Angiulo: Resume Inflation- Short Term Gains + Long Term Problems
Email to a friend
Permalink
Monday, December 16, 2013
Leonardo Angiulo, GoLocalWorcester Legal Contributor
There are certain occasions when our collective consciousness, and by that I mean that portion of the globe that watches television, pauses for a moment. We generally wonder aloud: What in blue blazes is going on here? I submit to you that one of those moments was when the world questioned if the
sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela's funeral was legitimate. Was he a legitimate sign interpreter is a question for the ages, one that certainly will not be answered here. That the question exists at all, however, raises some important issues with legal implications.
Lying, for the most part, is not a crime. Is it in bad taste? Sure. Will it get you a bad reputation? Yup. Does it hurt people's feelings? Well, that depends on the lie. There are, however, some important situations where lying is actually a crime. Take lying under oath, like when you are a witness at a trial. That's what we in the business call “perjury.” The legislature, and our common law tradition, treat statements on the witness stand very seriously. In fact, it's almost as if the Ninth Commandment from the Judeo-Christian tradition should read “Thou shalt not bear false witness at the Worcester Superior Courthouse.”
While there are some situations where written assertions may become the basis for perjury charges, lying on your resume probably isn't covered by the perjury statute. Those circumstances are typically limited to official records for governmental agencies like here, here, and in letters home to your mom. Just kidding about the letters home part. The practical reality is that while it may not be a crime to add things to your resume to better your chances of getting hired, it's not a good strategy. In the long run it just might get you in some legal trouble.
An example of this is if you want to work for a landscaping company, claim to be fully licensed to operate machinery like a skid-steer, but “technically” don't have your hoisting operators license. Your lies are going to catch up to you pretty quickly if a state inspector shows up and issues you a citation for improper operation of a machine. In fact, not only are you going to have a hefty fine, but your employer will likely have a hard time trusting your word after that.
Another example of lies in the workplace that can have significant consequences is the case of Ms. Annie Dookhan. You remember her; she was the one who faked documentation on drug lab tests for use in criminal prosecutions. Now, if some people faked documentation like a time card or something at work, the worst that might occur is a criminal charge for larceny as a result of getting paid for working overtime that never happened. A particular type of line is crossed, however, once you start affirmatively misleading investigators or filing false official reports as a part of the government you're in a whole other world of hurt.
Similarly, let's say you want to be a sign language interpreter for a government agency, but don't “technically” know how to sign any languages. If you fake documentation, or claim to have certifications you don't have, you may not get found out until you go on international television at the funeral of an international human rights figure. And even then, you might not be prosecuted, but people may not look at you the same again.
Leonardo Angiulo is an Attorney with the firm of Glickman, Sugarman, Kneeland & Gribouski in Worcester handling legal matters across the Commonwealth. He can be reached by email at [email protected].
Related Slideshow: 30 Ways To Give In Central Mass This Holiday Season
Prev
Next
The Salvation Army’s traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless. Donations provide and financial assistance provides Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need including families of prisoners. Simply make a donation wherever you see their trademark red kettle or do so online by clicking here.
Prev
Next
Goodwill Mass accepts donations of men's, women's or children's clothing and other textiles. Some of the clothing donations are provided to our clients who may need an outfit for an interview or a one week supply of clothing for a new job. Most is sold to neighboring Goodwills, or as salvage with all revenues raised going back into programs and services for Rhode islanders.
You may drop off your old clothing at one of the many clothing donation bins throughout the state or at the drop-box located in 25 Park Avenue, Worcester.
Click here for more information.
Prev
Next
Formed in 2002, Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization developed to support military families. On December 14, Operation Homefront will host a “Holiday Toys for Military Kids” event in Wellesly Hills, Taunton, and Springfield from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Toys are limited and are on a first come, first serve registration process. Once your registration is complete you will receive a confirmation email. Please note that this program is for military dependent children only.
Prev
Next
Donate non-perishable food items such as rice, beans, and canned vegetables for Thanksgiving distribution by November 21. Donate new or gently used winter clothing such as boots, hats, scarves, and coats to be distributed to ACE families during the holiday season. Donations accepted November – January.
Contact: Amy Connery (508) 799-3653
Prev
Next
Donate gift cards, new toys, and new clothes; personal care items such as soap, shampoo, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, and disposable diapers; and canned goods for December holiday food baskets.
Contact: Patricia Price (508) 755-3773
Prev
Next
Donate tickets to sporting events, theatres, and movies; specialty food items, health and beauty items; kitchen essentials; gift baskets; and gift certificates to grocery stores, pharmacies, and department stores.
Contact: Sandra Marquis (508) 266-6517
Prev
Next
Donate new toys, games, and books for children of all ages; grocery store gift cards for holiday food baskets; gifts for teens such as movie passes, music, gaming gift cards, and personal care items; and gift cards to clothing and shoe stores to purchase gifts for children and teens. Adopt a family and provide gifts for Christmas. Call for details.
Contact: Sheryl Spafford (508) 832-5707 ext. 10
Prev
Next
Donate gift cards to local grocery and discount stores; board games; craft supplies; sports equipment and balls; and other small gift items suitable for children.
