Is it okay to lie to a potential employer about how long you'll be sticking around? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

pmonkey · 06-07-2003, 05:20 PM

I'm home for the summer from college and am in bad need a job. I found one that pays great but in the first interview they flat out asked me if I was only here for the summer. I kind of played it off and didn't outright answer the question. I have a second interview now and I'm sure it's going to come up again and I doubt I can get out of answering it a second time.

I feel bad lying to someone who is offering me a job with good pay, but on the other hand the money is amazing and I really need it. If I get asked "Are you going back to school?" should I say no or should I be honest and look for a lower paying job that might not care as much about my future commitments.

-pm

johnyto · 06-07-2003, 05:25 PM

I learned something back when i was with no job, never lie to yourself as you'll be lied to. DO NOT hesitate the truth to be told. Tell them straight out that you'll only be here for the summer, but you desperately need a job and that you'll be more than happy to take on any job which they might put you in. Remember one thing leads to another. Listen to this advice as it greatly helped me along with my business management class cleared the meaning of this situation not long ago.

Good Luck.

fhqwhgads · 06-07-2003, 05:58 PM

This isn't the type of lie that will never be discovered. It will be obvious at the end of the summer when you leave what your intentions were. How's it going to look down the road if you want to work for this company again, or use them as a job reference?
I'd tell them the truth if I were you.

JStrider · 06-07-2003, 06:35 PM

tell em the truth... but say you would be happy to work during xmas break... and next summer... and beyond...

grumpyolddude · 06-07-2003, 06:58 PM

I hire summer help. In fact, I've sought out students who are intent on returning to school. I welcome them back during Christmas, spring break, whenever. We feel it an honor to help bring young people along the way! Tell the truth!

(or I'll get even grumpier!)

gibber71 · 06-07-2003, 07:44 PM

Yup,tell the truth but don't get hung up on it.Tell them you're interested in the company and would possibly think of returning again in a part or full time position.Don't discount anything. Always leave that door open and even if it doesn't work out,other doors will open.

Here's a trick I used once.I told the company that I was interviewing for that if they passed me over for someone else,could they please give me a letter of reference on what they saw of me in the interviews.Believe it or not they agreed, and the reason I was hired by another company was because the first company said they wished that they could have taken me on.How do you like that.As long as you show interest and initiative you'll do good. Never discount anything and always tell the truth.

MacGnG · 06-07-2003, 09:23 PM

same thing happend to me , they aint gonna hire anyone just for the summer.
they cant do anything if u leave early.

GakFace · 06-07-2003, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JStrider
tell em the truth... but say you would be happy to work during xmas break... and next summer... and beyond...

exactly, if you're a good worker, then you just might have found a good paying position to get you thru school

suviko · 06-08-2003, 12:42 AM

My employer said something like "it's good to have someone for a longer period in this job, and as you wrote in the job application that you are gonna graduate from university at 2005". LIke, does that blonde bimbo really think I will graduate then if I do 5h/day work and don't sleep enough.. Fat chance.

Some companies exploit students when they don't have to pay them properly or treat 'em well. This one seems like a good deal so if the interviewer is a nice person, tell them how you honestly think this is a great opportunity and that you specially like this company and the experience from this work would be just what you were looking for. Motivation and flattery will go a long way and you don't have to be dishonest.

pmonkey · 06-08-2003, 09:04 AM

Thanks for all of the advice. To offer more information, I am using a job service. The lady who found me this position told me flat-out that if I tell him I'm only around for the summer, I won't get the job. Knowing that it's all-or-nothing, should I lie if it means getting a job that pays about $5/hr MORE than the next best job I could get? At 40/hrs a week for the next 10 weeks, honesty could end up costing me $2,000 ($5x40x10). I'm normally a very honest person--which is why I'm having this dilemma--but 2K is a lot to pass up.

If I lie, will they be pissed when I leave? Yep. Will I be able to use this job as a reference later on? Probably not. But will it crash their business? No, they'll just go hire another person. I'm only doing clerical/office work. And it'll have made me $2,000 extra, which is a good chunk of my tuition.

I'm really stuck with this dilemma... any further advice is appreciated.

-Ever- · 06-08-2003, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pmonkey
Thanks for all of the advice. To offer more information, I am using a job service. The lady who found me this position told me flat-out that if I tell him I'm only around for the summer, I won't get the job. Knowing that it's all-or-nothing, should I lie if it means getting a job that pays about $5/hr MORE than the next best job I could get? At 40/hrs a week for the next 10 weeks, honesty could end up costing me $2,000 ($5x40x10). I'm normally a very honest person--which is why I'm having this dilemma--but 2K is a lot to pass up.

