Spin is a familiar term in the political and media arenas. Spin is the process of presenting negative information in a positive way to influence the reader or listener. When job candidates embellish their achievements, compensation, credentials, college GPAs and gaps in employment history, they’re spinning the information.
When it comes to marketing your background to potential employers, the goal is to get attention and convince the hiring decision-maker to call you for an interview. As a job candidate, you want your experience and skill sets to grab attention and reflect your credibility as a professional.
Hiring decision-makers are very sensitive to the increase in dishonest resumes, and if your accomplishments look to good to be true, they might sound misleading to an interviewer.
So, how do you compete with those who are spinning their qualifications?
Stick to the facts, and be prepared to explain your results.
Be prepared to back up past compensation with tax forms or pay stubs.
Make copies of degrees and any professional certifications to submit if asked.
Practice talking about any gaps in your employment history so you don’t sound defensive.
Back up your references with accomplishments and experience.
