
2nd emphasis on very slim. People have made very successful careers, only to have it all taken away from them 20 years later due to being caught lying on their resume that they used to get their foot in the door. There's a politician or professor that comes to mind, but the name evades me.
– Travis
Mar 22 at 15:53
2nd emphasis on very slim. People have made very successful careers, only to have it all taken away from them 20 years later due to being caught lying on their resume that they used to get their foot in the door. There's a politician or professor that comes to mind, but the name evades me.
– Travis
Mar 22 at 15:53
59
59
@Nelson They're informing them in case they made a mistake. For example, the applicant could have graduated under one name, but now use another (marriage, legal name change, sex change, etc). Or they could have contacted the wrong school (U of Chicago vs U of Illinois Chicago).
– Gabe Sechan
Mar 22 at 18:18
@Nelson They're informing them in case they made a mistake. For example, the applicant could have graduated under one name, but now use another (marriage, legal name change, sex change, etc). Or they could have contacted the wrong school (U of Chicago vs U of Illinois Chicago).
– Gabe Sechan
Mar 22 at 18:18
22
22
@BobRodes: It is a class C felony in the state of Washington to lie about your education on a resume. Five years in jail, $10000 fine. The OP should contact a lawyer and stop taking advice from random strangers on the internet who say things like "from what I've read...".
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:17
@BobRodes: It is a class C felony in the state of Washington to lie about your education on a resume. Five years in jail, $10000 fine. The OP should contact a lawyer and stop taking advice from random strangers on the internet who say things like "from what I've read...".
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:17
|
show 10 more comments
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
- The presupposition of the question is a bad supposition. You do not respond. You're in a hole of your own digging; stop digging.
- You stop soliciting legal advice from strangers on the internet and get it from a lawyer.
- Once you have a lawyer, ask them if you have committed fraud or any other crime, and how you should proceed so as to decrease your risk of being prosecuted if you have.
25
@JoeStrazzere: I'm suggesting that the OP get a lawyer and ask them what to do. They might have committed a crime; that's the high-order bit, not the job.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 23:27
11
@JoeStrazzere: Fraud is a crime pretty much everywhere. Don't think of it as "lying on a resume". Think of it as an attempt to defraud a company, because that's what it is. Now, as for whether it is a "felony" or not varies by jurisdiction, but that's hardly relevant. Here, I'll edit the text to say "crime" instead, how's that?
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:06
29
The original poster should stop taking advice from people who are googling the law and get a lawyer.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 2:22
4
I second the line of do not respond. Whether the situation is serious enough to get a lawyer, one would need to know more. Presumably the OP is in enough of a financial hole already.
– Therac
Mar 23 at 6:34
4
You could add that if the OP is in the US (and possible other countries) on a working visa, they should not leave the country. Lying about education (or former jobs) on a job application can be a violation of the visa conditions that can result in a permanent ban an immigration officer may not show as much clemency as a court. +1 for having to get a lawyer right now.
– Bent
Mar 23 at 9:37
|
show 6 more comments
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
- The presupposition of the question is a bad supposition. You do not respond. You're in a hole of your own digging; stop digging.
- You stop soliciting legal advice from strangers on the internet and get it from a lawyer.
- Once you have a lawyer, ask them if you have committed fraud or any other crime, and how you should proceed so as to decrease your risk of being prosecuted if you have.
25
@JoeStrazzere: I'm suggesting that the OP get a lawyer and ask them what to do. They might have committed a crime; that's the high-order bit, not the job.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 23:27
11
@JoeStrazzere: Fraud is a crime pretty much everywhere. Don't think of it as "lying on a resume". Think of it as an attempt to defraud a company, because that's what it is. Now, as for whether it is a "felony" or not varies by jurisdiction, but that's hardly relevant. Here, I'll edit the text to say "crime" instead, how's that?
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:06
29
The original poster should stop taking advice from people who are googling the law and get a lawyer.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 2:22
4
I second the line of do not respond. Whether the situation is serious enough to get a lawyer, one would need to know more. Presumably the OP is in enough of a financial hole already.
– Therac
Mar 23 at 6:34
4
You could add that if the OP is in the US (and possible other countries) on a working visa, they should not leave the country. Lying about education (or former jobs) on a job application can be a violation of the visa conditions that can result in a permanent ban an immigration officer may not show as much clemency as a court. +1 for having to get a lawyer right now.
– Bent
Mar 23 at 9:37
|
show 6 more comments
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
- The presupposition of the question is a bad supposition. You do not respond. You're in a hole of your own digging; stop digging.
- You stop soliciting legal advice from strangers on the internet and get it from a lawyer.
- Once you have a lawyer, ask them if you have committed fraud or any other crime, and how you should proceed so as to decrease your risk of being prosecuted if you have.
I lied about my education to my employer and background check revealed I did not graduate. How do I respond to my employer after they send me the following?
- The presupposition of the question is a bad supposition. You do not respond. You're in a hole of your own digging; stop digging.
- You stop soliciting legal advice from strangers on the internet and get it from a lawyer.
- Once you have a lawyer, ask them if you have committed fraud or any other crime, and how you should proceed so as to decrease your risk of being prosecuted if you have.
edited Mar 23 at 1:09
answered Mar 22 at 21:59
Eric LippertEric Lippert
6,46821729
6,46821729
25
@JoeStrazzere: I'm suggesting that the OP get a lawyer and ask them what to do. They might have committed a crime; that's the high-order bit, not the job.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 23:27
11
@JoeStrazzere: Fraud is a crime pretty much everywhere. Don't think of it as "lying on a resume". Think of it as an attempt to defraud a company, because that's what it is. Now, as for whether it is a "felony" or not varies by jurisdiction, but that's hardly relevant. Here, I'll edit the text to say "crime" instead, how's that?
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:06
29
The original poster should stop taking advice from people who are googling the law and get a lawyer.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 2:22
4
I second the line of do not respond. Whether the situation is serious enough to get a lawyer, one would need to know more. Presumably the OP is in enough of a financial hole already.
– Therac
Mar 23 at 6:34
4
You could add that if the OP is in the US (and possible other countries) on a working visa, they should not leave the country. Lying about education (or former jobs) on a job application can be a violation of the visa conditions that can result in a permanent ban an immigration officer may not show as much clemency as a court. +1 for having to get a lawyer right now.
– Bent
Mar 23 at 9:37
|
show 6 more comments
25
@JoeStrazzere: I'm suggesting that the OP get a lawyer and ask them what to do. They might have committed a crime; that's the high-order bit, not the job.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 23:27
11
@JoeStrazzere: Fraud is a crime pretty much everywhere. Don't think of it as "lying on a resume". Think of it as an attempt to defraud a company, because that's what it is. Now, as for whether it is a "felony" or not varies by jurisdiction, but that's hardly relevant. Here, I'll edit the text to say "crime" instead, how's that?
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:06
29
The original poster should stop taking advice from people who are googling the law and get a lawyer.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 2:22
4
I second the line of do not respond. Whether the situation is serious enough to get a lawyer, one would need to know more. Presumably the OP is in enough of a financial hole already.
– Therac
Mar 23 at 6:34
4
You could add that if the OP is in the US (and possible other countries) on a working visa, they should not leave the country. Lying about education (or former jobs) on a job application can be a violation of the visa conditions that can result in a permanent ban an immigration officer may not show as much clemency as a court. +1 for having to get a lawyer right now.
– Bent
Mar 23 at 9:37
25
25
@JoeStrazzere: I'm suggesting that the OP get a lawyer and ask them what to do. They might have committed a crime; that's the high-order bit, not the job.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 23:27
@JoeStrazzere: I'm suggesting that the OP get a lawyer and ask them what to do. They might have committed a crime; that's the high-order bit, not the job.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 23:27
11
11
@JoeStrazzere: Fraud is a crime pretty much everywhere. Don't think of it as "lying on a resume". Think of it as an attempt to defraud a company, because that's what it is. Now, as for whether it is a "felony" or not varies by jurisdiction, but that's hardly relevant. Here, I'll edit the text to say "crime" instead, how's that?
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:06
@JoeStrazzere: Fraud is a crime pretty much everywhere. Don't think of it as "lying on a resume". Think of it as an attempt to defraud a company, because that's what it is. Now, as for whether it is a "felony" or not varies by jurisdiction, but that's hardly relevant. Here, I'll edit the text to say "crime" instead, how's that?
