Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Angela, a 34-year-old financial analyst from Sydney, Australia. Angela's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of lying on a resume and the far-reaching consequences that can follow. She has kindly agreed to share her experience with us in the hope that others can learn from her mistakes.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Angela. Can you tell us about your experience?
Angela: Of course. I had just finished a contract position and was looking for my next opportunity. I came across a job posting that was perfect for me, but I didn't quite meet all the qualifications. I thought I could stretch the truth a bit and make myself sound more experienced than I actually was.
Interviewer: And what happened after you got the job?
Angela: Well, it started off great. I was excited to be in a new role and eager to prove myself. But as time went on, I started to struggle with some of the tasks that I had claimed to be proficient in. My colleagues and boss started to notice that I wasn't as skilled as I had made myself out to be. Eventually, I was called into a meeting with HR and confronted about my lies.
Interviewer: How did you feel in that moment?
Angela: I was devastated. I knew I had messed up big time. I felt embarrassed and ashamed. I had let down my colleagues and myself.
Interviewer: And what were the consequences?
Angela: I was fired on the spot. It was a huge blow to my self-esteem and my career. I had to start from scratch and work my way back up. It took me years to regain the trust of my family and employers.
Interviewer: Why did you think you could lie on your resume?
Angela: To be honest, I was desperate. I had been unemployed for months and had bills to pay. I knew I had the skills to do the job, but I didn't have the qualifications. I thought I could get away with it and hoped I would be able to prove myself once I started working.
Interviewer: Did you think it through before lying on your resume?
Angela: Looking back now, I realise it was a stupid decision. I was so focused on getting the job that I didn't think about the consequences of getting caught. It was a short-sighted and impulsive move on my part.
Interviewer: Why did you lie about your qualifications?
Angela: My previous job had required a degree, but I didn't have one at the time. I had intended to finish my degree, but never got around to it. I lied onmy resume and LinkedIn about my qualications to make myself look more qualified than I actually was.
Interviewer: So, can you tell me a little bit about how you got caught?
Angela: Yes, well, I had lied about my previous work experience, and I thought I could get away with it. But it turned out that one of my colleagues from my previous job worked at the new company, and they found out about my lies.
Interviewer: What kind of fallout at work happened once they found out?
Angela: They terminated my employment immediately. I was also blacklisted by the company, which made it difficult for me to find a job in the same industry. I learned my lesson the hard way and have been completely honest on all of my job applications since then.
Interviewer: That must have been a difficult situation to deal with. How did you handle it?
Angela: I was very embarrassed and ashamed. I knew I had made a mistake, and I wanted to take responsibility for it. I spoke with my boss and apologised for my dishonesty.
Interviewer: That's good to hear. So, what have you learned from this experience?
Angela: I've learned that honesty really is the best policy. It's not worth it to lie or exaggerate on your resume, because it will eventually catch up with you. I also learned that mistakes happen, and it's important to take responsibility for them and learn from them.
Interviewer: That's a great attitude to have. So, what advice would you give to others who may be tempted to lie on their resumes?
Angela: I would tell them that it's not worth it. Be honest about your skills and experience, and focus on what you can bring to the table. And if you do make a mistake, own up to it and take responsibility. It's the right thing to do, and it will help you grow and learn in the long run.
Don't do it. It's not worth it. Your lies will eventually catch up with you, and the consequences can be severe. It's better to be honest about your qualifications and work hard to gain the skills and experience you need.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Angela.
Angela: Thank you, for having me. It's been a pleasure andalso embarrassing to share my experience.
* Names and photos have been changed to protect the interviewee's anonymity where requested.