Feeling Trapped by Fake Experience: How Can I Move Forward Without Risking My Career?

Hi, I joined a BPO in Pune as a Sr. Technical Support Agent in 2007 with fake experience from a friend's cybercafé, as suggested by a consultant who provided the lead to this job (2004 to 2006). Initially, I never aimed to be part of this sector in IT, but later, with experience, I found it very interesting and competitive.

Average in academics but passionate about results and competition, I continued to grow up the levels in the same organization and now manage a team of over 100 people as a Production Assurance Manager.

Yes, I found a job with this fake experience but also gifted myself a continuous nerve-wracking disease of being anxious all the time, worrying about BV failures in the same organization (random checks). I hate this feeling!

With the anxiety of not having a job at all due to potential BV issues, I declined offers from two IT majors in the last two years, considering that BV would not go through. I considered that the right decision with BV limitations.

Last year, I got to know that the cybercafé was shut down (2013). Although the owner is aware of the complexities of BV, he has agreed to help.

In the current situation, the maturity of the IT sector is such that if I don't twist the particulars, I won't sustain. But the guilt is insane. I am married with a kid and seriously had no clue that this move could prove to be so detrimental.

I want to get rid of this fake experience from my profile. My understanding is that it's too late and nothing can be done as most organizations are moving to redundant NSR BV and my previous will be verified anyway.

I know it's a "check" situation for now, and maybe someday it might eventually result in "check-mate" (hoping never).

What should I do differently to get rid of this situation? Should I keep my fingers crossed - My current state?

Would removing this from my resume help or create more troubles? Will having it be okay as long as the BV is managed by the café owner?

I am absolutely in a bizarre state and need some advice.

Thanks.

When I was hired in the current organization (7 years plus here), I was not hired at an L1 level but L2 because of the fake experience. They only hired L2s at that time.

Now, the IT majors insist on NSR. There are questions on what designation I joined. And here lies the catch! If I mention L1, it will be a no-no from my current organization whenever the BV is conducted because I joined at L2; if I mention L2, it will automatically involve previous experience in the picture, which is fake, and I want to get rid of.

Dealing with Guilt from Past Decisions

Now that your job is somewhat stable, only now are you feeling guilty! Perhaps you experienced anxiety pangs and the fear of getting caught, yet remained remorseless. Just imagine a situation in your present role where you come across some new joiners who are going to be sacked due to fake profiles or credentials. What will your response and reaction be like? You have now become a victim of your own fear... It is very difficult to get rid of it... You cannot erase it, unfortunately, from your mind and heart... Learn to live with the guilty feeling... that is the only solution!

I know many people tend to pad their resumes initially and later find themselves in your situation. Perhaps you may consider joining a startup or creating one on your own to become your own boss, or at least become a partner depending on your financial situation. Hope this helps.

Verification of New Joinee's Background

First of all, if you have to verify the background of your new joinee with their ex-employer, it proves the genuineness of their previous employment. This verification covers their education, experience, and criminal background. The ex-employer certainly wouldn't have engaged them for, say, one year or more otherwise. As far as remuneration is concerned, what if they were paid more than what you are offering?

All this verification process, such as writing to universities, speaking to neighbors, or getting their bank statement by posing as a loan agent, is quite intrusive and underhanded. Unless it is for crucial positions involving perhaps national security :-) In a private sector firm, you need a performer, and that's the bottom line; why take on the detective role? Talent, as it is, is scarce.

Regards