₦airaland Forum

Hello People

Honest Question:
Is it ever okay to lie about your experience to get a job?

In today’s highly competitive job market, some people stretch the truth—or even fabricate experience—to land opportunities. While integrity is important, others argue that sometimes, getting your foot in the door is the only way to prove yourself.

i have a colleague who was at a final interview for a company willing to sponsor him and his family for a software engineer role but did not have the required experience in a certain area, should he have lied or spoken the truth !

Swealy:
Hello People

Honest Question:
Is it ever okay to lie about your experience to get a job?

In today’s highly competitive job market, some people stretch the truth—or even fabricate experience—to land opportunities. While integrity is important, others argue that sometimes, getting your foot in the door is the only way to prove yourself.

i have a colleague who was at a final interview for a company willing to sponsor him and his family for a software engineer role but did not have the required experience in a certain area, should he have lied or spoken the truth !

This exactly my case ajeh

Swealy:
Hello People

Honest Question:
Is it ever okay to lie about your experience to get a job?

In today’s highly competitive job market, some people stretch the truth—or even fabricate experience—to land opportunities. While integrity is important, others argue that sometimes, getting your foot in the door is the only way to prove yourself.

i have a colleague who was at a final interview for a company willing to sponsor him and his family for a software engineer role but did not have the required experience in a certain area, should he have lied or spoken the truth !

He should have spoken the truth but let them know that he is committed to learning and improving on that area as quickly as possible.

This isn't new especially if it's experience.. If it's a job you can do, Abeg lie and get the job. Life is harsh!!

Get the job by all means possible, legally or illegally, you can quickly learn more about the job while on the job

Swealy:
Hello People

Honest Question:
Is it ever okay to lie about your experience to get a job?

In today’s highly competitive job market, some people stretch the truth—or even fabricate experience—to land opportunities. While integrity is important, others argue that sometimes, getting your foot in the door is the only way to prove yourself.

i have a colleague who was at a final interview for a company willing to sponsor him and his family for a software engineer role but did not have the required experience in a certain area, should he have lied or spoken the truth !

For software engineering job you don't have to lie but for any other roles alaye lie to get the job and learn on the job.

It’s not okay to lie bro… I don’t know why we in this country we like to legalize crimes.. it’s not only a crime to lie it’s also a sin.

Coder2Client:
For software engineering job you don't have to lie but for any other roles alaye lie to get the job and learn on the job.

Why can't you lie on software works.

Okay imagine a scenario you got an opportunity to travel out to Europe. You've been learning Python development for fun but still stucked on YouTube tutorials for like a year; but you have the passion for it creating site and stuffs .

You have friends that are good python developer but don't have the opportunity. If you open up to your sponsor that you are just intermediate level and not a professional he'd terminate the contract. But you know it's only a matter for 4 month dedication for you to master it even when u get there .
Now your agents are already half done with your visa processing.

Would you open up to then?

Hint: knowing that you can keep on touch with one of your friends to run work for you till you master it when you get there.

Would you open up and terminate your contract

Lighterx:
Why can't you lie on software works.

Okay imagine a scenario you got an opportunity to travel out to Europe. You've been learning Python development for fun but still stucked on YouTube tutorials for like a year; but you have the passion for it creating site and stuffs .

You have friends that are good python developer but don't have the opportunity. If you open up to your sponsor that you are just intermediate level and not a professional he'd terminate the contract. But you know it's only a matter for 4 month dedication for you to master it even when u get there .
Now your agents are already half done with your visa processing.

Would you open up to then?

Hint: knowing that you can keep on touch with one of your friends to run work for you till you master it when you get there.

Would you open up and terminate your contract

What if you get employed while you are half-baked SWE and the first ticket you are to work on is to maintain an existing code and to also apply some advnce concept of a language like multithreading?

How do you think such an engineer will cope?

It's okay to lie o, but the problem is when you're faced with a task you have no idea about and you are to deliver within a short time, or you're been tested and asked to work under supervision on your first job.

Swealy:
Hello People

Honest Question:
Is it ever okay to lie about your experience to get a job?

In today’s highly competitive job market, some people stretch the truth—or even fabricate experience—to land opportunities. While integrity is important, others argue that sometimes, getting your foot in the door is the only way to prove yourself.

i have a colleague who was at a final interview for a company willing to sponsor him and his family for a software engineer role but did not have the required experience in a certain area, should he have lied or spoken the truth !

its wrong. Look at this guy below for example. I have a friend who did a tech bootcamp and lied on his resume. He was let go after 2 weeks

In Nigeria, yes!

Because even the person asking for experience is just dia sitting in an air conditioned office totally inexperienced

For experienced or professional role, most companies does background checks especially on your last job.

Also note that employers will not tell you some weaknesses about their institutions as well, meaning they can also hide some information from you during job ad/interview.

This is a really important and complex question—and the short answer is: no, it’s not okay to lie. But let’s unpack why that’s the case, especially in high-stakes situations like the one your colleague faced.

💡 Why People Consider Lying
The job market is competitive, especially in tech where requirements can feel unrealistically high.

Companies often ask for "3+ years experience" in tools that have only existed for two.

A good developer might feel they could do the job if just given a chance—but the gatekeepers are the resume and the interview.

So yes, the pressure is real.

🎯 But Here’s the Risk of Lying
It can backfire—badly.
If you're hired based on a false skillset, and you can’t perform, it damages your reputation, affects the team, and could lead to termination.

Background checks and technical interviews exist.
If you lie about experience with, say, Kubernetes, but can’t explain basic concepts when asked—you lose credibility.

Visa sponsorship raises the stakes.
A lie could cost more than a job. It could affect immigration status, future opportunities, and even create legal issues.

✅ What He Could Have Done Instead
Be honest, but show readiness.
“I haven’t used that technology professionally yet, but I’ve been learning it hands-on and I’m confident I’ll ramp up quickly.”
Many companies value honesty + fast learners over false confidence.

Demonstrate related experience.
He could frame existing skills that translate well into the new area (e.g., “While I haven't worked with Terraform, I’ve used Ansible extensively for infrastructure automation.”)

🔚 Bottom Line
It’s never worth compromising your integrity for a role. A job should fit you not just on paper, but in reality. And being honest doesn't close the door—it shows maturity, self-awareness, and long-term potential.

Truth builds trust. Lies burn bridges.

Swealy:
Hello People

Honest Question:
Is it ever okay to lie about your experience to get a job?

In today’s highly competitive job market, some people stretch the truth—or even fabricate experience—to land opportunities. While integrity is important, others argue that sometimes, getting your foot in the door is the only way to prove yourself.

i have a colleague who was at a final interview for a company willing to sponsor him and his family for a software engineer role but did not have the required experience in a certain area, should he have lied or spoken the truth !