I was laid off from my engineering role at my previous company, with my official end date being October 9, 2026. During my job search, I made the mistake of telling potential employers that I was still employed there. Now, I'm worried about what might happen if they conduct a background check. I've heard mixed opinions on whether this could be a dealbreaker. Some say that if they verify my employment dates, they'll find out I left in October, which could raise red flags. I understand that layoffs are common these days, and I probably should have been honest about my situation. I'm just anxious about how strict their HR policies might be and whether this lie could cost me a job offer. I'm hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.