In a competitive job market, it may feel like you will never get ahead. You might feel like you could embellish your skills, or work experience with things you haven’t done or accomplished to land a job interview. However, this is something you should never do. There are several reasons why people lie, and there are ways in which a potential employer can see through the deceit. Often, this will lead to consequences you would rather avoid. So, today, let’s talk about why you should never lie on your resume.
In a 2022 study, it was found that 36% of its participants admitted to lying on their resumes and 93% of respondents recorded that they knew people who have lied on their resumes.
People may feel compelled to lie on their resume for several reasons. These may include:
- Pressure to stand out in a competitive or saturated market.
- Lack of qualifications or experience.
- Large gaps of time between positions.
Lying on your resume is not a good idea. One of the main reasons you shouldn’t lie on your resume is you risk damaging your reputation and burning bridges if, and more likely when, you get caught. Since your resume is your chance to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager, if it is discovered that you lied about your qualifications or experience, they will likely dismiss you as a possible candidate.
There are significant consequences when lying on a resume, like being placed on a do not hire list, making it challenging to pursue other positions with the business or organization. You also risk your reputation being tarnished as the hiring manager may inform others in their network about your lack of honesty. You never know who is connected, and you don’t want to run the risk of negatively impacting your chances of securing employment by being dishonest.
Lies on a resume may include faking qualifications, skills, or inflating your expertise. However, should you be invited for an interview, it is highly likely that these lies will be uncovered during this critical step of the job search journey. Since specific questions will be asked of you to describe how and what you achieved, when you aren’t able to supply concrete evidence, you will likely be dismissed as a candidate.
Rather than lying, it is best to put your best foot forward and speak to the skills and expertise you do have. Our skills-based resumes do an effective job of showcasing you as an excellent potential hire. Our experience in various industries allows us to work around challenges such as gaps in your employment.
It is also important to remember that you might not have all the skills or experience that the job position is seeking. This shouldn’t deter you from applying or cause you to lie on your resume. Rather, provide specific ways in which you were successful and how you achieved certain goals so that potential employers can see what you will add to the position they are hiring for. In many cases, employers don’t expect you to have every skill listed, but want to see someone with a proven track record, and someone who is willing to learn and grow with their organization.
We are certain you are familiar with the phrase “honesty is the best policy!” and this certainly rings true when it comes to your resume. If you would like to work with our team to create an effective, and truthful, resume please contact our team today. We are here to help and look forward to connecting with you.