Ever lie on a job application?

[Skanky Burns]

Originally posted by Flubber
The job interview though .. . they always ask that "biggest weakness" question. Mine is surfing while at work but since I don't know a way to spin that favorably, I always give some other bullcrap HR stype answer

The simple truth is the interviewer does not want a real answer to that question. Answering it with something that may negatively affect your performance on the job (surfing at work) leaves you less likely to get a job. Answering it with something irrelevant to the job (I don't excercise enough, but plan on joining a gym when I get this job) increases your chances of getting a job. Include a plan for addressing this irrelevant shortcoming (the big "but" in the middle of the answer) and you have a decent response to this question.

In other news, I just got me a full-time job.

[Jon Miller]

Is "I masturbate too much" a good answer?

JM

[Skanky Burns]

Yes. Use that in all your future job interviews. For better results, add "while at work".

[Spiffor]

[Vince278]

Originally posted by Jon Miller
Is "I masturbate too much" a good answer?

JM

Only if you are applying for porn star.

[Mrs. Tuberski]

it has been my experience that answering the question about being fired is explainable where as lying ad sayng no is not. I got fired fro a job cause i was going through a divorce. I missed a lot of days from work due to the hagling of the court. My new job accpeted that as a resonable reason for being fired. As for lying about being arrested thats a whole different can of worms. So i never lie about my arrest for dwi/open container, in the back ground check they will find out anyway

[Tim_Augustus]

Originally posted by Jon Miller
Is "I masturbate too much" a good answer?

JM

Don't forget Skanky's 'but'

"I masturbate too much, BUT I plan to visit some brothels instead when i get the job"

[Tim_Augustus]

Originally posted by Mrs. Tuberski
it has been my experience that answering the question about being fired is explainable where as lying ad sayng no is not.

The trick might be to outline why you were fired (they will probably ask) without being too whiny about it, and then outline what you have done / plan to do to prevent it happening again, or why the problem no longer exists. The fact is that many (most?) people have been sacked at some time or another, and they (the potential employer) expect that, one would hope. What they are trying to avoid is a)people that can't open up and tell the truth, b) people that can't recognise their own failings and improve themselves.

[Provost Harrison]

I've had a contract terminated as I said above - I wasn't sacked, they had no grounds for dismissal - but try explaining that one away. As I was only there for 7-8 weeks, I omitted it from my CV without any ill effects. I know you are just hearing my word, but I did nothing wrong. However another potential employer is also going to be hearing only my side of the story too - as honest as I may be being. So in those kinds of circumstances I think it should be acceptable to omit...

[C0ckney]

i don't need to lie.

[Provost Harrison]

Well you've done well haven't you? Perhaps you should stick to your "tweakin'"

[Dis]

never have. I've never been able to lie about serious things like that.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Skanky Burns
The simple truth is the interviewer does not want a real answer to that question.

I heard that your answer should be some apparent weakness, but something you can turn around to your own advantage.

For example, "I am a perfectionist. I tend to spend too much time chasing down the smallest mistakes. Though I am trying to do everything 95% instead of 100%."

[MRT144]

of course ive lied. how else would i have gotten a job?

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by MRT144
of course ive lied. how else would i have gotten a job?

Beg? BJ?