If I lie, will they be pissed when I leave? Yep. Will I be able to use this job as a reference later on? Probably not. But will it crash their business? No, they'll just go hire another person. I'm only doing clerical/office work. And it'll have made me $2,000 extra, which is a good chunk of my tuition.

I'm really stuck with this dilemma... any further advice is appreciated.

I think you answered your own question. I would go ahead and lie if you know that you won't be able to use them as a job reference (which could actually wind up being false if they really like you and understand when you leave.....)
Go for it

krwlz · 06-08-2003, 05:49 PM

Say you are undecided, but are priliminary plans say, yea, your gunna stay.

gibber71 · 06-08-2003, 07:07 PM

I would just love it if you lied through your teeth,but if I'm in a position to run a business,something like that would piss me the hell off,that being if someone lied to me.But again, if I exercise the wrong option by hiring you,well then I think it's a toss up.

You do know that suffering a bit can lend itself greatly to humility and retribution. I think any decision you make,will change you as a person.Good luck.

suviko · 06-09-2003, 01:57 AM

In your shoes, I would lie.

Mael · 06-09-2003, 02:01 AM

if it's just a job, not one that you would need as a reference, or as a future job to go back to, then lie. there's nothing that says that if you hated the job you couldn't quit at any time, it just happens to be taht that time is the fall. and see if you can get a letter of rec. from them before you leave. i don't know, but i doubt that if you give an employer a letter, they read it and call the writer, more likely they just read it.

Sparhawk · 06-09-2003, 04:58 AM

Here's what Abby says:

Dear Abby:

I am finishing my first year in college. This last semester I've run up a lot of debt, not only on my credit card, but to my mom as well. I need to find a summer job. My fear is that when I'm interviewing and reveal that I am available only in the summer because I'll be returning to school in the fall, I'll be told, "Thanks, but no thanks."

How should I approach employment applications and interviews? Should I lie? I don't like the idea, but the truth might not get me the money I need. Please help, Abby.

Anxious to Climb Out of Debt

in Southern California

Rather than mislead anyone, apply to temporary personnel agencies. Since they provide short-term help to businesses, your time line should not be a problem.

P.S. A temp job can also morph into a permanent position after graduation.

BigBlueWrecking · 06-09-2003, 05:35 AM

If you lie to get it, you could be fucking yourself later in life. I know it does not seem that way now, but it is the truth. Also, if you slip up and say something about when you are leaving...you run the risk of them firing you right away and you being without a job for half of the summer. Another idea might be to not use a hjob servide, but just check the papers out. I know one summer I painted houses, and no shit it was the best paying summer job I had. Construction work, while not glorious, pays well and you get in awesome shape. It sucks while you are doing it, but it pays well.

4thTimeLucky · 06-09-2003, 06:22 AM

Ignore the money, the references or the embarrassment at the end of it.

What you *do* is a direct reflection of what you *are* and what you want to be.
If you want to be someone who is honest and can be trusted then tell the truth. You will like yourself for it and be a better person. As corny as it sounds that really is worth more than the extra cash.

If you don't care about honesty or trustworthiness or being a good person then say "screw you all" and lie. But you only get one shot at this life thing and the end of the dey you need to be proud of yourself and what you do.
Were not going to criticise or blame you. Our judgement means nothing. The only one who will judge you is yourself. Don't make a mess of your life.

Leviathan[NCV] · 06-09-2003, 07:40 AM

Think of your karma man, doing something like that may just hurt you come next summer.

Cynthetiq · 06-09-2003, 11:50 AM

for using them for a reference? all they are allowed to sayby law in the USA is that you were employed from date to date. That's it... you don't have to have your manager or supervisor be your reference.

I'd say if it brings you $$$ then I'd bend the truth and hold off telling them that I've changed my mind from staying to returning to school. Plans are allowed to change. You are allowed to change your mind.

william · 06-09-2003, 12:03 PM

Job services are they same as head hunters - they get paid to provide employees. Once you start w/the job, they get paid.
Be honest, and let them know it's for the break. This works on both sides - you go back to school w/no guilt; they don't expect you to stay longer than you should. Many places only need the summer help (or winter for Christmas break).
Or try and go the route of summer internships (or the perception of). They're not all bad. Just be up-front w/them.
Who knows - you might impress them enough that they would ask you back.

pmonkey · 06-09-2003, 12:51 PM

Thanks everyone. I interviewed today; I told them that my future plans weren't definite and that I may or may not be going back to school, essentially that by hiring me they'd be taking on a risk but that hopefully my skills were worth it even for a short time. We'll see what happens.

