More than 27 percent of hiring managers say they are skeptical of employees' excuses for showing up late. Turns out their doubt is warranted: 24 percent of all employees decide to make up a fake excuse rather than tell the truth and fifteen percent of workers admit to arriving late at least once a week, according to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey.

Next time you're stuck in rush hour contemplating how you are going to spin your your advantage. While your boss probably won't believe it, he can't be mad at you for trying to be original.


1. While rowing across the river to work, I got lost in the fog.

2. Someone stole all my daffodils.

3. I had to go audition for American Idol.

4. My ex-husband stole my car so I couldn't drive to work.

5. My route to work was shut down by a presidential motorcade.

6. I have transient amnesia and couldn't remember my job.

7. I was indicted for securities fraud this morning.

8. The line was too long at Starbucks.

9. I was trying to get my gun back from the police.

10. I didn't have money for gas because all of the pawnshops were closed.