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 1:06
29
29
The original poster should stop taking advice from people who are googling the law and get a lawyer.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 2:22
The original poster should stop taking advice from people who are googling the law and get a lawyer.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 23 at 2:22
4
4
I second the line of do not respond. Whether the situation is serious enough to get a lawyer, one would need to know more. Presumably the OP is in enough of a financial hole already.
– Therac
Mar 23 at 6:34
I second the line of do not respond. Whether the situation is serious enough to get a lawyer, one would need to know more. Presumably the OP is in enough of a financial hole already.
– Therac
Mar 23 at 6:34
4
4
You could add that if the OP is in the US (and possible other countries) on a working visa, they should not leave the country. Lying about education (or former jobs) on a job application can be a violation of the visa conditions that can result in a permanent ban an immigration officer may not show as much clemency as a court. +1 for having to get a lawyer right now.
– Bent
Mar 23 at 9:37
You could add that if the OP is in the US (and possible other countries) on a working visa, they should not leave the country. Lying about education (or former jobs) on a job application can be a violation of the visa conditions that can result in a permanent ban an immigration officer may not show as much clemency as a court. +1 for having to get a lawyer right now.
– Bent
Mar 23 at 9:37
|
show 6 more comments
I would say that you take it as a life lesson, and be more scrupulous about preserving your integrity in the future. I would also say it's safe to assume that you've blown your chances of getting this job.
Honest people aren't people who are never dishonest, they are people who regret their moments of dishonesty, and are not dishonest in quite the same way again. By admitting that you haven't been entirely truthful, you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one.
Now, you'll need to ask yourself why, and you probably ought to spend some time soul-searching before you try to explain it to the employer. (Things like being scared of not being able to find a job come to mind.) When you do attempt to explain yourself to the employer, you might start by saying that you recognize that you have blown your chances of getting hired, but that you wanted to speak on a personal level. Then pretty much bare your soul, in 100 words or fewer. (Not to try to get the job back, but to get it out of your system.) Then apologize and leave it at that. (You could thank them for the life lesson, too, if you can be sincere about it.)
(EDIT: Eric Lippert has pointed out that there are laws in some states that criminalize lying about your education on a resume. I would suggest that you get a lawyer's advice before telling the employer that you did this.)
Finally, you can be glad that you got caught now, instead of two or three years in. If you are an honest man, it would have eaten at you, and you would feel relieved when it finally came out in spite of the fallout. If you aren't an honest man, you'd probably find that you were unable to talk your way out of it, assuming you hadn't been fired already for some other lapse of integrity.
So, man up, face the consequences, forgive yourself (even if other people don't), do your best to put it right, and don't do it again.
3
If OP has blown the chances of getting the job, then what are the benefits of "baring their soul" versus just withdrawing the application?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 14:58
15
@NateEldredge Well, firstly, we're just assuming he's blown his chances. (I agree it's the most likely outcome, but there's a tiny chance this employer might defy the odds yet.) Being honest keeps that door open, however slim the chances may be. Walking away without explanation definitely closes it. Also, depending on the industry OP is in, word might travel to other employers about this guy who lied on his resume. Taking the time to explain himself (no matter the reasoning) can't possibly make him look worse than ghosting as soon as he gets caught in a lie.
– Steve-O
Mar 22 at 15:38
"you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one." I get what you mean here but I think it comes off as kind of judgmental of OP. There's an interpretation of this where you're calling them a dishonest man, which wouldn't be fun to read (despite the topic of their post)
– data princess
Mar 22 at 15:52
10
@dataprincess the first two words of the question are "I lied". Dishonesty isn't an implication here, it's a fact to be dealt with.
– hobbs
Mar 22 at 16:22
@NateEldredge, The OP said, "I lied ... to my employer" and "How do I respond to my employer ..." I took this to mean the background check wasn't done before the OP joined the company.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:39
|
show 7 more comments
I would say that you take it as a life lesson, and be more scrupulous about preserving your integrity in the future. I would also say it's safe to assume that you've blown your chances of getting this job.
Honest people aren't people who are never dishonest, they are people who regret their moments of dishonesty, and are not dishonest in quite the same way again. By admitting that you haven't been entirely truthful, you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one.
Now, you'll need to ask yourself why, and you probably ought to spend some time soul-searching before you try to explain it to the employer. (Things like being scared of not being able to find a job come to mind.) When you do attempt to explain yourself to the employer, you might start by saying that you recognize that you have blown your chances of getting hired, but that you wanted to speak on a personal level. Then pretty much bare your soul, in 100 words or fewer. (Not to try to get the job back, but to get it out of your system.) Then apologize and leave it at that. (You could thank them for the life lesson, too, if you can be sincere about it.)
(EDIT: Eric Lippert has pointed out that there are laws in some states that criminalize lying about your education on a resume. I would suggest that you get a lawyer's advice before telling the employer that you did this.)
Finally, you can be glad that you got caught now, instead of two or three years in. If you are an honest man, it would have eaten at you, and you would feel relieved when it finally came out in spite of the fallout. If you aren't an honest man, you'd probably find that you were unable to talk your way out of it, assuming you hadn't been fired already for some other lapse of integrity.
So, man up, face the consequences, forgive yourself (even if other people don't), do your best to put it right, and don't do it again.
3
If OP has blown the chances of getting the job, then what are the benefits of "baring their soul" versus just withdrawing the application?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 14:58
15
@NateEldredge Well, firstly, we're just assuming he's blown his chances. (I agree it's the most likely outcome, but there's a tiny chance this employer might defy the odds yet.) Being honest keeps that door open, however slim the chances may be. Walking away without explanation definitely closes it. Also, depending on the industry OP is in, word might travel to other employers about this guy who lied on his resume. Taking the time to explain himself (no matter the reasoning) can't possibly make him look worse than ghosting as soon as he gets caught in a lie.
– Steve-O
Mar 22 at 15:38
"you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one." I get what you mean here but I think it comes off as kind of judgmental of OP. There's an interpretation of this where you're calling them a dishonest man, which wouldn't be fun to read (despite the topic of their post)
– data princess
Mar 22 at 15:52
10
@dataprincess the first two words of the question are "I lied". Dishonesty isn't an implication here, it's a fact to be dealt with.
– hobbs
Mar 22 at 16:22
@NateEldredge, The OP said, "I lied ... to my employer" and "How do I respond to my employer ..." I took this to mean the background check wasn't done before the OP joined the company.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:39
|
show 7 more comments
I would say that you take it as a life lesson, and be more scrupulous about preserving your integrity in the future. I would also say it's safe to assume that you've blown your chances of getting this job.
Honest people aren't people who are never dishonest, they are people who regret their moments of dishonesty, and are not dishonest in quite the same way again. By admitting that you haven't been entirely truthful, you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one.
Now, you'll need to ask yourself why, and you probably ought to spend some time soul-searching before you try to explain it to the employer. (Things like being scared of not being able to find a job come to mind.) When you do attempt to explain yourself to the employer, you might start by saying that you recognize that you have blown your chances of getting hired, but that you wanted to speak on a personal level. Then pretty much bare your soul, in 100 words or fewer. (Not to try to get the job back, but to get it out of your system.) Then apologize and leave it at that. (You could thank them for the life lesson, too, if you can be sincere about it.)
(EDIT: Eric Lippert has pointed out that there are laws in some states that criminalize lying about your education on a resume. I would suggest that you get a lawyer's advice before telling the employer that you did this.)
Finally, you can be glad that you got caught now, instead of two or three years in. If you are an honest man, it would have eaten at you, and you would feel relieved when it finally came out in spite of the fallout. If you aren't an honest man, you'd probably find that you were unable to talk your way out of it, assuming you hadn't been fired already for some other lapse of integrity.
So, man up, face the consequences, forgive yourself (even if other people don't), do your best to put it right, and don't do it again.
I would say that you take it as a life lesson, and be more scrupulous about preserving your integrity in the future. I would also say it's safe to assume that you've blown your chances of getting this job.
Honest people aren't people who are never dishonest, they are people who regret their moments of dishonesty, and are not dishonest in quite the same way again. By admitting that you haven't been entirely truthful, you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one.
Now, you'll need to ask yourself why, and you probably ought to spend some time soul-searching before you try to explain it to the employer. (Things like being scared of not being able to find a job come to mind.) When you do attempt to explain yourself to the employer, you might start by saying that you recognize that you have blown your chances of getting hired, but that you wanted to speak on a personal level. Then pretty much bare your soul, in 100 words or fewer. (Not to try to get the job back, but to get it out of your system.) Then apologize and leave it at that. (You could thank them for the life lesson, too, if you can be sincere about it.)
