Stretching the truth on your resume or job application can really hurt you. Even if you’re expecting to receive your degree or license, if you haven’t received it or official confirmation that you’ll receive it, don’t report that you have received it. Instead, note that you’re a candidate for the degree or license. If an employer finds out that you’ve stretched the truth, it might rescind its employment offer. Additionally, the hiring manager and others involved might be vocal about their experience with you, stigmatizing you within the community or industry. You could be blackballed from ever working with that employer or the hiring manager(s). If the company learns about it after you’re employed with them, it can severely damage their trust in you, setting back your growth potential within the company, possibly leading to the retraction of responsibilities and employment termination.
