Do You Really Want To Roll These Dice?

You got the offer!! Wow! Congratulations! I want you to imagine having this conversation with a friend:

You: “Congratulations on your job offer!”

Friend: “Well, thanks! I can’t believe it, I got the job.”

You: “What do you mean, you can’t believe it?”

Friend: “Well, I lied on the application. I didn’t want them to call my last employer, so I told them I was still employed and I didn’t allow them to contact my last employer.”

You: “It must be bitter sweet to celebrate your accomplishment and yet you know in the depth of your being that you lied to get it.”

_______________________

You may not be so bold to say the last sentence to your friend, but it must be bitter sweet to attempt to celebrate a great opportunity and yet in the pit of your stomach, there is that uneasy feeling because you were dishonest. You got the job – Congratulations! But my first question is what were you thinking? Do you really want to roll the dice and hope they don’t find out? If it was difficult to get the job because of the economy and the competition – what if they find out you lied on your resume or application? Now what?

• You lose! It is that simple.
• You lose a brand new job!
• You lose your credibility!
• You lose self-respect!
• You lose! And now you have to attempt to get another job. How do you do it with the lie now hanging over your head?

My next question, is it worth it – the lie?

I know some of you may be wondering why I am writing this post. Well let me help you, I am writing this post to those of you who are struggling in your job search and you are considering compromising your integrity and lying to get that job. I am also writing to those of you who send me notes and ask me about how to get around the truth when it comes to getting your foot in the door, getting that next interview or job offer. It is very difficult out there. I know it. But, it is not impossible to get a job. Whether you have been laid off or fired, you can and will get a job – eventually. And I know that is the issue, the eventually. But lying is not the way to do it.

If you are unemployed, say so on the application.

If you don’t have a necessary skill or ability, don’t pad your resume or cover letter and say you do. I am telling you they will find out and you lose. If there is a serious situation that has happened or landed you in the unemployment line, talk to someone who can help you articulate what happened. Practice what you want to say about the situation so that when you are sitting in front of the hiring manager you are clear about how you want to address the situation. Don’t give all of the gory details. Practice how to segue from the bad situation to what you will bring to their organization. Always share lessons learned from your past and move forward into how you will benefit their organization.

Don’t roll the dice! Don’t take the risk! Integrity is more important. I know it doesn’t pay the bills, but it will ensure that when you do get that job offer it is yours and you don’t have to wonder if they might one day find out!

Image Credit: sxc_hu.com

Tags: Interview Chatter, Bitter Sweet Job Offer, Don’t Roll The Dice, Padding Your Resume, Job Offer, Lie, Don’t lie, Don’t take the risk

Powered by Qumana