Lying on your resume, while enticing, is a terrible idea. Doctoring your work history, claiming to have skills you don’t, and general deceitfulness about how long you stayed with employers can result in immediate dismissal if you are hired.
“Even if you believe you provided a harmless ‘white lie,’ dishonesty on your resume or application can permanently damage your professional reputation,” said Joseph Zeilmann, recruit center manager at The Reserves Network.
56% of employers catch applicants lying on their resume. The most common fib? Embellishing skills and qualifications. Overall, up to 85% of job seekers lie on their resumes, even though employers run background searches on applicants and can confirm if the candidate was truthful about their work and education.
Despite its prevalence, lying on a resume can result in severe consequences. Keep reading to learn more about why you shouldn’t lie on your resume.
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Your Employer Will Probably Find Out You Lied
Human Resource departments can verify where you attended school and your past employers. Many times, candidates will give employers permission to verify information on their application, and most employers will not extend a job offer to an applicant who blatantly lied. It demonstrates trust issues and bad ethics. Companies will rescind job offers if they find out you lied about your experience or background.
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If Hired, You Could Be Fired
If you are hired, and it is discovered you lied on your application or resume, your employer can terminate you for cause.
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Your Reputation Will Suffer
When an employer catches you lying on your resume or application, you will have a damaged reputation. It could hamper your future job opportunities and leave you with an unsavory reputation in the professional world. The employer could share with others in the business world that you have questionable character.
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It Makes You Appear Dishonest
Small lies lead to bigger ones. Employers view your willingness to lie on a resume as indicative of poor character.
Lying on your resume does more harm than good. If you feel your resume is lacking, consider working with The Reserves Network. We can help build you build a winning resume that highlights the skills you already have, and your potential going into the career you want.
