What Are The Consequences Of Lying On A Resume?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you’re caught lying before you’re hired, you won’t get a job offer. If the organization discovers you lied after you’ve been put on the payroll, you can be fired. Lying on your resume can also impact your future employment . It can be harder to get hired when you have a termination for cause in your work history.

What should the consequences be for resume falsification?

Lying on Your Resume: Legal Consequences

For starters, you will likely be fired . Even if you never checked a box attesting that your application was entirely true, most states have employment-at-will laws on the books. ... Theoretically, you could be charged with fraud or other crimes, depending on your lies.

Can I go to jail for lying on my resume?

Lying on your resume can land you in jail , get you fired, or leave you without legal recourse against an employer. Next time you’re tempted to add a bit of “harmless” resume padding, ask yourself if it’s really worth it.

Why lying on a resume is bad?

You could get fired later on.

Even after you’ve been hired, lying on a job application is grounds for termination at any point in the future —even years later. Being fired can be a big X on your resume, and depending on how long you worked for the company, you probably won’t be able to use them as a reference.

Is lying on a resume ethical?

Lying about one’s past experiences eliminates the level playing field that should exist when two employees are competing for one open spot. It’s not fair to other employees who are honest on their resumes about experiences to have to compete on a non-level field.

Is lying about work experience illegal?

Because resumes are not official, legal documents, it is not technically illegal to lie on a resume . ... Generally speaking, employees who have lied on their resumes have no legal recourse against their former employers.

Can I fake a reference?

Are fake references illegal? Fake references are illegal – if you’re caught. Directly lying is incredibly unethical, and if caught, you could be fired or face legal trouble. Companies rarely sue for lying, but the people you named on your reference list have every right to.

Can I lie about dates on my resume?

As such, your reputation and integrity can become tarnished. Consider these points: Fudging dates is lying : No employer wants to hire a dishonest employee. ... Finally, employers can fire you months after employment if they deem that fudging the dates on your resume was an inexcusable offense.

Can you go to jail for lying on job application?

Lying on your resume to get a job is never a good idea. In fact obtaining employment through fraud can actually land you in jail . In this case, she secured a high-ranking government job with false credentials, a false LinkedIn profile and even posed as her own reference. ...

Can you lie about certifications?

Claiming a false certification might qualify as fraud

But that doesn’t mean that they are harmless or acceptable in the eyes of the law. Resume fraud is a very real problem, and while laws on the subject vary from state to state, the bottom line is that you could end up in big trouble if you lie on your CV.

Do jobs actually check your degree?

Employers can confirm a candidate’s diplomas and degrees no matter when they received them . ... An employer will request this information if it is relevant to the position they are hiring for (such as a higher education teacher). Usually, an education background check does not verify licenses.

What happens if you lie about your criminal record?

If you disclose your conviction, it is important to be as honest as you can be. A failure to do so is likely to lead to dismissal in the event that any lie is discovered and could also, potentially, lead to civil litigation (for breach of contract) and even further criminal charges.

Is it ethical to stretch the truth on your resume to get a job you are qualified for?

Bending the truth in your resume can be a double- edged sword. It may help you get the job you apply for, while getting caught bending the truth can come back to bite you years later. Depending on the truth you bend, you might cause legal issues for yourself, especially if you are bidding for a project as a contractor.

Should I lie about being fired?

Telling the truth on a job application or in an interview — even if painful — can actually endear you to a prospective employer, particularly if you explain the circumstances that led to the termination. Don’t volunteer the fact that you were fired unless specifically asked — but don’t lie about it if you are.

Can I lie about my education on a resume?

Lying on your resume about your education level in order to obtain a position or advance in your career is NOT okay and chances are, it will catch up to you . ... So, to anyone who is looking for a new career now or may do so in the future; remember to be honest about your education and experience.

Can I sue my employer for lying?

Yes, you can sue your employer for false promises . Misleading statements can land an employer in court for negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, or other legal issues.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.