It is tempting to believe that everyone inflates their resumes by exaggerating past work experience or credentials. It is true that many people do misstate important facts on their professional resumes. They can sometimes rationalize such indiscretions because in their minds life experience is equal or better than a degree. Others simply do not care, adopting an end justifies the means or “catch me if you can” attitude. Many employers are busy, short-staffed places, and surely will never know the difference.
In these recessionary times, despite busy-ness and being short-staffed, organizations are checking references more thoroughly than ever. My heartfelt message to anyone thinking of fudging key information on their resume is DON’T.
Exactly what untruths are people tempted to claim on their resume? The U.S. Department of Labor tracks these things, and when you look at the data it breaks according to those who were not hired as well as those who were hired but ultimately terminated due to resume fraud. (more…)