Liars Always Get Caught! What NOT to Put on Your Resume

Posted by ResumeHelp on June 26, 2009

“Everybody does it” as they say. The job market can be a very tough place to compete. If everyone inflates their experience then how can an honest person get a job?

Well, as tempting as it may be, you do NOT want to risk lying on your resume.

Whether it’s personal information, job experience, or schooling – employers are finding new ways to sniff out liars and you don’t want to be one of them. Misrepresenting facts on your resume is a giant No – No! Period!

PERSONAL INFORMATION

While some information may not be easily verified, information such as a criminal record, can be very costly to you in the event it is checked out. With sites like rapsheets.com you can never guarantee that an employer won’t be able to find the information.
JOB EXPERIENCE

Clearly this is not the place to boast about fake employment as you can be sure these are the first places they will call. If you were fired for some reason better to face up and explain it than let it be discovered later. If you have what the employer is looking for they will give you credit for honesty. So be honest.

EDUCATION

Do you really think that nobody will notice if you slip in an education you don’t really have? If you have the degree or certificates to back your claim then you have something to boast of. Even if you do have the skills, you can’t afford to claim education you can’t provide proof of. EmployAct.com is a new service that will allow employers to have background checks – similar to criminal or credit checks – to verify your claim.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE

With all that said and done, how can you create a resume that will highlight your skills and abilities without needing to lie?

Give yourself credit. If you are not sure how to write a resume that will highlight your skills and training then hire a professional to write one for you. They will know exactly how to showcase your skills in the best light because that’s what they do. You may not know what an employer is looking for, they will. With many jobs that don’t require a particular expertise, you many find that they are looking for people who are able to learn on the job. Proof that you have gained skills as a worker (or even a volunteer if you’re just starting out) can be very valuable.

Be certain that you focus on skills. Expand your descriptions. Rather than say ‘I worked in an office’, say ‘I was responsible for answering the phones and directing calls to the proper departments. I also was able to multi-task by providing supportive administrative assistance to the head receptionist including maintaining a filing system, processing inter office memos, delivering documents in a timely manner, directing clients to their meeting appointments and providing relief reception.’ Also provide a list of computer programs you are proficient in — i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. These are a real plus but make sure you don’t exaggerate your skills. If you know some of the lesser known computer programs list those as well.

As you can see from the above example, it is perfectly acceptable to elaborate on your skills, but do so in an honest and ethical manner. Have confidence in keeping the job you are sure to get by doing it right the first time.

About the Author

Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.