(EDIT: Eric Lippert has pointed out that there are laws in some states that criminalize lying about your education on a resume. I would suggest that you get a lawyer's advice before telling the employer that you did this.)
Finally, you can be glad that you got caught now, instead of two or three years in. If you are an honest man, it would have eaten at you, and you would feel relieved when it finally came out in spite of the fallout. If you aren't an honest man, you'd probably find that you were unable to talk your way out of it, assuming you hadn't been fired already for some other lapse of integrity.
So, man up, face the consequences, forgive yourself (even if other people don't), do your best to put it right, and don't do it again.
edited Mar 23 at 4:47
answered Mar 22 at 6:30
BobRodesBobRodes
1,829812
1,829812
3
If OP has blown the chances of getting the job, then what are the benefits of "baring their soul" versus just withdrawing the application?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 14:58
15
@NateEldredge Well, firstly, we're just assuming he's blown his chances. (I agree it's the most likely outcome, but there's a tiny chance this employer might defy the odds yet.) Being honest keeps that door open, however slim the chances may be. Walking away without explanation definitely closes it. Also, depending on the industry OP is in, word might travel to other employers about this guy who lied on his resume. Taking the time to explain himself (no matter the reasoning) can't possibly make him look worse than ghosting as soon as he gets caught in a lie.
– Steve-O
Mar 22 at 15:38
"you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one." I get what you mean here but I think it comes off as kind of judgmental of OP. There's an interpretation of this where you're calling them a dishonest man, which wouldn't be fun to read (despite the topic of their post)
– data princess
Mar 22 at 15:52
10
@dataprincess the first two words of the question are "I lied". Dishonesty isn't an implication here, it's a fact to be dealt with.
– hobbs
Mar 22 at 16:22
@NateEldredge, The OP said, "I lied ... to my employer" and "How do I respond to my employer ..." I took this to mean the background check wasn't done before the OP joined the company.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:39
|
show 7 more comments
3
If OP has blown the chances of getting the job, then what are the benefits of "baring their soul" versus just withdrawing the application?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 14:58
15
@NateEldredge Well, firstly, we're just assuming he's blown his chances. (I agree it's the most likely outcome, but there's a tiny chance this employer might defy the odds yet.) Being honest keeps that door open, however slim the chances may be. Walking away without explanation definitely closes it. Also, depending on the industry OP is in, word might travel to other employers about this guy who lied on his resume. Taking the time to explain himself (no matter the reasoning) can't possibly make him look worse than ghosting as soon as he gets caught in a lie.
– Steve-O
Mar 22 at 15:38
"you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one." I get what you mean here but I think it comes off as kind of judgmental of OP. There's an interpretation of this where you're calling them a dishonest man, which wouldn't be fun to read (despite the topic of their post)
– data princess
Mar 22 at 15:52
10
@dataprincess the first two words of the question are "I lied". Dishonesty isn't an implication here, it's a fact to be dealt with.
– hobbs
Mar 22 at 16:22
@NateEldredge, The OP said, "I lied ... to my employer" and "How do I respond to my employer ..." I took this to mean the background check wasn't done before the OP joined the company.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:39
3
3
If OP has blown the chances of getting the job, then what are the benefits of "baring their soul" versus just withdrawing the application?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 14:58
If OP has blown the chances of getting the job, then what are the benefits of "baring their soul" versus just withdrawing the application?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 14:58
15
15
@NateEldredge Well, firstly, we're just assuming he's blown his chances. (I agree it's the most likely outcome, but there's a tiny chance this employer might defy the odds yet.) Being honest keeps that door open, however slim the chances may be. Walking away without explanation definitely closes it. Also, depending on the industry OP is in, word might travel to other employers about this guy who lied on his resume. Taking the time to explain himself (no matter the reasoning) can't possibly make him look worse than ghosting as soon as he gets caught in a lie.
– Steve-O
Mar 22 at 15:38
@NateEldredge Well, firstly, we're just assuming he's blown his chances. (I agree it's the most likely outcome, but there's a tiny chance this employer might defy the odds yet.) Being honest keeps that door open, however slim the chances may be. Walking away without explanation definitely closes it. Also, depending on the industry OP is in, word might travel to other employers about this guy who lied on his resume. Taking the time to explain himself (no matter the reasoning) can't possibly make him look worse than ghosting as soon as he gets caught in a lie.
– Steve-O
Mar 22 at 15:38
"you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one." I get what you mean here but I think it comes off as kind of judgmental of OP. There's an interpretation of this where you're calling them a dishonest man, which wouldn't be fun to read (despite the topic of their post)
– data princess
Mar 22 at 15:52
"you've made a step in the direction of being an honest man, and a step away from the direction of being a dishonest one." I get what you mean here but I think it comes off as kind of judgmental of OP. There's an interpretation of this where you're calling them a dishonest man, which wouldn't be fun to read (despite the topic of their post)
– data princess
Mar 22 at 15:52
10
10
@dataprincess the first two words of the question are "I lied". Dishonesty isn't an implication here, it's a fact to be dealt with.
– hobbs
Mar 22 at 16:22
@dataprincess the first two words of the question are "I lied". Dishonesty isn't an implication here, it's a fact to be dealt with.
– hobbs
Mar 22 at 16:22
@NateEldredge, The OP said, "I lied ... to my employer" and "How do I respond to my employer ..." I took this to mean the background check wasn't done before the OP joined the company.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:39
@NateEldredge, The OP said, "I lied ... to my employer" and "How do I respond to my employer ..." I took this to mean the background check wasn't done before the OP joined the company.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:39
|
show 7 more comments
How close are you to graduating?
If You're Not Close
If you're not close, the other answers are spot on. Please read them and come clean.
If You Are Close
If you are close, contact your school. Find out everything you need to graduate. It may not just be credits, there are often money issues that can prevent you from showing as graduated, too. Get the full list.
Now, respond to your employer along the lines of "I contacted my school, and it turns out you're right, I'm not showing as graduated to them. I spoke with a counselor and received the full list of what I need to show as graduated, and will be remedying the situation as soon as possible. I hope that this will not impede my ability to work here, as I am very excited to be here, etc etc."
It shows you admit that there's a problem, and that you're taking the initiative to remedy the problem. If they keep you on (and yes, that's still very much a big if), make sure you do take those steps, though.
2
@JoeStrazzere Agreed. This could be a solid tactic coupled with an honest response to the question of why the discrepancy exists. 'I'm sorry, this is why this happened, and this is what I am doing to remedy it."
– Saiboogu
Mar 23 at 2:58
5
I'm not sure that the defense of "I'm too stupid to know whether I've graduated or not" increases the chance of securing the job.
– Abigail
Mar 23 at 18:59
6
As an anecdote: This actually happened to me. I completed all my credits, and intentionally skipped my graduation ceremony because I was going to grad school and didn't care. Turns out: I never submitted my request to graduate, and so when a company that had offered me a job conducted a background check, they found that even though I had said that I graduated, the school disagreed! I wrote them back to the effect of "Turns out you're right, I didn't graduate" and then immediately filed for it. Thankfully they were understanding (I really did have all the credits) and we went forward.
– dlev
Mar 24 at 4:20
2
@Abigail I like those odds better than "yeah, I lied, you caught me."
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:06
4
@dlev I once was prevented from showing as graduated because I owed the school around $3,000 that loans didn't cover. Luckily, it didn't stop me from getting a job, and I eventually paid it off. Sometimes, somebody not graduating is over a really minor issue that shouldn't effect how employable they are.
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:12
add a comment |
How close are you to graduating?
If You're Not Close
If you're not close, the other answers are spot on. Please read them and come clean.
If You Are Close
If you are close, contact your school. Find out everything you need to graduate. It may not just be credits, there are often money issues that can prevent you from showing as graduated, too. Get the full list.
Now, respond to your employer along the lines of "I contacted my school, and it turns out you're right, I'm not showing as graduated to them. I spoke with a counselor and received the full list of what I need to show as graduated, and will be remedying the situation as soon as possible. I hope that this will not impede my ability to work here, as I am very excited to be here, etc etc."
It shows you admit that there's a problem, and that you're taking the initiative to remedy the problem. If they keep you on (and yes, that's still very much a big if), make sure you do take those steps, though.
2
@JoeStrazzere Agreed. This could be a solid tactic coupled with an honest response to the question of why the discrepancy exists. 'I'm sorry, this is why this happened, and this is what I am doing to remedy it."
