Facing a Dilemma: Should I Confess My Resume Lies Before Background Check Reveals Them?

Confession of Lies to a Software Company in Bangalore

I told two lies to a software company in Bangalore:

• I continued to work for six working days in my previous organization (during odd times) even after joining this company but lied that my last day was already over.

• In my resume and also while declaring my previous employments, I had combined my first three jobs into one (I have had five jobs before joining this one) and also showed a higher designation at this combined job (to suit the now longer tenure), since many companies rejected me for being a job hopper.

Now they are asking for documents supporting my claim, for submission to an external background verification agency. Even if I forge the documents to change the last working dates and designation, the background verification will find it out.

It seems like my best bet is to confess my lies to the HR department and produce the actual documents and hope they forgive me. But I'm worried my higher-ups will always remember this, and it may affect my career growth in the company. The only other alternative is for me to resign. Any thoughts?

First of all, you have made such a mistake that no one can tolerate, and you will be punished for it. Everyone wants to excel in their career in terms of money and designation, but not in this manner. We can understand that when freshers are unable to secure a job, they may resort to adding false experience to their resume and looking for experienced job roles.

I understand how disheartening it is to not have employment after completing a professional course from a reputable university. It's easy to forget to visit the HR department and be honest about your situation because they may doubt your sincerity if you do. Therefore, it is better to remain calm, focus on your work, provide accurate information as per your employment data shared during the interview, and begin the search for a good job with truthful details.

Remember, honesty is the key to success.

The Issue with Faking Experience

It's frustrating that if someone fakes their experience, they often get the job. Why does HR trust an experience letter more than the person? This encourages more people to fake experience, as there are cases where two freshers of the same caliber attend interviews at the same company with the same HR, but the one who fakes experience is selected. This practice will only stop when HR focuses on the employee and not just on their certificates.

Advice for Those Considering Faking Experience

Now, addressing your problem, there is a solution. My advice to those who fake experience is this: if you choose to fake, do it thoroughly, but don't let it become a habit. It's not good to be 100% truthful like Harishchandra.

Since when have you been working in your present company?

Regards

I did not exactly fake experience; I modified details. I told the HR lady, and she was angry. Now I'm waiting for the axe to fall. I'm unable to concentrate at work.

Now I realize I could have provided the correct details in the background verification form. Since I had already lied on the resume and during interviews, I kept it consistent there. I was afraid they might cross-check with the technical panel that interviewed me. Now I feel that was a bit far-fetched imagination, as these verifications are purely handled by HR.

I feel guilty for not being clever enough.

By telling the truth, you have done your part. Now, it's up to management to make a decision. I wish you the best of luck. Please be prepared and search for a new job, but this time with honesty.

If it had been my company, I would consider giving you a second chance.

After I emailed the HR lady the correct details of my employment history, she did not even bother to ask for the supporting documents anymore to send to the external verification agency. They did not even call me into a room and demand why I had lied. Pregnant silence indeed. Clearly, she must have discussed with her boss to fire me without bothering to use the external agency anymore.