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Original poster

Should I own up?

32 replies

TreeHuggerMum1 · 14/08/2013 23:41

So going back to work after kids and I applied and have been offered a nice job. Problem is I exaggerated my education and its literally tearing me up.
I have the experience and my references from old jobs but i needed a GCSE i didnt have and so i put it on the application form and now i regret it so badly and I'm a wreck about being found out. I literally can't sleep, cant eat and I'm being sick with the stress. I'm a shaking mess!
Should I quit? Should I own up?
I know this is all my own fault and I would never do this again, I know I could get sacked for this and I know it's morally wrong and if I could take it back I would.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
What did you do?

OP posts:
Thesebootsweremadeforwalking · 14/08/2013 23:52

If your prospective employer wants to see your certificates, you'll get found out then, surely?

In your shoes I would probably own up and hope they were keen enough to give me a chance anyway, but it's not a great start if they did.

FWIW, as a recruiter I've always been relaxed about interviewing candidates who didn't quite meet the person spec if they were otherwise interesting, so Ian all honesty I wouldn't personally have lied about the GCSE but would have explained in the personal statement/ covering letter why I was worth a try without it.

Thesebootsweremadeforwalking · 14/08/2013 23:54

In. I don't know who Ian is....

MaryKatharine · 14/08/2013 23:57

What gcse is it? Can you apply now to take it in the October sits? Then you'll have it by January?

MaryKatharine · 15/08/2013 00:00

It would obviously need to be with an exam board that offered 100% exam though. Worth knuckling down for a few months to get it.

I've only ever been asked to prove my qts. Never even asked for degree cert let alone a levels or gcses. So how likely are they to ask you to prove you have a certain gcse?

ChippingInHopHopHop · 15/08/2013 00:11

Unless you are under 20 I can't see how a GCSE mark is really that relevant.

Original poster
TreeHuggerMum1 · 15/08/2013 07:16

It would have been 17 years ago and I did terribly at school. My parents were going through a very messy divorce, my mother was an alcoholic & tried to kill herself and my education suffered.
I'm bright and articulate and I always planned to go back to school but just not got round to it I guess.
I've literally not slept and been up all night shaking and being sick and I know it's the stress.
I've moved and married since the exams and they haven't asked for proof, just right to work in the UK and references etc.
I've told my husband the truth because he was getting worried about me and he thinks I should just keep quiet and do a good job.
I think I'll look into adult education today!

OP posts:
Numberlock · 15/08/2013 07:19

I wouldn't have a clue where to find my O Level or A Level certificates!

flowery · 15/08/2013 09:58

What on earth GCSE do they think is essential for the job?! Very bizarre, and risking a discrimination claim.

SamuelAndOscarsMummy · 15/08/2013 11:04

Flowery, I think some jobs ask for it to prove you are capable of basic maths/English, depends what the job is!

OP, I wouldn't bother owning up to be honest unless they ask for the certificates. A lot of jobs I've gone for have asked for RSA typing which I don't feel I need as I have so much experience in audio and copy typing & I know I can do it. I have offered to take the course if offered the job but I have never needed to :)

Just blag it if you need to, say that it was so long ago you forgot or something.

fuzzywuzzy · 15/08/2013 11:10

It depends on the company, I do know of a couple of people who got sacked when HR did checks to update records and the people were found to have lied about qualifications.

I don't know what to suggest, they may never check, my company has never checked my qualifications altho I haven't lied about them and have over a decade of experience so way past relying on GCSE stage.

flowery · 15/08/2013 11:14

"Flowery, I think some jobs ask for it to prove you are capable of basic maths/English, depends what the job is! "

Yes i'm sure they do. Wanting capability in basic maths and English is obviously fine. Requiring a GCSE to prove those skills, that's what's potentially discriminatory. Older candidates are less likely to have exams like that but may be able to demonstrate those skills.

fuzzywuzzy · 15/08/2013 11:16

usually jobs ask for GCSE or equivalent in maths and English, its common I thought?