– Saiboogu
Mar 23 at 2:58
5
I'm not sure that the defense of "I'm too stupid to know whether I've graduated or not" increases the chance of securing the job.
– Abigail
Mar 23 at 18:59
6
As an anecdote: This actually happened to me. I completed all my credits, and intentionally skipped my graduation ceremony because I was going to grad school and didn't care. Turns out: I never submitted my request to graduate, and so when a company that had offered me a job conducted a background check, they found that even though I had said that I graduated, the school disagreed! I wrote them back to the effect of "Turns out you're right, I didn't graduate" and then immediately filed for it. Thankfully they were understanding (I really did have all the credits) and we went forward.
– dlev
Mar 24 at 4:20
2
@Abigail I like those odds better than "yeah, I lied, you caught me."
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:06
4
@dlev I once was prevented from showing as graduated because I owed the school around $3,000 that loans didn't cover. Luckily, it didn't stop me from getting a job, and I eventually paid it off. Sometimes, somebody not graduating is over a really minor issue that shouldn't effect how employable they are.
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:12
add a comment |
How close are you to graduating?
If You're Not Close
If you're not close, the other answers are spot on. Please read them and come clean.
If You Are Close
If you are close, contact your school. Find out everything you need to graduate. It may not just be credits, there are often money issues that can prevent you from showing as graduated, too. Get the full list.
Now, respond to your employer along the lines of "I contacted my school, and it turns out you're right, I'm not showing as graduated to them. I spoke with a counselor and received the full list of what I need to show as graduated, and will be remedying the situation as soon as possible. I hope that this will not impede my ability to work here, as I am very excited to be here, etc etc."
It shows you admit that there's a problem, and that you're taking the initiative to remedy the problem. If they keep you on (and yes, that's still very much a big if), make sure you do take those steps, though.
How close are you to graduating?
If You're Not Close
If you're not close, the other answers are spot on. Please read them and come clean.
If You Are Close
If you are close, contact your school. Find out everything you need to graduate. It may not just be credits, there are often money issues that can prevent you from showing as graduated, too. Get the full list.
Now, respond to your employer along the lines of "I contacted my school, and it turns out you're right, I'm not showing as graduated to them. I spoke with a counselor and received the full list of what I need to show as graduated, and will be remedying the situation as soon as possible. I hope that this will not impede my ability to work here, as I am very excited to be here, etc etc."
It shows you admit that there's a problem, and that you're taking the initiative to remedy the problem. If they keep you on (and yes, that's still very much a big if), make sure you do take those steps, though.
answered Mar 22 at 18:00
Michael W.Michael W.
31116
31116
2
@JoeStrazzere Agreed. This could be a solid tactic coupled with an honest response to the question of why the discrepancy exists. 'I'm sorry, this is why this happened, and this is what I am doing to remedy it."
– Saiboogu
Mar 23 at 2:58
5
I'm not sure that the defense of "I'm too stupid to know whether I've graduated or not" increases the chance of securing the job.
– Abigail
Mar 23 at 18:59
6
As an anecdote: This actually happened to me. I completed all my credits, and intentionally skipped my graduation ceremony because I was going to grad school and didn't care. Turns out: I never submitted my request to graduate, and so when a company that had offered me a job conducted a background check, they found that even though I had said that I graduated, the school disagreed! I wrote them back to the effect of "Turns out you're right, I didn't graduate" and then immediately filed for it. Thankfully they were understanding (I really did have all the credits) and we went forward.
– dlev
Mar 24 at 4:20
2
@Abigail I like those odds better than "yeah, I lied, you caught me."
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:06
4
@dlev I once was prevented from showing as graduated because I owed the school around $3,000 that loans didn't cover. Luckily, it didn't stop me from getting a job, and I eventually paid it off. Sometimes, somebody not graduating is over a really minor issue that shouldn't effect how employable they are.
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:12
add a comment |
2
@JoeStrazzere Agreed. This could be a solid tactic coupled with an honest response to the question of why the discrepancy exists. 'I'm sorry, this is why this happened, and this is what I am doing to remedy it."
– Saiboogu
Mar 23 at 2:58
5
I'm not sure that the defense of "I'm too stupid to know whether I've graduated or not" increases the chance of securing the job.
– Abigail
Mar 23 at 18:59
6
As an anecdote: This actually happened to me. I completed all my credits, and intentionally skipped my graduation ceremony because I was going to grad school and didn't care. Turns out: I never submitted my request to graduate, and so when a company that had offered me a job conducted a background check, they found that even though I had said that I graduated, the school disagreed! I wrote them back to the effect of "Turns out you're right, I didn't graduate" and then immediately filed for it. Thankfully they were understanding (I really did have all the credits) and we went forward.
– dlev
Mar 24 at 4:20
2
@Abigail I like those odds better than "yeah, I lied, you caught me."
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:06
4
@dlev I once was prevented from showing as graduated because I owed the school around $3,000 that loans didn't cover. Luckily, it didn't stop me from getting a job, and I eventually paid it off. Sometimes, somebody not graduating is over a really minor issue that shouldn't effect how employable they are.
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:12
2
2
@JoeStrazzere Agreed. This could be a solid tactic coupled with an honest response to the question of why the discrepancy exists. 'I'm sorry, this is why this happened, and this is what I am doing to remedy it."
– Saiboogu
Mar 23 at 2:58
@JoeStrazzere Agreed. This could be a solid tactic coupled with an honest response to the question of why the discrepancy exists. 'I'm sorry, this is why this happened, and this is what I am doing to remedy it."
– Saiboogu
Mar 23 at 2:58
5
5
I'm not sure that the defense of "I'm too stupid to know whether I've graduated or not" increases the chance of securing the job.
– Abigail
Mar 23 at 18:59
I'm not sure that the defense of "I'm too stupid to know whether I've graduated or not" increases the chance of securing the job.
– Abigail
Mar 23 at 18:59
6
6
As an anecdote: This actually happened to me. I completed all my credits, and intentionally skipped my graduation ceremony because I was going to grad school and didn't care. Turns out: I never submitted my request to graduate, and so when a company that had offered me a job conducted a background check, they found that even though I had said that I graduated, the school disagreed! I wrote them back to the effect of "Turns out you're right, I didn't graduate" and then immediately filed for it. Thankfully they were understanding (I really did have all the credits) and we went forward.
– dlev
Mar 24 at 4:20
As an anecdote: This actually happened to me. I completed all my credits, and intentionally skipped my graduation ceremony because I was going to grad school and didn't care. Turns out: I never submitted my request to graduate, and so when a company that had offered me a job conducted a background check, they found that even though I had said that I graduated, the school disagreed! I wrote them back to the effect of "Turns out you're right, I didn't graduate" and then immediately filed for it. Thankfully they were understanding (I really did have all the credits) and we went forward.
– dlev
Mar 24 at 4:20
2
2
@Abigail I like those odds better than "yeah, I lied, you caught me."
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:06
@Abigail I like those odds better than "yeah, I lied, you caught me."
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:06
4
4
@dlev I once was prevented from showing as graduated because I owed the school around $3,000 that loans didn't cover. Luckily, it didn't stop me from getting a job, and I eventually paid it off. Sometimes, somebody not graduating is over a really minor issue that shouldn't effect how employable they are.
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:12
@dlev I once was prevented from showing as graduated because I owed the school around $3,000 that loans didn't cover. Luckily, it didn't stop me from getting a job, and I eventually paid it off. Sometimes, somebody not graduating is over a really minor issue that shouldn't effect how employable they are.
– Michael W.
Mar 24 at 23:12
add a comment |
Be as honest as possible. If you were on track to graduate but fumbled at last minute that is understandable. But otherwise very hard to save this, if there was a less positive explanation.
Keep whatever you say simple and truthful.
4
Fumbling your course at the last minute may be understandable, but later pretending that you did not is not.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 23 at 15:00
2
The overriding concern is going to be that you lied, not that you aren't fully qualified. Unless there's something about the wording of your resume that makes it ambiguous (and that's still not a good look) I don't think there's any comeback from this.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:39
add a comment |
Be as honest as possible. If you were on track to graduate but fumbled at last minute that is understandable. But otherwise very hard to save this, if there was a less positive explanation.
Keep whatever you say simple and truthful.
