I lied in a job interview about why I left—should I confess now?

[Badtobad]

So I just had a job interview. I told them I left my old job because I was covering a colleague who was on maternity leave. My colleague did leave because she had a baby but the real reason I think is because I wasn't good enough.

Should I tell my previous employer who I am on good terms with that I told my potential employer why I left?

[AI Opinion]

I’d leave it alone and not “confess.”

In interviews, candidates often present the most favourable accurate slice of the story. You didn’t fabricate employment dates or qualifications; you framed your departure in a non‑damaging way.

Don’t go back to your old employer about this. It may confuse them and draw attention to something they hadn’t framed that way.

For future interviews, focus on growth:
“I learned a lot in that role, but it wasn’t the right long‑term fit. Since then I’ve improved in X, Y, Z.”

[Finchie40]

No, just stick to your story , no reason to confess , because that will mean you don’t have an issue with lying , but don’t sweat it , because most companies lie to you as well , and blow smoke up your ass to get you on board. Did you quit the job without notice? If so , that’s the only thing the new company might not hire you for , why giving notice is wise to do when you don’t like a job you are at , because the new company might ask them if you gave notice before you quit. If you gave notice then you are ok. Keeping fingers crossed for you

[Badtobad]

I did

[Finchie40]

Then you are fine

[OneViewpoint]

Nobody cares why you left. Here's the real truth 100% of the time.

No one leaves a job because it was the best job ever. The owner was great. Your boss was great. The people you worked with were great. The work was interesting. The money was great. You were getting regular raises and promotions. And the company was doing great.

Nope! Something made that job miserable enough that you decided to leave and start over again somewhere else. And you'll do it again if you find out this company wasn't honest with you during the hiring process. That is the honest truth of "at will" employment in an Extremist Capitalist economy.

And here's the other side of "at will" employment. The company can and will walk you to the door on a Friday afternoon with zero notice without giving you a reason.

[exitseven]

No, if you think that your previous employer will corroborate your story you likely will be disappointed. Most people will not want to discuss those kind of things for legal reasons. Just shut up about it and hope for the best.

[Badtobad]

What legal reasons?

[Badtobad]

I have a casual relationship with my ex employer

[exitseven]

Employers are usually discouraged from discussing employees work records because of potentila lawsuits.

[katiesmuff]

Somewhere I got lost in the middle of whatever this story is all about.

[EveryDayIsPretzelDay]

Nope. You're committed to the lie. Live with it.

[In_Trance]

Why would you do this

[Badtobad]

To have a good reason why I left

[Badtobad]

I believe I'll get away with it lol

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Noooo

[Badtobad]

What do you mean

[FrodoSkywalker007]

No point in admitting it. Makes you look untrustworthy.

[Badtobad]

I mean I could let my ex manager know so they are prepared?

[bowenw]

Don’t do anything.