Penalties For Lying on a Job Application

If you lie about your background or qualifications when applying for a job and your employer finds out about it, there can be serious consequences.

Most employers can fire you for putting false information on a job application. In some cases, your employer can take legal action against you for material falsehoods. If you want to know what might happen if you make false statements on a job application, talk to an employment law attorney for legal advice.

Understanding the Consequences of Lying on Job Applications

Job applications ask for basic information about your identity, experience, and eligibility for employment. Beyond legal issues, lying on a job application can also hurt your reputation and future career prospects.

Some misrepresentations are more serious than others. For example, failing to include gaps in employment generally won’t result in serious consequences. Other lies on a job application may amount to fraud. Misrepresentations that can lead to serious consequences include lying about your:

• Social Security number
• Criminal history
• Military experience
• Eligibility for employment in the U.S. (I-9 eligibility)
• Security clearance
• Professional licenses or certifications

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Legal Implications of Misrepresentation

The most common consequence of lying on a job application is termination. Your employer can fire you even for a minor white lie. Most employment relationships are at-will. This means you can leave a job for any reason and your employer can terminate you for any reason that’s not illegal, such as discrimination or retaliation.

Some employment contracts only allow an employer to terminate an employee for cause. Material misrepresentations or omissions on an application generally give an employer cause to terminate your position.

More serious consequences can involve criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Employer may rely on your misrepresentations of your employment history, professional licenses, or experience. If the employer suffers financial harm because of your false statements, they can sue you for damages.

If you make false representations with the intent to deceive potential employers, you may face criminal charges for fraud. The criminal consequences for a fraud conviction can include fines, jail time, and a criminal record.

How Employers Verify Application Information

Many employers use background checks to verify applicant information. An employer can quickly find out about your past before you even start the job. Some jobs require a criminal background check, including jobs that involve working with vulnerable populations.

Most employers use private background check companies to find out about your record. Employment searches can identify local, state, and federal records, including:

• Criminal record
• Credit record
• Employment history
• Driving record
• Work authorization

Some states limit what employers can ask in the applications or interview stage. Ban the box laws generally prohibit employers from asking about criminal history in the initial application. However, employers can check your criminal record after making a conditional offer or when it is relevant to the job.

Dishonesty and Career Prospects

Dishonesty can hurt your career prospects. In many industries or localities, professionals know each other and word can get around quickly. Having a reputation for dishonesty can hurt you long-term.

Many employers ask for your references from prior employers. They can call your former employer and ask about your dates of employment, job titles, and other information. If your former employer says something different than you have on your resume, it can affect the potential employer’s hiring decision.

There are long-term consequences of lying on the job. If an employer terminates you after finding out about misrepresentations, you may not be able to use the employer as a reference. In a job interview, the new employer may question why you didn’t list your most recent job as a reference.

Getting Legal Help About False Claims on a Job Application

There is a lot at stake for lying on a job application and few benefits. Most jobs involve a background check that can identify lies on your job application or resume. Even if you get the interview, you may lose the job. That employer will never consider you again for future job opportunities.

If you have questions about the penalties for lying on a job application, talk to a local employment law attorney.