4
Fumbling your course at the last minute may be understandable, but later pretending that you did not is not.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 23 at 15:00
2
The overriding concern is going to be that you lied, not that you aren't fully qualified. Unless there's something about the wording of your resume that makes it ambiguous (and that's still not a good look) I don't think there's any comeback from this.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:39
add a comment |
Be as honest as possible. If you were on track to graduate but fumbled at last minute that is understandable. But otherwise very hard to save this, if there was a less positive explanation.
Keep whatever you say simple and truthful.
Be as honest as possible. If you were on track to graduate but fumbled at last minute that is understandable. But otherwise very hard to save this, if there was a less positive explanation.
Keep whatever you say simple and truthful.
answered Mar 22 at 5:57
learning2learnlearning2learn
1252
1252
4
Fumbling your course at the last minute may be understandable, but later pretending that you did not is not.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 23 at 15:00
2
The overriding concern is going to be that you lied, not that you aren't fully qualified. Unless there's something about the wording of your resume that makes it ambiguous (and that's still not a good look) I don't think there's any comeback from this.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:39
add a comment |
4
Fumbling your course at the last minute may be understandable, but later pretending that you did not is not.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 23 at 15:00
2
The overriding concern is going to be that you lied, not that you aren't fully qualified. Unless there's something about the wording of your resume that makes it ambiguous (and that's still not a good look) I don't think there's any comeback from this.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:39
4
4
Fumbling your course at the last minute may be understandable, but later pretending that you did not is not.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 23 at 15:00
Fumbling your course at the last minute may be understandable, but later pretending that you did not is not.
– Lightness Races in Orbit
Mar 23 at 15:00
2
2
The overriding concern is going to be that you lied, not that you aren't fully qualified. Unless there's something about the wording of your resume that makes it ambiguous (and that's still not a good look) I don't think there's any comeback from this.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:39
The overriding concern is going to be that you lied, not that you aren't fully qualified. Unless there's something about the wording of your resume that makes it ambiguous (and that's still not a good look) I don't think there's any comeback from this.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:39
add a comment |
I am tempted to claim this as a duplicate of "How can I fix my relationship with my 7 month old cat after I've constantly abused her the past month?". While this may sound ludicrous, the problem is the same: you have broken a fundamental rule of social interaction for a relation that ultimately is dependent on mutual trust and trustworthiness. This is a question of the "how can I resume using a bridge I have burnt?" kind.
This bit will determine the stance of management and HR towards you in future because it casts into doubt everything that needs to be trusted at face value in a robust relationship.
You probably should consider polishing your resume. Or in this case, unpolishing it. It is quite likely that you'll be better off moving elsewhere even in case that your current employer can be made to swallow that toad (likely at a price).
I'm not used to recommendations of making a resume look less polished. But since the last resume was apparently over-polished, "unpolishing it" strangely sounds rather sensible.
– TOOGAM
Mar 24 at 20:03
add a comment |
I am tempted to claim this as a duplicate of "How can I fix my relationship with my 7 month old cat after I've constantly abused her the past month?". While this may sound ludicrous, the problem is the same: you have broken a fundamental rule of social interaction for a relation that ultimately is dependent on mutual trust and trustworthiness. This is a question of the "how can I resume using a bridge I have burnt?" kind.
This bit will determine the stance of management and HR towards you in future because it casts into doubt everything that needs to be trusted at face value in a robust relationship.
You probably should consider polishing your resume. Or in this case, unpolishing it. It is quite likely that you'll be better off moving elsewhere even in case that your current employer can be made to swallow that toad (likely at a price).
I'm not used to recommendations of making a resume look less polished. But since the last resume was apparently over-polished, "unpolishing it" strangely sounds rather sensible.
– TOOGAM
Mar 24 at 20:03
add a comment |
I am tempted to claim this as a duplicate of "How can I fix my relationship with my 7 month old cat after I've constantly abused her the past month?". While this may sound ludicrous, the problem is the same: you have broken a fundamental rule of social interaction for a relation that ultimately is dependent on mutual trust and trustworthiness. This is a question of the "how can I resume using a bridge I have burnt?" kind.
This bit will determine the stance of management and HR towards you in future because it casts into doubt everything that needs to be trusted at face value in a robust relationship.
You probably should consider polishing your resume. Or in this case, unpolishing it. It is quite likely that you'll be better off moving elsewhere even in case that your current employer can be made to swallow that toad (likely at a price).
I am tempted to claim this as a duplicate of "How can I fix my relationship with my 7 month old cat after I've constantly abused her the past month?". While this may sound ludicrous, the problem is the same: you have broken a fundamental rule of social interaction for a relation that ultimately is dependent on mutual trust and trustworthiness. This is a question of the "how can I resume using a bridge I have burnt?" kind.
This bit will determine the stance of management and HR towards you in future because it casts into doubt everything that needs to be trusted at face value in a robust relationship.
You probably should consider polishing your resume. Or in this case, unpolishing it. It is quite likely that you'll be better off moving elsewhere even in case that your current employer can be made to swallow that toad (likely at a price).
answered Mar 24 at 18:21
user101796
I'm not used to recommendations of making a resume look less polished. But since the last resume was apparently over-polished, "unpolishing it" strangely sounds rather sensible.
– TOOGAM
Mar 24 at 20:03
add a comment |
I'm not used to recommendations of making a resume look less polished. But since the last resume was apparently over-polished, "unpolishing it" strangely sounds rather sensible.
– TOOGAM
Mar 24 at 20:03
I'm not used to recommendations of making a resume look less polished. But since the last resume was apparently over-polished, "unpolishing it" strangely sounds rather sensible.
– TOOGAM
Mar 24 at 20:03
I'm not used to recommendations of making a resume look less polished. But since the last resume was apparently over-polished, "unpolishing it" strangely sounds rather sensible.
– TOOGAM
Mar 24 at 20:03
add a comment |
You definitely need to own up to not having a degree. If you are close to having or it's a paperwork issue explain that.
Many companies do a minimal clearance when they hire and as the company takes on new clients or changes in insurance requirements, they will often do in depth background checks.
I worked for a company that did in-depth background checks every 5 years. The equivalent of an FBI Check. Be prepared that companies can retrieve information very cheaply on their employees and use it to their advantage.
Good Luck!
add a comment |
You definitely need to own up to not having a degree. If you are close to having or it's a paperwork issue explain that.
Many companies do a minimal clearance when they hire and as the company takes on new clients or changes in insurance requirements, they will often do in depth background checks.
I worked for a company that did in-depth background checks every 5 years. The equivalent of an FBI Check. Be prepared that companies can retrieve information very cheaply on their employees and use it to their advantage.
Good Luck!
add a comment |
You definitely need to own up to not having a degree. If you are close to having or it's a paperwork issue explain that.
Many companies do a minimal clearance when they hire and as the company takes on new clients or changes in insurance requirements, they will often do in depth background checks.
I worked for a company that did in-depth background checks every 5 years. The equivalent of an FBI Check. Be prepared that companies can retrieve information very cheaply on their employees and use it to their advantage.
Good Luck!
You definitely need to own up to not having a degree. If you are close to having or it's a paperwork issue explain that.
Many companies do a minimal clearance when they hire and as the company takes on new clients or changes in insurance requirements, they will often do in depth background checks.
I worked for a company that did in-depth background checks every 5 years. The equivalent of an FBI Check. Be prepared that companies can retrieve information very cheaply on their employees and use it to their advantage.
Good Luck!
answered Mar 22 at 21:09
txgeekgirltxgeekgirl
411
411
add a comment |
add a comment |
I'm confused as to why there is a background check after you are employed rather than before. I'd also need to know how long you have been employed. That makes a big difference. Also, is this a highly skilled position? And does your intended degree really matter?
If the job is software engineering and your degree was art history, then having the degree is largely irrelevant, and you could come right out and say that. A sales job is another job where your choice of degree is often not meaningful. So, it's still a lie, but it's not a grievous one. You can probably talk your way out of it.
If the job is software engineering, then you are lucky, because that is a field where being self-taught is not usually a liability, and plenty of people never finished their degrees. Famously, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, and lots of others who are lesser known. But you need some credibility. You need some kind of proof that a degree would make no difference to your performance, and that's where it would be nice if you had already worked there a year or more. If this is the case, then you can probably talk your way out of it.
If this is a job that you just started, and you have established no credibility or meaningful performance, then I the only reasonable option is to fall on your sword and offer your resignation. It's not likely they will keep an unknown entity that has been caught in a lie. I wouldn't even try to explain the lie. Note, I didn't say quit. I said offer your resignation. They may accept it (the most likely scenario), but they may not. If they don't accept it immediately, it's because they like you for some reason and they will probably call you in to explain the lie. If you don't have a really, really good explanation, then don't waste their time.