Dirtymistress · 15/08/2013 11:19

I wouldn't worry about it in the slightest unless you are going to be a teacher??? Honestly, nobody cares. Stop stressing, be proud of yourself for getting the job and work hard at it. Give yourself a breakGrin

noseymcposey · 15/08/2013 11:24

I would just leave it too to be honest - I can't honestly see any mileage in 'confessing'. I think the 'so long ago can't really remember' thing although not brilliant would be fine. Ultimately, if it was such a deal breaker that they would ask for your certificate, then the fact that you don't have it would be a problem anyway.

if it makes you feel better have a look at passing it now, and I only say that because of how worried you are about it.

Can you give an idea of what the job is/what sort of industry as I imagine the checks are more rigorous in some than others.

Original poster
TreeHuggerMum1 · 15/08/2013 11:30

It's just a part time admin post. Not rocket science or brain surgery lol.
Thanks everyone. I really want the job and more often than not I'm honest to a fault so this is very new to me.
I'd never bloody do it again though, I'd end up having a nervous breakdown.
I've emailed a few courses locally and asked for some info and will go from there.
I know 100% I can do the job and I have ALL the work experience that was needed.
I'll take it and hope for the best.
I may hate it anyway and no point making myself ill over it.
Thank you all for your comment.
X

OP posts:
Delayingtactic · 15/08/2013 11:30

I can't imagine that they'll ask for it. Did you just tick a box or did you make up a result and exam board?

As an aside I was trying to remember what A-level and GCSE grades I got and couldn't for the life of me remember (and that was 13-15 years ago - wow typing that has made me feel old).

Platinumstart · 15/08/2013 11:32

You need to be quite careful. There have been a number of cases of people being prosecuted (and jailed) for lying about their CV, and whilst they tend to be more involved lies the risk is there - especially if you through into the equation the idea of taking the exam now, which could be perceived as deceptive.

Frankly in your position I'd come clean (or say you made a mistake) because you sound like the sort of person who if you don't will forever be on tenter hooks - it'll destroy you.

Prepare for the worst - you may well lose the job, but an early confession and apology might swing it for you

AlisonL1981 · 15/08/2013 11:33

My job required a c or above on maths and English. I got a d in maths but no one ever checked. I didn't realise as I was promoted internally. It was only after a year I noticed it at the bottom of the requirements.

Original poster
TreeHuggerMum1 · 15/08/2013 11:33

My friends mum works in the NHS (admin) and said something similar. She made hers up because she had done O levels 35/40 years ago and for the life of her couldn't remember what she had sat and what her results would have been.

OP posts:
HappyJoyful · 15/08/2013 11:37

Try and relax and don't worry about it. I've had my share of jobs over the years, I suspect it's something you could easily have forgotten and I certainly wouldn't have a clue where any certificates were for mine if asked.

Good luck in the job.

mrspaddy · 15/08/2013 11:37

I can't imagine an employer checking for a GCSE 17 years ago.
Don't worry. I am sure you are capable.. I wouldn't tell anyone in RL, especially in the job no matter how close you get as it was a dishonest thing to do - but not enough to beat yourself up over. Keep it to yourself and within a month you will be flying.

DameFanny · 15/08/2013 11:38

There's no central database of results and schools are only required to keep records for 3 years (according to Gideon Defoe's current twitterfeed, so berry little chance of being found out for anything less than a degree...

Sparklysilversequins · 15/08/2013 11:39

I have never ever been asked to prove my GCSE quals in 20 years of working.

I wouldn't worry about this for a second.

JohFlow · 15/08/2013 11:45

Would you lie to get a job? I personally wouldn't, but I know a lot of people do. It's a very competitive market out there. What you are feeling now is a consequence of what you have put down. Let them get to know you first and what you are capable of. Grades are not the only measure of how competent you are. Be prepared though in case you are caught. I would mention who you thought you were totally right for the team there and wanted the chance to show what you could do (or words to that effect). Its also good to highlight what you have brought/done since you started. From a personal point of view - not sure how I would feel having to keep that secret.

TerribleTantrums · 15/08/2013 11:45

Do the job, don't tell them. See if you can study for the qualification in the evenings or online and sit the exam. It won't make a blind bit of difference to your employer but it will ease your conscience.

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