06-07-2003, 05:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
pmonkey Upright	Is it okay to lie to a potential employer about how long you'll be sticking around? I'm home for the summer from college and am in bad need a job. I found one that pays great but in the first interview they flat out asked me if I was only here for the summer. I kind of played it off and didn't outright answer the question. I have a second interview now and I'm sure it's going to come up again and I doubt I can get out of answering it a second time. I feel bad lying to someone who is offering me a job with good pay, but on the other hand the money is amazing and I really need it. If I get asked "Are you going back to school?" should I say no or should I be honest and look for a lower paying job that might not care as much about my future commitments. -pm

06-07-2003, 06:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	tell em the truth... but say you would be happy to work during xmas break... and next summer... and beyond... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

06-07-2003, 06:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
grumpyolddude Deliberately unfocused Location: Amazon.com and CDBaby	I hire summer help. In fact, I've sought out students who are intent on returning to school. I welcome them back during Christmas, spring break, whenever. We feel it an honor to help bring young people along the way! Tell the truth! (or I'll get even grumpier!) __________________ "Regret can be a harder pill to swallow than failure .With failure you at least know you gave it a chance..." David Howard

06-09-2003, 04:58 AM	#16 (permalink)
Sparhawk Dubya Location: VA	Here's what Abby says: Dear Abby: I am finishing my first year in college. This last semester I've run up a lot of debt, not only on my credit card, but to my mom as well. I need to find a summer job. My fear is that when I'm interviewing and reveal that I am available only in the summer because I'll be returning to school in the fall, I'll be told, "Thanks, but no thanks." How should I approach employment applications and interviews? Should I lie? I don't like the idea, but the truth might not get me the money I need. Please help, Abby. Anxious to Climb Out of Debt in Southern California Rather than mislead anyone, apply to temporary personnel agencies. Since they provide short-term help to businesses, your time line should not be a problem. P.S. A temp job can also morph into a permanent position after graduation. __________________ "In Iraq, no doubt about it, it's tough. It's hard work. It's incredibly hard. It's - and it's hard work. I understand how hard it is. I get the casualty reports every day. I see on the TV screens how hard it is. But it's necessary work. We're making progress. It is hard work."

06-09-2003, 06:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
4thTimeLucky Psycho Location: 4th has left the building - goodbye folks	Ignore the money, the references or the embarrassment at the end of it. What you do is a direct reflection of what you are and what you want to be. If you want to be someone who is honest and can be trusted then tell the truth. You will like yourself for it and be a better person. As corny as it sounds that really is worth more than the extra cash. If you don't care about honesty or trustworthiness or being a good person then say "screw you all" and lie. But you only get one shot at this life thing and the end of the dey you need to be proud of yourself and what you do. Were not going to criticise or blame you. Our judgement means nothing. The only one who will judge you is yourself. Don't make a mess of your life. __________________ I've been 4thTimeLucky, you've been great. Goodnight and God bless!

06-07-2003, 05:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnyto Upright Location: Chicago, Ill	I learned something back when i was with no job, never lie to yourself as you'll be lied to. DO NOT hesitate the truth to be told. Tell them straight out that you'll only be here for the summer, but you desperately need a job and that you'll be more than happy to take on any job which they might put you in. Remember one thing leads to another. Listen to this advice as it greatly helped me along with my business management class cleared the meaning of this situation not long ago. Good Luck.

06-07-2003, 05:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
fhqwhgads Junkie	This isn't the type of lie that will never be discovered. It will be obvious at the end of the summer when you leave what your intentions were. How's it going to look down the road if you want to work for this company again, or use them as a job reference? I'd tell them the truth if I were you.

06-07-2003, 07:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
gibber71 Loser	Yup,tell the truth but don't get hung up on it.Tell them you're interested in the company and would possibly think of returning again in a part or full time position.Don't discount anything. Always leave that door open and even if it doesn't work out,other doors will open. Here's a trick I used once.I told the company that I was interviewing for that if they passed me over for someone else,could they please give me a letter of reference on what they saw of me in the interviews.Believe it or not they agreed, and the reason I was hired by another company was because the first company said they wished that they could have taken me on.How do you like that.As long as you show interest and initiative you'll do good. Never discount anything and always tell the truth.

