When Manuel Awartey got the call that he had landed the job, he almost couldn’t believe it. The interview panel had been intimidating, the questions tough, yet somehow, he had managed to charm his way through. What they didn’t know, however, was that part of his impressive résumé was built on half-truths. He had tweaked a few skills, exaggerated his experience, and told himself it was harmless. After all, everyone wanted to look their best on paper, right?
The offer letter came through, and excitement replaced guilt. This was his big break: a reputable company, a decent salary, and the chance to prove himself. He promised he’d learn on the job and quickly fill in the knowledge gaps. But as the days turned into weeks, the promise became harder to keep.
It started subtly. During team meetings, Manuel would nod along even when he didn’t fully understand the discussion. He relied heavily on Google and YouTube tutorials after work. When given a task that required a particular software skill he claimed to know, he’d stall or find an excuse to ask a teammate for “a quick refresher.”
By the second month, the cracks began to show. Deadlines slipped. His reports came back with corrections. His line manager started to give him that cautious look the kind that says something doesn’t quite add up.
What stung the most was that his team wasn’t unkind; they were actually supportive. But support comes with expectations. He could feel the silent pressure of everyone else pulling their weight while he tried to catch up.
Then came the day everything changed.
One afternoon, after yet another deliverable fell short, his senior colleague, Elsie, asked to have a word. She didn’t sound angry, just concerned. They walked to the cafeteria, and over a quiet cup of coffee, she said, “Manuel, you’re trying, but something tells me this isn’t just about workload. What’s really going on?”
For a moment, he froze. His heart raced. Should he deny it again? Make another excuse? But something in Elsie’s tone disarmed him; it wasn’t judgment; it was genuine care. So, he sighed and told the truth.
He confessed to overstating his experience and admitted that he’d been struggling to keep up. He expected disappointment, maybe even a report to HR. But instead, Elsie simply said, “Then let’s fix it. You can’t undo the lie, but you can prove you belong here.”
From that day, things shifted.
Elsie began mentoring him closely, guiding him through tasks, sharing resources, and setting small learning goals each week. Manuel started staying later than usual, not out of punishment, but determination. He watched tutorials, asked more questions, and practised relentlessly.
Slowly, the gap began to close.
His confidence grew, this time, not from charm or bluffing, but from genuine skill. The tasks that once terrified him became doable. The reports started coming back with fewer edits. And when his probation review came around, his manager acknowledged his progress, unaware of the full backstory.
Elsie, watching from the corner of the room, smiled. She knew how far he’d come.
Months later, Manuel reflected on that journey with a mix of gratitude and humility. He realized that one small lie, which he had thought was a shortcut, nearly cost him his credibility. But it also became his most significant lesson in integrity and growth.
He had learnt that in the world of work, honesty opens more doors than exaggeration ever will. Skills can be taught, but character can’t. And sometimes, all it takes is one person’s belief and mentorship to turn a misstep into a comeback story.
Manuel’s story isn’t one of deceit; it’s one of redemption. A reminder that while ambition drives us, authenticity sustains us. And in every workplace, there’s always room for honesty, growth, and second chances.
Be honest about where you are, even as you aim higher. The right people will see your potential, not just your profile.
Here are 7 key lessons and cautions job seekers can take from “The Truth Beneath the Résumé” — especially during the job application and interview process.
1. Don’t exaggerate or lie on your résumé.
It’s tempting to “polish” your profile to sound more qualified, but exaggerating experience or skills can easily backfire once you’re hired. During probation or practical tasks, the truth always surfaces. It’s better to be honest about what you know and highlight your willingness to learn.
2. Focus on your potential, not pretence.
If you lack a specific skill, express your readiness to learn it rather than pretending you already have it. Employers appreciate honesty and a growth mindset more than perfection.
3. Prepare thoroughly for interviews.
Confidence should come from preparation, not bluffing. Research the company, understand the job description, and align your real experiences to the role. That makes your responses authentic and believable.
4. Be honest about past roles and achievements.
Interviewers can usually tell when you’re overselling yourself. Instead of inflating results or responsibilities, focus on what you actually contributed and what you learned from it.
5. Integrity builds long-term credibility.
Landing a job through false claims might feel like a win, but maintaining it can be emotionally draining. Employers value trust; once it’s lost, it’s hard to regain.
6. Highlight your learning attitude.
If you’re not an expert, say so, but show eagerness to grow. That honesty often wins the recruiter’s respect and opens doors to mentorship or training opportunities.
7. Remember: your character is part of your résumé.
Beyond qualifications, employers hire people they can trust. Being transparent, respectful, and self-aware makes a stronger impression than pretending to be perfect.
Manuel’s story is a reminder that honesty, humility, and the right mentorship can turn even a bad start into a powerful comeback. The job market may be tough, but the truth is—skills can be learned, integrity cannot.
If you’re currently searching for a job or preparing for your next interview, here’s your chance to learn how to do it the right way.
Join our upcoming Jobberman Jobseeker Webinar on “The Changing Landscape of Job Hunting: Tips and Tricks.”