Contact: Melanie Perreault (508) 752-7868 ext. 14
Prev
Next
Donate holiday gifts for children ages 5 – 18 including gift cards for teens to purchase items such as movies, music, and clothing; grocery store gift cards to purchase holiday meals for families in need; and wrapping paper and supplies such as bows and cards. Adopt a family for the holidays and provide gifts. Call for details.
Contact: Liz Hamilton (508) 754-2686
Prev
Next
Donate new toys, books, clothes, outerwear, boots, and gift cards for boys and girls ages 4 – 18; gift certificates for movies, bowling, and other activities; non-religious holiday decorations and gift-wrap; and food for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
Contact: Anna Berin (508) 853-6988
Prev
Next
Donate new winter coats, gloves, mittens, and hats for adults and children; gift cards to pharmacies, grocery stores, and discount retail stores; and non-perishable food donations.
Contact: Cynthia Taberner (508) 860-2206
Prev
Next
Donate gifts for homeless children of all ages and new household items for more than 80 homeless families including sheet sets, blankets, pots and pans, dishes, silverware, and gift cards to discount and grocery stores. Gifts for teens especially needed.
Contact: Katherine Kerr (508) 791-7265
Prev
Next
Donate gift cards for discount and grocery stores that will be distributed to needy families during the holiday season to be used for food, clothes, and gifts.
Contact: Karen Ludington (508) 459-6424
Prev
Next
Donate winter hats and gloves and gift cards to discount stores, grocery stores, and fast food restaurants.
Contact: Brian Bickford (508) 860-1139
Prev
Next
Donate new coats, hats, gloves, and mittens for children, adolescents, and adults of all sizes. Donate new board games and gift cards in denominations of $10 – $25.
Contact: Amanda Atchue (508) 421-4501
Prev
Next
Donate toys and other items for children ages 10 – 18. Items for teens especially needed.
Contact: Armida Martinez
(508) 755-7100
Prev
Next
Donate gift cards for male residents: sheets and blankets, toiletries, hats, gloves, and pajamas.
Contact: David McMahon
(508) 799-9389
Prev
Next
Donate new items for newborns and mothers in need: baby blankets, toiletries, newborn undergarments, socks, bibs, infant equipment such as car seats, new maternity clothes, and gift cards for discount and grocery stores. Donate new items for immigrants/refugees such as gloves and mittens, hats, scarves, and home first aid kits. Donate new household items for homeless families including sheet sets, blankets, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and dishes.
Contact: Georgianna Sgariglia
(508) 860-7951
Prev
Next
Donate small toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo to be used as gifts for Meals on Wheels recipients.
Contact: Julia Martiros
(508) 852-3205
Prev
Next
Donate gift cards to grocery stores to purchase items for a holiday meal; gift cards to discount stores; and children’s winter clothing including gloves, socks, and small-sized winter coats.
Contact: Courtney Hale
(774) 245-5416
Prev
Next
Donate educational toys for children ages 1 – 12; gift cards and gift certificates; and household items such as bedding, pots and pans; personal hygiene products, and diapers.
Contact: Ivonne Suarez
(508) 757-7506
Prev
Next
Donate coats for women, children, and teens; hats and gloves; books for all ages, journals, and gift cards to discount and grocery stores.
Contact: Amarely Gutierrez
(508) 755-5371 ext. 3014
Prev
Next
Donate men’s and women’s clothing in all sizes (especially XL and plus sizes) such as sweaters, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, underwear, and t-shirts; toiletries such as hairbrushes, makeup, shampoo, body wash, and lotion; inexpensive male and female jewelry items such as crosses, watches, and rings; games, cards, word search books, and other small gift items.
Contact: Sandy Epstein
(508) 368-3524
Prev
Next
Donate Christmas trees and decorations for use in resident community rooms; pie filling or grocery store gift cards for holiday food; and hats and gloves for children in all sizes.
Contact: Lynn O’Toole
(508) 635-3306
Prev
Next
Donate non-perishable food for distribution to area emergency feeding programs. Drop off items Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Please call the office before dropping off. Please visit www.foodbank.org for more information.
Contact:
(508) 842-3663
Prev
Next
Donate linens and blankets, craft supplies, gloves, hats, scarves, and gift cards to pharmacy and grocery stores. Items donated to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Contact: Tracy Andryc
(508) 298-1129
Prev
Next
Donate small gifts for teenage girls in residential shelter such as warm socks, gloves, scarves, hats, journals, and hygiene products.
Contact: Stephanie Towne
(508) 852-6277
Prev
Next
Donate toys for children ages 2 and up including Disney toys, Dora, pretend food items, art supplies, model cars, blocks, and books; gift cards to toy and discount stores. Gift items for teenage boys especially needed.
Contact: Melissa Murphy
(508) 762-3205
Prev
Next
Donate navy blue blazers, white button down shirts, khaki pants, belts, and dress shoes for boys in sizes from boys’ small to men’s medium; sports equipment such as baseballs, soccer balls, and related items; art supplies and music equipment such as instruments, scores, and songbooks.
Contact: Patrick Maloney
(508) 799-0100
Prev
Next
Join us for our annual “Holiday for Heroes” campaign. Assist by reviewing, categorizing, and bundling holiday cards that will be delivered to veterans in Central MA. You would need to dedicate about three hours for this one-time seasonal event in early December. Call to schedule date.
Contact: Ray Duffy (508) 595-3762
[email protected]
Related Articles
Enjoy this post? Share it with others.
Email to a friend
Permalink
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It