One example could be for a government clearance. Most people aren't given a background check for that before they are hired. Another example is that many companies don't do an in-depth background check upon hiring but if something comes to light afterward they will initiate a more thorough check. You see this in the news at least once or twice a year where a high level person comes under scrutiny for some reason and it is discovered that they lied about their education or work history.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:42
I once had a colleague who messed up a customer project very badly, in ways only someone lacking the basic knowledge his resume said he had could. Customer threatened to sue for misrepresenting the guy, my employer ordered a thorough background check of his resume and found the entire thing was a solid pack of lies (normally here your resume is taken on good faith, most often that's no problem). He got fired on the spot, and got some serious claims for damages against him.
– jwenting
Mar 25 at 8:19
I had an employer do a background check on me after I had worked there for a few years. They had simply increased the requirements for employment, so they could win more government contracts or something. They applied it to new hires first but eventually got around to checking pre-existing employees like myself.
– stannius
Mar 25 at 20:27
add a comment |
I'm confused as to why there is a background check after you are employed rather than before. I'd also need to know how long you have been employed. That makes a big difference. Also, is this a highly skilled position? And does your intended degree really matter?
If the job is software engineering and your degree was art history, then having the degree is largely irrelevant, and you could come right out and say that. A sales job is another job where your choice of degree is often not meaningful. So, it's still a lie, but it's not a grievous one. You can probably talk your way out of it.
If the job is software engineering, then you are lucky, because that is a field where being self-taught is not usually a liability, and plenty of people never finished their degrees. Famously, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, and lots of others who are lesser known. But you need some credibility. You need some kind of proof that a degree would make no difference to your performance, and that's where it would be nice if you had already worked there a year or more. If this is the case, then you can probably talk your way out of it.
If this is a job that you just started, and you have established no credibility or meaningful performance, then I the only reasonable option is to fall on your sword and offer your resignation. It's not likely they will keep an unknown entity that has been caught in a lie. I wouldn't even try to explain the lie. Note, I didn't say quit. I said offer your resignation. They may accept it (the most likely scenario), but they may not. If they don't accept it immediately, it's because they like you for some reason and they will probably call you in to explain the lie. If you don't have a really, really good explanation, then don't waste their time.
One example could be for a government clearance. Most people aren't given a background check for that before they are hired. Another example is that many companies don't do an in-depth background check upon hiring but if something comes to light afterward they will initiate a more thorough check. You see this in the news at least once or twice a year where a high level person comes under scrutiny for some reason and it is discovered that they lied about their education or work history.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:42
I once had a colleague who messed up a customer project very badly, in ways only someone lacking the basic knowledge his resume said he had could. Customer threatened to sue for misrepresenting the guy, my employer ordered a thorough background check of his resume and found the entire thing was a solid pack of lies (normally here your resume is taken on good faith, most often that's no problem). He got fired on the spot, and got some serious claims for damages against him.
– jwenting
Mar 25 at 8:19
I had an employer do a background check on me after I had worked there for a few years. They had simply increased the requirements for employment, so they could win more government contracts or something. They applied it to new hires first but eventually got around to checking pre-existing employees like myself.
– stannius
Mar 25 at 20:27
add a comment |
I'm confused as to why there is a background check after you are employed rather than before. I'd also need to know how long you have been employed. That makes a big difference. Also, is this a highly skilled position? And does your intended degree really matter?
If the job is software engineering and your degree was art history, then having the degree is largely irrelevant, and you could come right out and say that. A sales job is another job where your choice of degree is often not meaningful. So, it's still a lie, but it's not a grievous one. You can probably talk your way out of it.
If the job is software engineering, then you are lucky, because that is a field where being self-taught is not usually a liability, and plenty of people never finished their degrees. Famously, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, and lots of others who are lesser known. But you need some credibility. You need some kind of proof that a degree would make no difference to your performance, and that's where it would be nice if you had already worked there a year or more. If this is the case, then you can probably talk your way out of it.
If this is a job that you just started, and you have established no credibility or meaningful performance, then I the only reasonable option is to fall on your sword and offer your resignation. It's not likely they will keep an unknown entity that has been caught in a lie. I wouldn't even try to explain the lie. Note, I didn't say quit. I said offer your resignation. They may accept it (the most likely scenario), but they may not. If they don't accept it immediately, it's because they like you for some reason and they will probably call you in to explain the lie. If you don't have a really, really good explanation, then don't waste their time.
I'm confused as to why there is a background check after you are employed rather than before. I'd also need to know how long you have been employed. That makes a big difference. Also, is this a highly skilled position? And does your intended degree really matter?
If the job is software engineering and your degree was art history, then having the degree is largely irrelevant, and you could come right out and say that. A sales job is another job where your choice of degree is often not meaningful. So, it's still a lie, but it's not a grievous one. You can probably talk your way out of it.
If the job is software engineering, then you are lucky, because that is a field where being self-taught is not usually a liability, and plenty of people never finished their degrees. Famously, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, and lots of others who are lesser known. But you need some credibility. You need some kind of proof that a degree would make no difference to your performance, and that's where it would be nice if you had already worked there a year or more. If this is the case, then you can probably talk your way out of it.
If this is a job that you just started, and you have established no credibility or meaningful performance, then I the only reasonable option is to fall on your sword and offer your resignation. It's not likely they will keep an unknown entity that has been caught in a lie. I wouldn't even try to explain the lie. Note, I didn't say quit. I said offer your resignation. They may accept it (the most likely scenario), but they may not. If they don't accept it immediately, it's because they like you for some reason and they will probably call you in to explain the lie. If you don't have a really, really good explanation, then don't waste their time.
answered Mar 22 at 15:57
MohairMohair
5,03911320
5,03911320
One example could be for a government clearance. Most people aren't given a background check for that before they are hired. Another example is that many companies don't do an in-depth background check upon hiring but if something comes to light afterward they will initiate a more thorough check. You see this in the news at least once or twice a year where a high level person comes under scrutiny for some reason and it is discovered that they lied about their education or work history.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:42
I once had a colleague who messed up a customer project very badly, in ways only someone lacking the basic knowledge his resume said he had could. Customer threatened to sue for misrepresenting the guy, my employer ordered a thorough background check of his resume and found the entire thing was a solid pack of lies (normally here your resume is taken on good faith, most often that's no problem). He got fired on the spot, and got some serious claims for damages against him.
– jwenting
Mar 25 at 8:19
I had an employer do a background check on me after I had worked there for a few years. They had simply increased the requirements for employment, so they could win more government contracts or something. They applied it to new hires first but eventually got around to checking pre-existing employees like myself.
– stannius
Mar 25 at 20:27
add a comment |
One example could be for a government clearance. Most people aren't given a background check for that before they are hired. Another example is that many companies don't do an in-depth background check upon hiring but if something comes to light afterward they will initiate a more thorough check. You see this in the news at least once or twice a year where a high level person comes under scrutiny for some reason and it is discovered that they lied about their education or work history.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:42
I once had a colleague who messed up a customer project very badly, in ways only someone lacking the basic knowledge his resume said he had could. Customer threatened to sue for misrepresenting the guy, my employer ordered a thorough background check of his resume and found the entire thing was a solid pack of lies (normally here your resume is taken on good faith, most often that's no problem). He got fired on the spot, and got some serious claims for damages against him.
– jwenting
Mar 25 at 8:19
I had an employer do a background check on me after I had worked there for a few years. They had simply increased the requirements for employment, so they could win more government contracts or something. They applied it to new hires first but eventually got around to checking pre-existing employees like myself.
– stannius
Mar 25 at 20:27
One example could be for a government clearance. Most people aren't given a background check for that before they are hired. Another example is that many companies don't do an in-depth background check upon hiring but if something comes to light afterward they will initiate a more thorough check. You see this in the news at least once or twice a year where a high level person comes under scrutiny for some reason and it is discovered that they lied about their education or work history.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:42
One example could be for a government clearance. Most people aren't given a background check for that before they are hired. Another example is that many companies don't do an in-depth background check upon hiring but if something comes to light afterward they will initiate a more thorough check. You see this in the news at least once or twice a year where a high level person comes under scrutiny for some reason and it is discovered that they lied about their education or work history.
