In leaving the details wrong...

[Bananaapplegrape]

Oh bugger and shit!

I applied for a job last month when I was in a bit of a bad place, anyway shock upon shock I got offered the job! ()

However I just realised that I've put the wrong dates of employment on the application form - my work history is right but I've said I worked at one place for 4 years and it wasn't - it was 2.. So my job before that was 2 years more recent... Etc etc...

My last (current) job is correct, and the one before that is right, it's the 3rd job (which irritatingly is one of references)

So... Do I fess up and take the risk that a fantastic job in an incredibly competive field will understand that whilst they are giving me ridiculous levels of responsibility.. I can't even manage to get a date right :/ of course the risk with this is I come across as dizzy and unorganised (not good).. But honest at least!

Or (by far my preferred option) do I totally ignore it and pray that no one looks at my reference and compares it to my application form? Although if it comes out it looks like ive been deceitful (which really I have no need to Be as ive got a good work history)

I think at least some of it is I cannot believe I got the job! My self confidence is really low at the moment and I don't want to cock this up :(

I truly have no idea what to do so will take advice of the majority...

[sharonthewaspandthewineywall]

Fess up. The reference will probably say what dates you worked there and most places clearly state lying about anything on a job application can result in the offer being withdrawn/the contract being terminated

[Bananaapplegrape]

How though? Is there any way of doing this and retaining my professional dignity?

'I appear to have lost two years of my life' doesn't really cut it does it?

Oh god I'm going to look flakey!!!!

[sharonthewaspandthewineywall]

You just have to be honest and own up to it, honestly goes in your favour I find

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Don't worry, it's not like you didn't work there at all, you've just got the dates wrong. Just mention it when you start.

[Bananaapplegrape]

The irony is logically I wouldn't even know I had done it if my reference hadn't rang me to confirm the dates!!!

[Bananaapplegrape]

I've got myself in a right state over it! I was even debating withdrawing my application because I can't face that I cocked up but I want the job

[sharonthewaspandthewineywall]

Don't panic it was an honest mistake!!

[DramaAlpaca]

Be honest & tell them. I'm sure it'll be fine.

[Topseyt]

Honesty is normally the best policy.

Just admit the mistake to your HR department. It was an innocent mistake. You aren't the first to have gotten your dates confused on a CV.

[littlesupersparks]

Phone call 'hi nice HR bod - I've just noticed something when my reference called to check with me - there's a typo on my CV! It says I worked at that job from 2000 but it was actually 2002. I just wanted to give you a heads-up in case you noticed the discrepancy. It's a bit embarrassing really!'

Idk though, I feel your pain and would also be kind of inclined to only notice it if they did!!

[FancyForgetting]

Honesty is the best policy, but it's all down to how you present it (I'm ex HR).

Just let them know in an 'efficient' way, something like: 'I just wanted to confirm that the dates for x job should, of course, read xxxx - xxxx. Sorry for any confusion, I was so focused on completing the application form that I'm afraid I overlooked that typo. Really looking forward to starting work with you etc etc...'

[Bananaapplegrape]

Would they double check the reference against the application form though? I mean does that happen?

I've wrote the email informing them then deleted it eeeek!!! I can't seem to manage it without coming across as guilty!

[Nerf]

Does it leave an employment gap?
Eg 2000 to 2004 x job
2004 to date y job now becomes
2000 to 2002 x job
2002 to 2004 gap
2004 to date y job

And yes, dates cross referenced is usual.

[FancyForgetting]

The only thing you're 'guilty' of is making an honest mistake and I would always prefer to employ someone who can admit that - we all make them but not everyone owns up to them!

Just keep your email polite and simple, not overly apologetic as it might come across a bit 'scatty'.

You could maybe even list all the jobs/dates again eg:

'Just to confirm, I was employed as follows:

xxxx - xxxx Company A
xxxx - xxxx Company B
xxxx - xxxx Company C'

Good luck, but I'm sure it'll be just fine!

[GhoulWithADragonTattoo]

I wouldn't say anything at this stage for something so minor. If the discrepancy is just picked up just say 'oh I'm sorry 2006 is correct I must have made a typo.'

[Vinomcstephens]

I genuinely mean this nicely (honest!) but you are way overthinking this! And I get that it's down to your lack of self confidence - but honestly, don't worry. I can guarantee you no-one is going to bat an eyelid. It's far better so sort it out now with confirmation of the correct employment history rather than for a reference coming back which contradicts what you've previously said.

Honestly, if I was the one doing the hiring and a typo on a CV was brought to my attention (unless of course it was leaving out a 20 year spell in Strangeways....) I wouldn't give it a second thought. You'll be fine

[Tobyjugg]

I've done hiring and it would have been your last job that I would have been concerned about. Come clean now. If you don't and it comes out later, there could be hell to pay. Go with the suggestion above that your referee has drawn your attention to the fact that you have a typo on your CV the correct dates are etc. etc.

[Tobyjugg]

It's unexplained gaps on CVs that set alarm bells ringing in my experience.

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

I think it's worth correcting the error. I don't think it'll make any difference to them. I wouldn't refer to it as "a misunderstanding" though, to me that sounds like an attempt to pass on responsibility for a mistake.