How to lie without getting caught?

Okay, so this is not exactly about lying. Here's my situation:

I wanted to go to an event at a Canada-based MM, but didn't send my resume in time to RSVP for the event. One of my friends went, got a business card from an MD and gave it to me because he is an international student and this bank does not sponsor internationals for visas in the US. How should I email this MD? Would it be totally insane if I lied and told her that I was at the event and spoke with her? Keep in mind, this event was about 10 days ago, now. Again, I really would like to meet with this person as it would be great exposure.

Let me know your thoughts, all!

22 Comments
 

Why lie? They are NOT that dense....and what is the advantage? To claim your someone so immemorable that they don't even remember talking to you?

Better yet see if you can't get your friend to email them, say thank you but sponsorship is an issue, and ask if they would be willing to this friend of his who wasn't able to attend.

Only thing I would like about is making up a bullshit, unverifiable excuse to not be able to go.....something like a dental procedure that you weren't able to reschedule. Even then only say that if asked.

 
"NuclearPenguins"

Come on dude. Don't lie. This is why people think people in finance are sleazy.

Haha. Truth.

If your friend made a connection with this person, get your friend to do an email introduction.

 

I don't think you're any better off lying than just saying how you actually got a hold of her e-mail. The honest version of the story arguably shows more effort as long as you aren't lying about missing the RSVP. Notice the slippery slope of being dishonest; you really shouldn't lie in your professional life, especially to smart people.

 

Being honest, telling said MD your story of how you got their contact info shows you're willing to think outside the box on how to get their attention

 

Lying, done right, is all good, but in this situation, just ask for an introduction from your friend, if not, then just send a cold e-mail, that's the best you can do.

 
"Bonzo Bojangles"

I've always hated it when people don't answer a question, but instead waste time with subjective opinions, so I'm gonna help you out.

In all likelihood the MD met quite a few candidates (and he's unlikely to remember all of them, or what your friend's connection was), so you might have a chance to sneak in, but make sure to verify this with your friend. If he wasn't giving business cards out like candy, you might have a problem. Ask your friend what his connection was and see if it applies to you, or if you can stretch it to fit to your own experiences. Ex. Your friend worked at Burger King in his summers, but you worked at McD's so you say that you both worked at fast-food joints growing up. Or if you're cocky and think you can provide follow-ups, ask your friend a lot about the "connection" so you'll be prepared just in-case.

Confidence is important, you've got to be extroverted and friendly, but you also have to act like a regular person. A regular person isn't going to explain his entire fucking life-story to validate a connection (although the MD's probably not looking for a liar so you might be able to get away with it if you slip up a few times, he might just think you're socially retarded). Don't try to misdirect him with your emotions if he starts catching on, you're probably a bad actor so stick with being cool and confident.

Is it morally wrong? Sure. Will it come back to bite you if you fuck this up? Maybe. You can always claim that you met him even if he doesn't remember you, he's not going to waste his precious time trying to validate your assertions, but if for some dumb reason he does be prepared to thank him for the interview and tell him politely that you have other interviews lined up.

Are you shooting yourself in both feet and chopping off your hands if you don't take every opportunity to get ahead (see: hustle). Absolutely.

I might have missed some things because of how early it is, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I was a conman-hobbyist growing up. Did it only for laughs, not money.

You are a fucking idiot and should be banned from providing any advice.

 

Jesus christ, you're a fucking idiot. You're going to make an MD believe you spoke with her? If that's not lying IDK what is. Good to know what I'm up against for SA 2017.

 

Listen my man, if you don't get caught, it's not lying. We all aspire to be like people in this industry that have done worse things when they're in positions of power to make money. But in all honesty, lying in this specific case is stupid and won't help you out that much. During recruiting and information events, they are mostly just to introduce their firm and answer any questions. MD's aren't going to like you more because you spoke with them for 30 seconds at an event. During OCR, we all sent follow up emails, and MD's/VP's probably had 100 follow up emails thanking them for coming. When attending, your only goal should be to get contact information which you already have. Just email the MD and tell them what school you go to and what your request is. No need to lie in this specific case.

We're not lawyers. We're investment bankers. We didn't go to Harvard. We Went to Wharton!
 
"unclebiff"

Okay, so this is not exactly about lying. Here's my situation:

"unclebiff"

Would it be totally insane if I lied and told her that I was at the event and spoke with her?

Another wanderer, here to lick an MD's boots. Good job. From above, you just displayed your lacking English.

Go to the search bar and type jeffrey chiang. Read. If you have to lie to an MD, maybe you're not welcome in an industry that values trust, integrity and above all, a sound understanding of the English language.

GoldenCinderblock: "I keep spending all my money on exotic fish so my armor sucks. Is it possible to romance multiple females? I got with the blue chick so far but I am also interested in the electronic chick and the face mask chick."
 

Hey all. So, I have an update. Decided to take all of your advice and emailed the MD without lying. I just told her the truth and said that a friend of mine was at the event and gave me this MD's card. The MD replied almost immediately, saying that they would love to help. Had the phone call yesterday and it was great! The MD seemed to really like me and said that I can keep in touch. Thanks!

 

In these types of situations I always started my email by: I was referred to you by a friend. You can give me some more background on this if he accepts to meet or setup a phone call. Remember that when you are reaching out to people you want to keep your email short. This also allows you to say the truth and to be honest he probably doesn't care who your friend is.

If you do get to meet him or setup a phone call. Say something like my friend went to the event and talked to you, he gave said you were a great guy and gave me your card so I figured I would reach out.

That's the way I would do it and how I would recommend anyone in your situation do it.

Good luck and don't lie there is no upside at all and the downside is that the situation becomes awkward and you get dinged.

Best of luck,

 

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