Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Hi Brian,

I was reading over the part of including one´s GPA and had a question:

I have a friend who supposedly lied on his resume and gave himself a 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale) for his major although he supposedly only got a 2.7. His employer I can only assume did not bother to check. Do employers really call the registrar to find out? My friend mentioned that unless the job is actually related to the course of study, most employers don´t pay much attention to the GPA and would never have the time to call the schools of each candidate to check their GPA.

How about when applying abroad? Do employers really spend the time and money to call a school?

What do you say? I have a 3.1 but stating a 3.7 or so, would look a lot more impressive.

Thanx.

From: Nigel, Senior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Nigel -

In direct answer to your question, no, most employers do not check (although some do). However, that doesn't mean you should do it.

First of all, it's lying and unethical. That should be enough. But if that's not enough for you, consider the fact that your friend has a very dark cloud perpetually hanging over his head--all it would take is one background check (or a disgruntled friend/co-worker turning him in) and he could face involuntary termination (i.e. being fired) from his employer.

No, it is not a good idea. For both ethical and practical reasons. And it can come back to haunt you, years later.

Don't start.

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