When economic times are tough, many job seekers are forced to apply for positions for which they are overqualified. When your experience and education places you far ahead of other applicants, it can be tempting to dumb down your professional resume to avoid early rejection in the hiring process. Before you remove high-profile accomplishments or positions, consider how it could affect you later in the employment process.
The decision to alter your professional resume should take the hiring process into consideration. If you are applying for a professional position, chances are that the potential employer learns about your true employment and educational history during a background or reference check. If he realizes that you omitted crucial information, it can raise questions about your integrity. Are you being dishonest? Did you leave a past position for a negative reason? Why are you hiding your experience? Even if you have nothing to hide, the omission can cast doubt on your professional reputation.
If you are applying for a general laborer position, on the other hand, it may not be a problem to leave information off of your professional resume. A fast food manager, for example, is unlikely to run a thorough employment or education check. If you want to conceal your past accomplishments without being dishonest, replace your professional references with personal references or references from an entry-level position. The potential employer can verify your character and work ethic without running into complicated questions about your past.
Altering the details of your employment experience is often a satisfactory way to change your professional resume. Frame past positions in a way underemphasizes your accomplishments and highlights your suitability for the open job. Instead of writing, "Managed a $2 million budget," you might write that you managed a large budget. These simple alterations can make your resume feel more accessible and suitable.
When you cannot remove information from your professional resume without appearing dishonest, consider a work-around solution. Use your cover letter to explain why you are applying for the job in question, even though your past experience puts you in a different salary category. Avoid mentioning money, layoffs or other negative factors. Instead, mention that you are switching industries, looking for a new career path or seeking new challenges with a different company. Framing your experience in a positive light makes it easier for employers to overcome the fear of offending you with a low salary or an entry-level position.
Whether you are starting over in a new industry or looking for any job that pays the bills, altering your professional resume is not something to enter into lightly. By considering the potential ramifications and staying honest at all costs, you can navigate the situation with grace and professionalism.
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