06-07-2003, 09:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
MacGnG Know Where!	same thing happend to me , they aint gonna hire anyone just for the summer. they cant do anything if u leave early.

06-08-2003, 12:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
suviko Banned	My employer said something like "it's good to have someone for a longer period in this job, and as you wrote in the job application that you are gonna graduate from university at 2005". LIke, does that blonde bimbo really think I will graduate then if I do 5h/day work and don't sleep enough.. Fat chance. Some companies exploit students when they don't have to pay them properly or treat 'em well. This one seems like a good deal so if the interviewer is a nice person, tell them how you honestly think this is a great opportunity and that you specially like this company and the experience from this work would be just what you were looking for. Motivation and flattery will go a long way and you don't have to be dishonest.

06-08-2003, 09:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
pmonkey Upright	Thanks for all of the advice. To offer more information, I am using a job service. The lady who found me this position told me flat-out that if I tell him I'm only around for the summer, I won't get the job. Knowing that it's all-or-nothing, should I lie if it means getting a job that pays about $5/hr MORE than the next best job I could get? At 40/hrs a week for the next 10 weeks, honesty could end up costing me $2,000 ($5x40x10). I'm normally a very honest person--which is why I'm having this dilemma--but 2K is a lot to pass up. If I lie, will they be pissed when I leave? Yep. Will I be able to use this job as a reference later on? Probably not. But will it crash their business? No, they'll just go hire another person. I'm only doing clerical/office work. And it'll have made me $2,000 extra, which is a good chunk of my tuition. I'm really stuck with this dilemma... any further advice is appreciated.

06-08-2003, 05:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
krwlz Fledgling Dead Head Location: Clarkson U.	Say you are undecided, but are priliminary plans say, yea, your gunna stay.

06-08-2003, 07:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
gibber71 Loser	I would just love it if you lied through your teeth,but if I'm in a position to run a business,something like that would piss me the hell off,that being if someone lied to me.But again, if I exercise the wrong option by hiring you,well then I think it's a toss up. You do know that suffering a bit can lend itself greatly to humility and retribution. I think any decision you make,will change you as a person.Good luck.

06-09-2003, 01:57 AM	#14 (permalink)
suviko Banned	In your shoes, I would lie.

06-09-2003, 02:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
Mael Banned Location: The Hell I Created.	if it's just a job, not one that you would need as a reference, or as a future job to go back to, then lie. there's nothing that says that if you hated the job you couldn't quit at any time, it just happens to be taht that time is the fall. and see if you can get a letter of rec. from them before you leave. i don't know, but i doubt that if you give an employer a letter, they read it and call the writer, more likely they just read it.

06-09-2003, 05:35 AM	#17 (permalink)
BigBlueWrecking Psycho	If you lie to get it, you could be fucking yourself later in life. I know it does not seem that way now, but it is the truth. Also, if you slip up and say something about when you are leaving...you run the risk of them firing you right away and you being without a job for half of the summer. Another idea might be to not use a hjob servide, but just check the papers out. I know one summer I painted houses, and no shit it was the best paying summer job I had. Construction work, while not glorious, pays well and you get in awesome shape. It sucks while you are doing it, but it pays well.

06-09-2003, 07:40 AM	#19 (permalink)
Leviathan[NCV] Well... Location: afk	Think of your karma man, doing something like that may just hurt you come next summer.

06-09-2003, 11:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	for using them for a reference? all they are allowed to sayby law in the USA is that you were employed from date to date. That's it... you don't have to have your manager or supervisor be your reference. I'd say if it brings you $$$ then I'd bend the truth and hold off telling them that I've changed my mind from staying to returning to school. Plans are allowed to change. You are allowed to change your mind. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

06-09-2003, 12:03 PM	#21 (permalink)
william Psycho	Job services are they same as head hunters - they get paid to provide employees. Once you start w/the job, they get paid. Be honest, and let them know it's for the break. This works on both sides - you go back to school w/no guilt; they don't expect you to stay longer than you should. Many places only need the summer help (or winter for Christmas break). Or try and go the route of summer internships (or the perception of). They're not all bad. Just be up-front w/them. Who knows - you might impress them enough that they would ask you back.

06-09-2003, 12:51 PM	#22 (permalink)
pmonkey Upright	Thanks everyone. I interviewed today; I told them that my future plans weren't definite and that I may or may not be going back to school, essentially that by hiring me they'd be taking on a risk but that hopefully my skills were worth it even for a short time. We'll see what happens.