Lied on Resume about GPA for Summer Internship - What to do?

Hello,

As you can see, I've been a bit dishonest about my on my resume. I'd heard that most firms don't check it or, if they do, request an unofficial copy. However, this firm is asking that I waive my rights and let a third-party background checker do the job. This means that they can access my school's transcripts if they want (if I sign it). If I don't sign it, that just raises suspicion. However, if I do, I run the risk of them finding out my true GPA.

At this point in the year it's much too late to find another internship. What do you suggest that I do?

Yes, I know that I'm stupid, so please save that part. I just want any tips on my next move.

14 Comments
 

If this is not a troll, you should read up on Mathew Martoma and make plans elsewhere this summer. That is a serious professional, if not criminal impropriety that will not be tolerated in any industry.

 

I'm not sure you have a choice other than to sign it and roll with the punches. You could also come clean, though I'm guessing you don't plan to do that.

Lesson learned, hopefully. Not trying to moralize as it seems you understand the mistake, but you have few options at this point.

 

Are you serious? You straight up lied, and probably got the job over someone who actually deserved their 3.6. Why would anyone want to work with someone like you?

 

Sign it and claim you had a typo on your resume if they question it (since it is the inverse, could be plausible). Most firms have 3.2 minimums anyway though, not sure why you lied. Could've legitimately rounded to a 3.4. I'd be shocked if anyone would've dinged you just because your resume said 3.4 instead of 3.6 if the rest of your resume is solid. Absolutely not worth the risk.

I would agree with you, but then we'd both be wrong.
 

As you have realized, that was an incredibly dumb move on your part. But I think you are lucky that you reversed the numbers as you can play it off like it was a stupid error you made and apologize profusely for it. The people will think you don't have the best attention to detail but they won't freak out on you for being dishonest. Hopefully you learn from it though bro. It's not chill to lie about that stuff.

 

No, forgetting the period at the end of a line on a resume is a typo. Nobody makes "typos" on their GPAs, especially on the primary quantitative measure on a resume that is looked at for internships.

The real issue is you are starting a career, albeit an internship, on false pretenses. One things leads to another, and these sorts of things will come back to you eventually...

 
Best Response

WTF about these people talking about Matthew Mortoma lying about your GPA is not a CRIMINAL offense, dipshit why are you people talking about legal issues? there's a difference between civil and tort, and there's absolutely no way an investment bank will sue you for lying about a GPA

OP: here's what can happen: 1. If you sign the papers, and they find it, they may shrug and not give a fuck 2. If you sign the papers, and they find it, they might get really mad, rescind your offer, and blacklist you from the bank 3. If you sign the papers, and they don't find it, then you win the game 4. If you don't sign the papers, and they really need you to sign the papers before you start working, they won't let you work. 5. If you don't sign the papers, and they are ambivalent, they may just let you start working without it ever becoming an issue.

Personally, I would just not sign, keep making excuses and hope that they still want to take you on anyway.

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