Johnny graduates at the end of this term. He has been actively searching for the right job in his field of study. The perfect job was finally advertised and it’s with a company Johnny really wanted to work for. He quickly prepared his resume and cover letter and was successful in getting an interview. After carefully preparing for the interview, Johnny was successful! He got the job.

During this process, Johnny thought he needed a little extra “ammunition” in his job hunt. He exxagerated just a little on his GPA and listed an internship that he applied for but did not get.

• Was he justified in his actions?
• Since he has been hired, does he have anything to worry about?
• If you were in human resources at this company and just uncovered the information, what would be your reaction?

React to the post of another student. “Me, too” types responses will not be graded.

Original post: 15 points

Response: 10 points

**********The post you need to repose are as follows:

No, I do not feel like lying is ever acceptable, especially in a professional setting. Truthfully neither the internship nor the GPA is what ultimately landed Johnny the job, so lying about something that minute just adds more questioning into his character.

He absolutely has something to worry about now that he is hired. The business world is a huge network with many of the higher-ups having relationships with each other. All it takes is Johnny’s boss to mention or ask the company of his made-up internship about him and Johnny’s whole story is exposed.

If I was HR for Johnny’s company I would first inform the head of his department. Secondly, I would organize a meeting with Johnny and the head of his department. Making sure we emphasize the need for honesty and transparency inside the workplace, I probably would not suggest firing Johnny. We most likely saw something in Johnny other than a high GPA or internship that made us feel like he would be an asset to our company. This situation would present the need for our company to verify credentials future employees may present on their resumes.