Stretching truth on your resume just not worth it

IT might be assumed that exaggerating on a resume is not unusual or could even be expected. Is it really a problem?

Studies suggest that up to 85 per cent of applicants lie on their resume and these figures are on the rise.

One view is that when someone lies on their resume, they are disrespecting themselves, the company and the person conducting the interview.

Hiring the wrong person can be a waste of time and resources and is disruptive to workers and customers alike.

It can be tricky to find out if someone is lying but there are clues and recruiters know what to look for.

This includes background and reference checks and viewing social media profiles, including LinkedIn to find inconsistencies.

Anna Kenneally from Michels Warren Public Relations in South Australia recommends being honest, “sooner or later, that information will be tested against your practical skills and knowledge”.

On the other hand, because recruiters know that applicants embellish their experience or omit what might not be desirable, they can take this into account.

A more acceptable exaggeration tends to be taking a title such as ‘project manager’ when you were a ‘project co-ordinator’, though this kind of embellishment is not encouraged.

If something reflects badly on you, just leave it out.

Some claims made by applicants have made for great stories, with reports of an applicant falsely claiming to be an Olympic gold medallist, an applicant who claimed they had 25 years’ experience but was only aged 32 or the applicant who applied twice for the same job but sent in two different work histories.

Some people will say whatever they think will get them the job. The likelihood is that they will be caught.

If this happens during the interview process, it will cause embarrassment for the candidate, they won’t be considered for the position and their reputation will be damaged.

If the lie or omission is discovered after they are employed, at best it will lead to a lack of trust, at worst they will be asked to leave with their reputation

IF SOMETHING REFLECTS BADLY ON YOU, JUST LEAVE IT OUT

in tatters, causing more problems for future applications.

I believe there is a clear path to be followed with job applications.

Tell the truth and you can’t be caught out – but think laterally and be creative.

If you don’t have the exact skills needed, instead of lying, explain how you would be a good fit for the company and what transferable skills you do have.

Make it clear that you are prepared to learn and display an eagerness and passion for development.

Show your prospective employer what a great cultural fit you would be for their business.