I graduated with a bachelors in computer science around 4 years ago. Long story short, I was depressed, dysphoric, and suicidal throughout my college years and by the time I finished I didn’t want to do anything. I’ve been unemployed for the last 4 years but I’ve also transitioned, started taking better care of myself, and overall I feel much better.
Anyways, I need to get a job now. What kind of lies can I get away with on my resume to cover up the long period of unemployment? Should I pretend I started some sort of company and it failed? Pretend like I went on some backpacking journey in a foreign country? Do companies even check all this stuff?
I did do an internship at a big tech company several years ago, and I’m working on personal software projects so I can put that on my resume. Also, I’m in Amerikkka.
Sorry if this question has been asked here before
Unless you're applying for some kind of job for the government, or a job that requires some kind of license, your resume is entirely on the honor system. I'd say you worked freelance/self employed doing something you're experienced in. If they ask why you're not doing that anymore just say things like "I miss working as part of a team" or "I really just want some stability".
There might be repercussions if you get found out, so bear that in mind. Judge your level of risk vs the size of the lie. I wouldn't lie if you need a license or certificate for the job. I wouldn't lie if they pull tax records/credit reports during the application process. I wouldn't lie if it would be immediately obvious you don't know what you're doing.