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ConcernedAboutMyOpportunity
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Hi, guys —
Today I had a job interview for a work placement for which I succeeded in. The program offers training and work placement. This will in turn lead me to receive my professional qualifications. The outcome was great, however I am now feeling anxious and possibly scrupulous at the possibility I have sinned to get this position.
During the interview, I may have over-exaggerated my skills and experiences. I was also dishonest in answering a couple of questions. I also sugar-coated some answers.
For example, one of the questions asked how I would deal with a particular stressful situation, and I gave them an answer which would definitely sound professional-like and pleasing. My question is:
- Do I need to come clean with this? or
- Can I continue to accept the opportunity?
ConcernedAboutMyOpportunity
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I had a great interview today that offers a lot, but what should I do if I was dishonest in areas? }
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Mike replied:
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Dear ConcernedAboutMyOpportunity,
Though your question falls outside the scope of our mission of answering questions and clarifying misperceptions about the Catholic faith, I'll give you my private, personal opinion.
I may be totally off base because I, myself, am currently looking for full-time work. I have three Hi-Tech degrees from three different schools, but no one in the Boston area is interested in hiring me. [resume (PDF) (MS-Word)]
Nevertheless, my view is that hiring managers are looking for several things in candidates they interview which can be summarized in three questions:
- Can they do the work that is required?
- Will they fit into the current team structure?, and
- Will this candidate help me solve my problems?
We can summarize this into the three attributes the candidate should have:
- the aptitude to do the work
- the personality to fit into the group, and
- a good work ethic.
What you have said implies you may not have the aptitude to do the work.
If you accept a job you can't do, this will catch up with you sooner or later, no matter how good a personality or work ethic you have. You have to reflect on whether you have the aptitude to do the required work.
You said:
- Do I need to come clean with this? or
- Can I continue to accept the opportunity?
Since there may be nuances to your situation, it's probably a good idea to bring these questions up next time you go to Confession and see if your Confessor has any recommendations.
That's the best I can do,
Mike
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Eric replied:
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Dear ConcernedAboutMyOpportunity,
We can't offer spiritual direction or counseling here, but I'd strongly encourage you to deeply examine your conscience and obey it.
- You said you were dishonest on a few questions; in other words, in simple language, did you lie?
If so, that would be a sin. If you over-exaggerated (and not merely presented a polished presentation of) your skills, you could be in trouble if you take the job and are called upon to use those skills. Over-exaggeration could very well be an offense against truth, especially in this context. Sugar-coating and sounding pleasing and profession are less serious issues.
Remember when we sin, we have to make up for and rectify the sin. This does mean coming clean, even if it means losing the opportunity. But they may give you credit for candor.
The Lord will provide if you do the right thing.
Eric
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