It can be tempting to tell little white lies on your resume. After all, the job market is competitive and you want to give yourself a fighting chance. And what’s the big deal about changing a few details here and there or embellishing a bit? Here’s the problem: It can lead to a lot more issues than you realize.
- The Truth Comes Out
It is easier than ever for employers to gather information about potential employees and cross-check the information provided. Nothing ever truly disappears from the Internet. The lies you tell on your resume may quickly be discovered and you’ll find yourself in the “no” pile pretty fast. Make sure that your resume aligns with your online profile and employer records.
- Ethics and Honesty
Lying on your resume not only makes you look dishonest, it can also make employers question your ethics and integrity. If you were willing to lie about yourself and your experience, what else aren’t you telling the truth about? And could you be a liability to the company because you’re altering data on reports or client accounts? It’s a slippery slope that you don’t want to start heading down. Value your reputation and integrity.
- Job Loss
Let’s say you land the job even though your resume wasn’t entirely truthful. Should an employer come to discover that you provided false information or lied about something such as your education, job title, or accomplishments, you may soon find yourself looking for another job. Employers don’t take lying lightly. There is a lot of risk that can come from it. This can also harm your chances of finding a job in the future because your previous employer won’t have a glowing review.
- Awkward Situations
Another scenario assuming your embellished resume got you the job – what happens when you’re asked to do something your resume says you’re proficient in or have done before, and you can’t because you lied about it? You may not be able to fake your way through it and it can be incredibly embarrassing to own up to your lies. A great way to avoid this? Don’t lie. Be honest about your abilities and accomplishments. If you notice that a lot of employers are asking for a certain program, try to find training to learn. Professional development courses can go a long way in supporting your career.
The moral of the story is, if you’re tempted to lie on your resume, even if you don’t think it matters – don’t. You are better off telling the truth and working on things from there. Job searches can be frustrating, but at least you can be confident that you have nothing to hide and don’t have to remember any fibs you told on your resume.
Make your resume a positive – and honest – reflection of who you are and what you have to offer. Grammar Chic can help you figure out what to say, how to say it, and how to organize your resume for maximum impact. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to schedule a personalized consultation.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.
