Have you ever lied on a resume?

[Becky2005]

I don't think I have intentionally lied but it's hard to remember some specific details of things from years ago.

I don't know how far back you are supposed to go on resumes. It's hard to remember what I did 10+ years ago. I have been out of the workforce for probably about 6-7 years and have a hard time remembering specific dates.

I can tell you where I worked, title & job descriptions. Wouldn't be able to tell you how much I made because I don't remember.

So, I'm sure I fudged a bit on applications due to memory failure but not intentionally outright lies. Just came up with dates that were close. It's a bit different than a resume but I know I've filled out applications that have asked you hire date/end date, salary, etc... and I can't remember specifically. I know the general timeframe, so I'm sure I lied on those since I may have been off a month or two and might have been off a hair for the salary (since it was always something like 7.83/hour -- never an even number! ).

 

[puffkin]

I voted Other.

My DH is currently looking for a new job (hates his current one) and he will be finished with his Associates Degree in Accounting/Finance next week

His resume for eduction reads- Degree in Accounting/Finance Summer 2006. That way he can send out his resume to jobs that ask for Associates or Bachelors. If he does get an interview, he doesn't have to lie about the degree and he can always say he is willing to go back for the bachelors (given the right circumstances).

I just think that his qualifications are much better when seen in person than on his resume. If his resume would say Associates he might not get looked at for a lot of jobs that he is qualified for in all other areas. So we use the wording Degree to avoid that. Not a lie, but it is kind of concealing the truth

 

[Honu]

I never have. The industry I work in is too connected.

I certainly have terminated many, many people who have done it though. Background checks don't always come back before the candidate starts or is made an offer, especially if there is something fishy in the background.

My most memorable interaction with a liar was her putting down that she held my position at my former employer during the period that I held the position. Imagine that, I didn't even know she was there doing my job.

 

[GeorgeG]

Never, at least on my own. I have done a lot of resumes for friends and family and always try to discourage even minor exagerations, but some people just won't listen.

I did a resume for one of my sister-in-laws and she insisted on claiming a degree or two I knew she didn't have. I couldn't convince her otherwise. Of course, she has not stayed employed at any job for more than a year ot two.

The company I retired from would thoroughly investigated new employees and check with colleges regarding degrees and any other references. Anyone who is less than honest with their resume is likely to be less than honest with their work. You may get hired, but it will come back to bite you.

 

[tiggerlover]

i think what your friend might have meant is how should she develop her resume so that it looks like she has more qualifications.... Sometimes creative resume writing/wording will help.

I just wouldn't lie outright though.

No, she was just looking for more money and thought if she lied about her current salary that she could make more. I redid the resume for her and told her not even to include the salary information and then if she gets an interview to feel the people out because I don't think they can legally ask what she currently makes.

 

[Micca]

I think Anne has it right. "Spin"=OK, "lying"....ixnay.

 

[summerrluvv]

No, she was just looking for more money and thought if she lied about her current salary that she could make more. I redid the resume for her and told her not even to include the salary information and then if she gets an interview to feel the people out because I don't think they can legally ask what she currently makes.

Salary shouldn't be on a resume to begin with. It really wouldn't matter if she lied about it either because I believe it's illegal for previous employers to verify salary. They can only verify the dates you worked for the company and if you would/would not be eligible for rehire.

 

[Honu]

Most employers require candidates to fill out an application in addition to their resume. This is where salary, addresses and specific dates are added.

There is usually a statement you sign which states -
1) you've been truthful in the information you've supplied
2) the hiring party can check your references
3) your former employers can release your employment information
4) you understand that your employment/application will be terminated/rejected if the information provided is found to be false.

Most employers do only release title and dates of employment. Most will also confirm or deny additional information that that is supplied to them though. So I could say, "Was their salary $50,000?" and they'd say yes or no. California has the strictest employment laws. We verify salary inquiries, when authorized to, and I always confirm the salaries of potential candidates.

 

[Lil_Tink]

My teacher told us to reworded things. EX: instead of saying "babysitting" saying "child care".