Final answer:
Misrepresenting employment dates on a resume and job application is likely to reduce a candidate's chances of being hired, as it undermines trust and questions the candidate's honesty.
Step-by-step explanation:
When HR discovers that a leading candidate has misrepresented dates of previous employment on their resume and job application, the most probable outcome is that the candidate's chances of being hired will be significantly diminished. This act of misrepresentation is often seen as a breach of trust and a red flag about the candidate's integrity and reliability. Employers rely on accurate information to assess a candidate's qualifications and fit for the role, and discovering inaccuracies can imply that the candidate may not be truthful in other aspects of their professional conduct.