Controversial subreddit r/antiwork has seen a debate over whether one job candidate was right to lie about their salary during an interview.
In a post shared on Wednesday, which has so far reached over 5,500 upvotes and over 4,500 comments, Redditor Zurafa25 explained that they lied about their previous salary, in order to get their desired wage at the new workplace.
Zurafa25 explained that after a really good job interview, which led them to believe they was going to be hired, they lied about their current package at work. "They offered me [a] 33% pay increase over my 'fake' salary which is in reality a 70% increase of my actual full package."
The Redditor also said they were aware it wasn't the right thing to do, and while they're not sure they would recommend anyone else do the same thing, they also asserted they do not feel bad about it.
Most users agreed with Zurafa25's choice to lie as neither party was really hurt by it. One user, Donnyboy007, said: "Was it the right thing to do? OBVIOUSLY F***ING YES". Another user, Van_illa commented: "Yea, it sounds like both parties were ok with the outcome or they wouldn't offer it. Weird there'd be a moral dilemma." And Sick_at_Heart87, added: "Hell no! That's called negotiations! Good job and good luck in your new career!"
While most users praised Zurafa25, others wondered what might happen if they got caught. So what would actually happen? According to Asa Fernandes, payroll manager at Ecommerce Accountants, this scenario is not very common.
He explained that while it's unusual for companies to ask for your previous salary, when they do and you lie about it, the only way they can catch your lie is when they receive the pink slip from your previous employer that clearly states how much you used to make.
"They can't really withhold the job offer unless it was given on the basis of what the salary was, which is never the case," he told Newsweek. "It would only just be really a break of trust and it would affect the person's potential to grow within the new company."
Other users shared similar experiences, some of which went even further than just lying. Haro0828 commented: "Knew someone who did this. The company asked for a previous paycheck to verify. Enter me and Photoshop. She got the job, with the salary".
Some users also raised the issue of whether or not it's even fair or legal to ask about someone's previous salary at a job interview. TheAskewOne said: "Why are employers letting payroll people answer? The only answer to that question should be 'or company doesn't disclose that kind of information'."
Hibbidyhoobla added: "There are a fair number of states where it's illegal to even ask what you used to be making, let alone demand pay stubs. You're not applying for a mortgage, you're answering a shady request for something they may or may not be allowed to ask for."
Newsweek has reached out to Zurafa25 for comment.
