Redditor’s CV lie leads to promotion, sparks debate on workplace ethics

A Reddit user’s confession about lying on his CV has gone viral, sparking a lively debate about work ethics. The user, known as zaenova, admitted to fabricating his experience and calling himself a “coding wizard” to land a job. He revealed that this lie got him hired and even promoted, but now regrets it, feeling trapped in a “never-ending cycle of Google searches and caffeine-fueled coding sessions.”

In his post titled "I once lied on my CV. I got the job and got promoted," the Reddit user shared the pressure he now faces. "My browser history is filled with searches like 'how to fix syntax errors' and 'what does this error message mean?'" he wrote. He admitted that he learned to code on the job, and while his colleagues think he's a genius, he confessed, "I'm really just good at hiding my panic."

When his colleagues ask him to explain his code, the user revealed that he resorts to a “confident-sounding, jargon-filled monologue, hoping they'll get lost in the technical details.” He added, “The best part? I got a promotion and a raise, which really means ‘we're paying you more to keep pretending you're good at this.’” Since being posted, the confession has gone viral, sparking a debate about work ethics. While some sympathized with the Reddit user, others were less forgiving.


One user wrote, "Whether you're pretending or not, you're doing your job and deserve the promotion." Another user commented, "Honestly, you're no different from other programmers. Even those with 10+ years of experience have similar search histories. You're doing great. Keep it up."

Another user commented, "It just shows how clueless recruiters and employers can be. Anyway, kudos to you for gaming the system."

However, one Reddit user stated, "You’re a disgrace, and I’m not even joking. You’re occupying a position that someone else, who truly worked hard and prepared for the role, deserves."