Lying on a job application?
May 4, 2009 4:03 PM Subscribe
Wrong to lie on a job application?
Hi, folks -- Brzht is back! And she got the job!
That will displease some MFs who say it's morally wrong to lie about one's past on a job application.
Even when $25k a year is at stake? Is it more wrong in a recession? How about a depression? How about if the kids are starving? How about if they're not really starving, but just a little hungry? Or just ornery and want the latest action toy?
Specifically, is it wrong to claim a college degree when you're more competent (for the job at hand) than 99.9999 percent of those who happen to have "earned" one?
You know what Brzht thinks!
Hi, folks -- Brzht is back! And she got the job!
That will displease some MFs who say it's morally wrong to lie about one's past on a job application.
Even when $25k a year is at stake? Is it more wrong in a recession? How about a depression? How about if the kids are starving? How about if they're not really starving, but just a little hungry? Or just ornery and want the latest action toy?
Specifically, is it wrong to claim a college degree when you're more competent (for the job at hand) than 99.9999 percent of those who happen to have "earned" one?
You know what Brzht thinks!
This post was deleted for the following reason: chatfilter and a bad set up. Congrats on the job but this is not really a question. -- jessamyn
Chatfilter? Anyway, if you're qualified, say so. And yes, lying is wrong.
posted by GuyZero at 4:06 PM on May 4, 2009
posted by GuyZero at 4:06 PM on May 4, 2009
It is completely wrong on all levels. Also consider that many companies will fire you if they discover that you have lied on your resume, even after you've been hired. If you want to show how qualified and competent you are, play up your skills/experience on your resume and cover letter instead of lying about a degree.
posted by macska at 4:07 PM on May 4, 2009
posted by macska at 4:07 PM on May 4, 2009
It's wrong, don't think that companies won't put you through a background check though.
posted by wongcorgi at 4:08 PM on May 4, 2009
posted by wongcorgi at 4:08 PM on May 4, 2009
The sort of person who thinks it's OK to lie on a job application is also the sort of person who thinks it's OK to post a question on AskMetafilter for the purpose of starting a debate rather than actually getting an answer to the question. QED.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 4:08 PM on May 4, 2009
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 4:08 PM on May 4, 2009
Is it in IT? It's always the other 99.9999% that's incompetent.
posted by biffa at 4:10 PM on May 4, 2009
posted by biffa at 4:10 PM on May 4, 2009
Yes, you should definitely claim to have degrees which you didn't earn. That's absolutely the right thing for you to do. Because you're awesome, and therefore deserve the job more than those who are qualified for it.
posted by ook at 4:10 PM on May 4, 2009
posted by ook at 4:10 PM on May 4, 2009
Specifically, is it wrong to claim a college degree when you're more competent (for the job at hand) than 99.9999 percent of those who happen to have "earned" one?
It's not only wrong, it may bite you on the ass and I hope it does. Most people internalize the value of honesty by their teens. There's something really wrong with your glib approach.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 4:10 PM on May 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
It's not only wrong, it may bite you on the ass and I hope it does. Most people internalize the value of honesty by their teens. There's something really wrong with your glib approach.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 4:10 PM on May 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by devbrain at 4:05 PM on May 4, 2009