Harriette Cole: I convinced myself I had to lie to get a job, and now I'm in trouble

"Get over your guilt and start learning. Find a mentor who can coach you on things you need to understand. Ask a lot of questions. Find out who is an expert at the things you need to learn, and build a rapport with them. Know that a leader is someone who listens well and who motivates others toward greatness. You can gain the knowledge needed so that you can become the person you said you were."

"At the time, it felt like I had to lie to survive. Everyone says that they did it, too, and after months of rejection, I convinced myself that stretching the truth was just part of the game. Now that I've started the job, they are having me lead many projects, and I'm struggling."

A job seeker who embellished leadership experience and exaggerated accomplishments during interviews to secure employment now struggles with guilt and impostor syndrome after being hired. The person overstated qualifications to compete in a tight job market after eight months of rejection. Now assigned to lead projects, they question whether they crossed an ethical line or did what was necessary. The advice recommends accepting the position and actively developing the skills claimed during interviews by finding mentors, asking questions, learning from experts, and understanding that effective leadership involves listening and motivating others. This approach transforms the opportunity from one built on deception into genuine professional growth.

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