7 Taboo Job Search & Workplace Behaviors Employees Admit to Doing in 2025

Have you ever lied on your resume in hopes of landing an interview for your dream job? Quit a new job shortly after you started? Showed up to a Zoom call or video interview looking like you rolled out of bed? If you sheepishly nodded your head “yes,” don’t worry – you’re not alone.

iHire recently surveyed a Qualtrics Market Research panel comprising 1,645 U.S. workers representing various age groups and industries. While our full survey findings will be published in the coming months, we uncovered some insights worthy of sharing with our job seekers in a separate piece of job search advice.

Survey Data on Job Search Taboos

To gauge the extent of controversial job search trends and topics, we asked respondents if they had ever exhibited seven specific behaviors or actions. While these behaviors might seem harmless, they can damage your reputation, hinder your career growth, and even cost you future job opportunities. Our survey showed:

• 21.6% of workers have quit a job without giving their employer notice
• 16.5% have quit a new job within the first two weeks
• 16.2% have stretched the truth in a job interview
• 14.0% have participated in a Zoom call/video conference in their underwear, pajamas, or otherwise unprofessional attire
• 10.9% have ghosted an employer/didn’t show up for a job interview
• 9.4% have secretly held a second job/held another job without either employer knowing
• 8.9% have lied on their resume

At a glance you may think that some of these percentages seem low, but consider the implications if the data is applies more broadly. For example, 8.9% of respondents said they have lied on their resume, which means that nearly 1 in 10 or 10 in 100 resumes an employer receives aren’t completely truthful.

Next, we’ll look at why each of these behaviors is considered a job search taboo and share a better approach to protecting your reputation and growing your career.

1. Quitting a Job Without Notice (21.6%)

Why It’s Taboo: Not all companies require departing employees to provide notice but abruptly quitting a job can leave your employer (and co-workers) in a tough spot as they figure out how to cover for your work and backfill your role on the fly. This can burn bridges, making it difficult for you to get a positive reference from that employer or return to the company in the future.

Better Approach: If possible, give at least two weeks’ notice before resigning. This makes it easier for your employer to find a replacement, ensures a smoother transition, and leaves them with a more positive impression of you. (Bonus content: Check out this article on how to quit your job on good terms.)

2. Quitting a Job Within the First Two Weeks (16.5%)

Why It’s Taboo: Sometimes a new role isn’t the right fit; however, quitting a job you just started can be disruptive and unprofessional. Employers spend time and money recruiting and onboarding new hires (up to three or four times a new employee’s salary), and leaving so soon can make you seem unreliable, leave a negative mark on your employment history, and again, burn bridges.

Better Approach: If the workplace is especially toxic or dangerous, then yes – it’s OK to quit right away. But in most cases, you’ll want to give your new role some time; the first few weeks can be overwhelming as you get settled. If you’re still unhappy, identify the issue(s) that make you want to call it quits. Is it the work itself? The company culture? Your commute? Discuss your concerns with your manager, HR, or a trusted colleague or mentor, and devise a solution. Then, give yourself a deadline (such as three months), to reassess your situation. If conditions have not improved, it may be time to devise an exit strategy.

3. Stretching the Truth During an Interview (16.2%)

Why It’s Taboo: Many job seekers feel pressured to impress, so it’s not too surprising that 16.2% admitted to stretching the truth during an interview. While this might seem like a way to make yourself a more attractive candidate, it’s a risky move. Employers often conduct reference checks, and inconsistencies in your story can quickly surface. If you’re caught lying in a job interview, it can ruin your credibility and cost you the job offer.

Better Approach: Be authentic! Highlight your actual strengths, skills, and experiences using tangible examples. If you lack experience in a certain area, express your enthusiasm for learning and growing in the role and discuss your transferable skills.

4. Wearing Unprofessional Attire in a Work Video Call (14.0%)

Why It’s Taboo: The rise of remote work has made way for employees to show up to online meetings in attire you probably wouldn’t want to be caught wearing in an office setting. While you may be working or even interviewing for a job from the comfort of your home, a lack of effort in your appearance can signal a lack of respect or professionalism.

Better Approach: Dress as you would for an in-person meeting (yes, even from the waist up), to ensure you’re taken seriously and avoid embarrassment. A polished look helps you get into the right mindset and present yourself as a professional.

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5. Ghosting an Employer for an Interview (10.9%)

Why It’s Taboo: Although you might change your mind about pursuing a job opportunity, ghosting a job interview without informing the employer or recruiter is one of the biggest job search taboos. Your interviewer (or interviewers if you are in a panel interview) has taken time out of their busy day to meet with you. Failing to show up without notice leaves the employer frustrated with lost time and resources, which hurts your reputation and may prevent that employer from ever considering you for future jobs.

Better Approach: Never ghost a job interview. If you decide not to pursue a position, politely email or call the employer to cancel the interview as soon as possible. Be professional and straightforward, avoid making any negative comments, and thank the employer for their time and consideration.

Here is a sample email for declining an interview:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I appreciate the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. However, I have decided to withdraw my application and cancel my scheduled interview on [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I wish you and your team all the best in filling the role.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

6. Secretly Holding a Second Job (9.4%)

Why It’s Taboo: Balancing multiple jobs can be a necessity, but at times, keeping a second job secret from a primary employer (or both employers) may create ethical and contractual conflicts. For example, some employers have policies against moonlighting due to potential conflicts of interest or concerns about job performance. If discovered, you could face disciplinary action or even termination.

Better Approach: Review your employer’s policies regarding secondary employment. If your job performance isn’t affected, consider being transparent with your employers to avoid potential issues.

7. Lying on Your Resume (8.9%)

Why It’s Taboo: Can you lie on your resume? As with lying in an interview, being dishonest on your resume can come back to haunt you. While a small embellishment may seem harmless, employers often verify credentials, and a background check can expose any falsehoods. If an employer discovers that you’ve misrepresented your qualifications, it can lead to disqualification from the hiring process or termination if you’ve already been hired.

Better Approach: Ensure your resume is 100% factual. Use your cover letter and/or interview to explain gaps in your employment, detail your transferable skills, and elaborate on any areas of your resume that may raise questions. If you do not want to draw attention to your work history, you can opt for a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities instead of specific job titles.

Additionally, if the role requires a certain degree and you haven’t graduated yet, you can still list it and indicate that it is “In Progress.” Similarly, you can create an “Interests” section to highlight skills you are learning but are not proficient in at the moment.

Final Job Search Advice

While these seven job search and workplace taboos are more common than you might think, they can carry serious consequences. Professionalism, honesty, and communication go a long way in establishing a solid personal brand and growing your career. By avoiding these missteps and embracing better approaches, you can maintain your credibility and set yourself up for success.

For more job search best practices, check out our Job Seeker Resource Center.