Every job hunter understands the pressure to land a rewarding job with a reputable employer, but some candidates take extreme measures to receive a job offer. Resume lies are perhaps one of the most common pitfalls for modern job hunters. Embellishing or twisting the truth appears savvy in the moment, but providing a potential employer with inaccurate information has a wide assortment of repercussions. Before you share a little lie, keep the following in mind.
When you provide a company with your resume, the recruiter takes a precursory look to determine whether you have the right fit for the job. Modern hiring managers don't stop there, however. Many recruiters attempt to confirm salary, job titles and responsibilities with your previous employer, regardless of whether or not you provide a reference. This due diligence helps recruiting companies identify resume lies before extending an offer to an unscrupulous applicant.
If your resume makes it past the initial screening process, the interview process presents another opportunity for the recruiter to uncover dishonest job applications. Interviewers routinely pose questions that dig deeper into a candidate's background and experience. If you field technical questions that you cannot answer or don't understand a rudimentary topic during your conversation, your resume lies become apparent.
Even if your resume lies ultimately fly under the radar and you receive a job offer, your deceit still has the potential to land you in hot water. If you submit dishonest job applications that exaggerate your skills, your employer expects to see those attributes demonstrated in your work. For example, if you claim you speak another language fluently or are comfortable using a particular software platform, you may be put on the spot. If you don't perform well, you can say goodbye to the new job.
Not only are resume lies easily uncovered as you begin your first days of work, but many companies hire applicants contingent on a successful background check. This screening process often includes confirmation of academic credentials and working history. You might think you are finally in the clear once you start working, but if false information comes to light, your employer is likely to send you packing. This means you no longer have a job or an income, and your future hiring prospects are greatly lowered.
Selling yourself to a prospective employer often feels stressful and overwhelming, but always stick to the truth. Dishonesty ultimately hurts your potential success, even though using resume lies to get ahead might appear to provide a short-term boost for your job candidacy. Even if you never get caught, the threat of your employer discovering the truth might haunt you. Keep things honest during your job hunt, and you will avoid devastating consequences in the future.
(Photo courtesy of Master Isolated Images at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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