– CramerTV
Mar 22 at 16:42
I once had a colleague who messed up a customer project very badly, in ways only someone lacking the basic knowledge his resume said he had could. Customer threatened to sue for misrepresenting the guy, my employer ordered a thorough background check of his resume and found the entire thing was a solid pack of lies (normally here your resume is taken on good faith, most often that's no problem). He got fired on the spot, and got some serious claims for damages against him.
– jwenting
Mar 25 at 8:19
I once had a colleague who messed up a customer project very badly, in ways only someone lacking the basic knowledge his resume said he had could. Customer threatened to sue for misrepresenting the guy, my employer ordered a thorough background check of his resume and found the entire thing was a solid pack of lies (normally here your resume is taken on good faith, most often that's no problem). He got fired on the spot, and got some serious claims for damages against him.
– jwenting
Mar 25 at 8:19
I had an employer do a background check on me after I had worked there for a few years. They had simply increased the requirements for employment, so they could win more government contracts or something. They applied it to new hires first but eventually got around to checking pre-existing employees like myself.
– stannius
Mar 25 at 20:27
I had an employer do a background check on me after I had worked there for a few years. They had simply increased the requirements for employment, so they could win more government contracts or something. They applied it to new hires first but eventually got around to checking pre-existing employees like myself.
– stannius
Mar 25 at 20:27
add a comment |
My gut says act shocked too, but that's a horrible idea.
What the company is looking for is a reason that you do in fact have a higher education even though their background check shows that you don't. Something along the lines of, "I missed on class" or something.
Don't lie this time, though it's interesting that they're still talking to you at this point.
I think "professional" is the word for "still talking to you at this point". They basically write: you seem to have lied. But They wrote it in a more professional way. Including the (unlike) probability that their background check failed somehow.
– Mayou36
Mar 23 at 3:06
1
They're far more likely to be looking for a reason why the university might not have the graduation on record, such as an administrative error. Unless you can provide that, you're toast.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:41
add a comment |
My gut says act shocked too, but that's a horrible idea.
What the company is looking for is a reason that you do in fact have a higher education even though their background check shows that you don't. Something along the lines of, "I missed on class" or something.
Don't lie this time, though it's interesting that they're still talking to you at this point.
I think "professional" is the word for "still talking to you at this point". They basically write: you seem to have lied. But They wrote it in a more professional way. Including the (unlike) probability that their background check failed somehow.
– Mayou36
Mar 23 at 3:06
1
They're far more likely to be looking for a reason why the university might not have the graduation on record, such as an administrative error. Unless you can provide that, you're toast.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:41
add a comment |
My gut says act shocked too, but that's a horrible idea.
What the company is looking for is a reason that you do in fact have a higher education even though their background check shows that you don't. Something along the lines of, "I missed on class" or something.
Don't lie this time, though it's interesting that they're still talking to you at this point.
My gut says act shocked too, but that's a horrible idea.
What the company is looking for is a reason that you do in fact have a higher education even though their background check shows that you don't. Something along the lines of, "I missed on class" or something.
Don't lie this time, though it's interesting that they're still talking to you at this point.
answered Mar 22 at 14:14
SteveSteve
3,100620
3,100620
I think "professional" is the word for "still talking to you at this point". They basically write: you seem to have lied. But They wrote it in a more professional way. Including the (unlike) probability that their background check failed somehow.
– Mayou36
Mar 23 at 3:06
1
They're far more likely to be looking for a reason why the university might not have the graduation on record, such as an administrative error. Unless you can provide that, you're toast.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:41
add a comment |
I think "professional" is the word for "still talking to you at this point". They basically write: you seem to have lied. But They wrote it in a more professional way. Including the (unlike) probability that their background check failed somehow.
– Mayou36
Mar 23 at 3:06
1
They're far more likely to be looking for a reason why the university might not have the graduation on record, such as an administrative error. Unless you can provide that, you're toast.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:41
I think "professional" is the word for "still talking to you at this point". They basically write: you seem to have lied. But They wrote it in a more professional way. Including the (unlike) probability that their background check failed somehow.
– Mayou36
Mar 23 at 3:06
I think "professional" is the word for "still talking to you at this point". They basically write: you seem to have lied. But They wrote it in a more professional way. Including the (unlike) probability that their background check failed somehow.
– Mayou36
Mar 23 at 3:06
1
1
They're far more likely to be looking for a reason why the university might not have the graduation on record, such as an administrative error. Unless you can provide that, you're toast.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:41
They're far more likely to be looking for a reason why the university might not have the graduation on record, such as an administrative error. Unless you can provide that, you're toast.
– Matthew Barber
Mar 25 at 0:41
add a comment |
Do you want this job?
Than you need to research every power of persuasion out there.
1. Do not admit to a lie.
2. Take a moral high ground.
"From past experience, companies discriminant against those without a
degree. Either through automated filtering of resumes, or direct
hiring biases. It is unfortunate, but this was required in order to cut through
discrimination to showcase my skills that I can bring to your company,
sans degree...."
Someone with better persuasion and manipulation can likely come up with a phrasing far more powerful that what is presented above. Many will dislike this comment. But apologizing, or whatever is stated above, will not get you the job. good luck!
31
Um... what? How can somebody who was caught in a lie "take the moral high ground"? Did you mean "attempt to steal the moral high ground"?
– T.J.L.
Mar 22 at 15:23
11
That means in addition to lying implicitly accuse the company recruiters of some sort of unfair discrimination. Yes, I'd definitely would want someone in my company that tries to twist the truth by making up accusations and that uses illegal routes to achieve what she/he thinks is right, I wouldn't see any lawsuits coming up in the future from or due to that employee. Btw. the example actually does admit to a lie, just doesn't call it by name or apologize for it.
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 22 at 15:57
5
I understand the visceral response that makes people want to downvote this as it comes across as 'when confronted with the lie, go on the offensive' but if the candidate/employee actually has such experience, this would be an honest explanation for why they did it, and probably their best chance. The company/recruiter would not necessarily need to be corrupt or incompetent to accept it as an explanation, frustration/desperation can lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They would however be foolish to accept it without further investigation to verify it is an anomaly.
– Mr.Mindor
Mar 22 at 16:49
11
This is terrible advice. There's a reason why job boards and applications usually have the option of attaching a cover letter or portfolio. This is is to help showcase and let the recruiters know what you've done/can do even if you have no formal/accredited degree or professional experience.
– my_mistakes
Mar 22 at 17:49
10
@paulj - A good indication that you might need to rethink your approach: you're trying to explain that the right answer is psychologically manipulative persuasiveness... yet you're not able to persuade people that your method is a good idea.
– Kevin
Mar 22 at 18:20
|
show 4 more comments
Do you want this job?
Than you need to research every power of persuasion out there.
1. Do not admit to a lie.
2. Take a moral high ground.
"From past experience, companies discriminant against those without a
degree. Either through automated filtering of resumes, or direct
hiring biases. It is unfortunate, but this was required in order to cut through
discrimination to showcase my skills that I can bring to your company,
sans degree...."
Someone with better persuasion and manipulation can likely come up with a phrasing far more powerful that what is presented above. Many will dislike this comment. But apologizing, or whatever is stated above, will not get you the job. good luck!
31
Um... what? How can somebody who was caught in a lie "take the moral high ground"? Did you mean "attempt to steal the moral high ground"?
– T.J.L.
Mar 22 at 15:23
11
That means in addition to lying implicitly accuse the company recruiters of some sort of unfair discrimination. Yes, I'd definitely would want someone in my company that tries to twist the truth by making up accusations and that uses illegal routes to achieve what she/he thinks is right, I wouldn't see any lawsuits coming up in the future from or due to that employee. Btw. the example actually does admit to a lie, just doesn't call it by name or apologize for it.
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 22 at 15:57
5
I understand the visceral response that makes people want to downvote this as it comes across as 'when confronted with the lie, go on the offensive' but if the candidate/employee actually has such experience, this would be an honest explanation for why they did it, and probably their best chance. The company/recruiter would not necessarily need to be corrupt or incompetent to accept it as an explanation, frustration/desperation can lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They would however be foolish to accept it without further investigation to verify it is an anomaly.
– Mr.Mindor
Mar 22 at 16:49
11
This is terrible advice. There's a reason why job boards and applications usually have the option of attaching a cover letter or portfolio. This is is to help showcase and let the recruiters know what you've done/can do even if you have no formal/accredited degree or professional experience.
– my_mistakes
Mar 22 at 17:49
10
@paulj - A good indication that you might need to rethink your approach: you're trying to explain that the right answer is psychologically manipulative persuasiveness... yet you're not able to persuade people that your method is a good idea.
– Kevin
Mar 22 at 18:20
|
show 4 more comments
Do you want this job?
Than you need to research every power of persuasion out there.
1. Do not admit to a lie.
2. Take a moral high ground.
"From past experience, companies discriminant against those without a
degree. Either through automated filtering of resumes, or direct
hiring biases. It is unfortunate, but this was required in order to cut through
discrimination to showcase my skills that I can bring to your company,
sans degree...."
Someone with better persuasion and manipulation can likely come up with a phrasing far more powerful that what is presented above. Many will dislike this comment. But apologizing, or whatever is stated above, will not get you the job. good luck!
Do you want this job?
Than you need to research every power of persuasion out there.
1. Do not admit to a lie.
2. Take a moral high ground.
"From past experience, companies discriminant against those without a
degree. Either through automated filtering of resumes, or direct
hiring biases. It is unfortunate, but this was required in order to cut through
discrimination to showcase my skills that I can bring to your company,
sans degree...."
Someone with better persuasion and manipulation can likely come up with a phrasing far more powerful that what is presented above. Many will dislike this comment. But apologizing, or whatever is stated above, will not get you the job. good luck!
answered Mar 22 at 15:15
pauljpaulj
71418
71418
31
Um... what? How can somebody who was caught in a lie "take the moral high ground"? Did you mean "attempt to steal the moral high ground"?
– T.J.L.
Mar 22 at 15:23
11
That means in addition to lying implicitly accuse the company recruiters of some sort of unfair discrimination. Yes, I'd definitely would want someone in my company that tries to twist the truth by making up accusations and that uses illegal routes to achieve what she/he thinks is right, I wouldn't see any lawsuits coming up in the future from or due to that employee. Btw. the example actually does admit to a lie, just doesn't call it by name or apologize for it.
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 22 at 15:57
5
I understand the visceral response that makes people want to downvote this as it comes across as 'when confronted with the lie, go on the offensive' but if the candidate/employee actually has such experience, this would be an honest explanation for why they did it, and probably their best chance. The company/recruiter would not necessarily need to be corrupt or incompetent to accept it as an explanation, frustration/desperation can lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They would however be foolish to accept it without further investigation to verify it is an anomaly.
– Mr.Mindor
Mar 22 at 16:49
11
This is terrible advice. There's a reason why job boards and applications usually have the option of attaching a cover letter or portfolio. This is is to help showcase and let the recruiters know what you've done/can do even if you have no formal/accredited degree or professional experience.
– my_mistakes
Mar 22 at 17:49
10
@paulj - A good indication that you might need to rethink your approach: you're trying to explain that the right answer is psychologically manipulative persuasiveness... yet you're not able to persuade people that your method is a good idea.
– Kevin
Mar 22 at 18:20
|
show 4 more comments
31
Um... what? How can somebody who was caught in a lie "take the moral high ground"? Did you mean "attempt to steal the moral high ground"?
– T.J.L.
Mar 22 at 15:23
11
That means in addition to lying implicitly accuse the company recruiters of some sort of unfair discrimination. Yes, I'd definitely would want someone in my company that tries to twist the truth by making up accusations and that uses illegal routes to achieve what she/he thinks is right, I wouldn't see any lawsuits coming up in the future from or due to that employee. Btw. the example actually does admit to a lie, just doesn't call it by name or apologize for it.
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 22 at 15:57
5
I understand the visceral response that makes people want to downvote this as it comes across as 'when confronted with the lie, go on the offensive' but if the candidate/employee actually has such experience, this would be an honest explanation for why they did it, and probably their best chance. The company/recruiter would not necessarily need to be corrupt or incompetent to accept it as an explanation, frustration/desperation can lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They would however be foolish to accept it without further investigation to verify it is an anomaly.
– Mr.Mindor
Mar 22 at 16:49
11
This is terrible advice. There's a reason why job boards and applications usually have the option of attaching a cover letter or portfolio. This is is to help showcase and let the recruiters know what you've done/can do even if you have no formal/accredited degree or professional experience.
– my_mistakes
Mar 22 at 17:49
10
@paulj - A good indication that you might need to rethink your approach: you're trying to explain that the right answer is psychologically manipulative persuasiveness... yet you're not able to persuade people that your method is a good idea.
– Kevin
Mar 22 at 18:20
31
31
Um... what? How can somebody who was caught in a lie "take the moral high ground"? Did you mean "attempt to steal the moral high ground"?
– T.J.L.
Mar 22 at 15:23
Um... what? How can somebody who was caught in a lie "take the moral high ground"? Did you mean "attempt to steal the moral high ground"?
– T.J.L.
Mar 22 at 15:23
11
11
That means in addition to lying implicitly accuse the company recruiters of some sort of unfair discrimination. Yes, I'd definitely would want someone in my company that tries to twist the truth by making up accusations and that uses illegal routes to achieve what she/he thinks is right, I wouldn't see any lawsuits coming up in the future from or due to that employee. Btw. the example actually does admit to a lie, just doesn't call it by name or apologize for it.
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 22 at 15:57
That means in addition to lying implicitly accuse the company recruiters of some sort of unfair discrimination. Yes, I'd definitely would want someone in my company that tries to twist the truth by making up accusations and that uses illegal routes to achieve what she/he thinks is right, I wouldn't see any lawsuits coming up in the future from or due to that employee. Btw. the example actually does admit to a lie, just doesn't call it by name or apologize for it.
– Frank Hopkins
Mar 22 at 15:57
5
5
I understand the visceral response that makes people want to downvote this as it comes across as 'when confronted with the lie, go on the offensive' but if the candidate/employee actually has such experience, this would be an honest explanation for why they did it, and probably their best chance. The company/recruiter would not necessarily need to be corrupt or incompetent to accept it as an explanation, frustration/desperation can lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They would however be foolish to accept it without further investigation to verify it is an anomaly.
– Mr.Mindor
Mar 22 at 16:49
I understand the visceral response that makes people want to downvote this as it comes across as 'when confronted with the lie, go on the offensive' but if the candidate/employee actually has such experience, this would be an honest explanation for why they did it, and probably their best chance. The company/recruiter would not necessarily need to be corrupt or incompetent to accept it as an explanation, frustration/desperation can lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise do. They would however be foolish to accept it without further investigation to verify it is an anomaly.
– Mr.Mindor
Mar 22 at 16:49
11
11
This is terrible advice. There's a reason why job boards and applications usually have the option of attaching a cover letter or portfolio. This is is to help showcase and let the recruiters know what you've done/can do even if you have no formal/accredited degree or professional experience.
– my_mistakes
Mar 22 at 17:49
This is terrible advice. There's a reason why job boards and applications usually have the option of attaching a cover letter or portfolio. This is is to help showcase and let the recruiters know what you've done/can do even if you have no formal/accredited degree or professional experience.
– my_mistakes
Mar 22 at 17:49
10
10
@paulj - A good indication that you might need to rethink your approach: you're trying to explain that the right answer is psychologically manipulative persuasiveness... yet you're not able to persuade people that your method is a good idea.
– Kevin
Mar 22 at 18:20
@paulj - A good indication that you might need to rethink your approach: you're trying to explain that the right answer is psychologically manipulative persuasiveness... yet you're not able to persuade people that your method is a good idea.
– Kevin
Mar 22 at 18:20
|
show 4 more comments
protected by mcknz Mar 24 at 18:27
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
27
Can you please clarify whether this is a job you already have, or a job that you are in the process of applying for?
– Nate Eldredge
Mar 22 at 16:47
19
Two questions: you say "your employer" but this is the sort of thing that happens before they employ you; can you clarify the scenario you're describing? What exactly are they "moving forward" on? Second, you say that you "lied about your education"; can you say a little bit about why you lied? A lie is a deliberate attempt to mislead; why did you make this attempt? That will help us advise you about good next steps.
– Eric Lippert
Mar 22 at 18:50
9
@EricLippert That's usually true, but sometimes background checks may be conducted after someone is already employed. For example, I've known of cases with friends where they had background checks going on months after they started working at a job that required a security clearance, just due to the backlog of background checks that needed to be conducted. They just had to work on unclassified stuff until the security clearance was completed.
– reirab
Mar 22 at 19:10
4
@Pharap It would be a much better question if it made the stage of employment clear (before starting, just started, worked there for 10 years).
– Patricia Shanahan
Mar 22 at 19:36
3
Possible duplicate of Will job offer be rescinded after education check due to unfinished degree?
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 23 at 21:33