When you have been searching for a job for weeks without a bite, and you think your skills match a job that’s posted, it can be tempting to stretch the truth about your qualifications and experience.
Candidates often justify their dishonesty by saying it’s part of the game, and a way to get an interview, but the consequences can be substantial. Getting caught — even if it’s down the road — can create bad feelings with those who hired you. It can even ruin your reputation.
According to Forbes, the most common areas for dishonesty in resumes are education, employment dates, job titles and technical skills. And, there are other ways in candidates stretch the truth.
Here’s an example: A candidate applied for a job that stressed the need for Spanish-speaking applicants. The candidate mentioned his bilingual skills in his resume summary, implying he could speak Spanish, and he got an interview. The first interview went well, and he was called in for a second round of interviews. This time, he interviewed with the hiring manager.
The hiring manager was pleased to have found a strong candidate and explored his bilingual skills by asking questions in Spanish. The candidate stumbled over his responses, and the truth surfaced: The candidate could understand Spanish but could not hold a conversation. The candidate did not get the job and left a poor impression with the employer, who probably felt duped.
The consequences of not telling the truth about your experience can taint your reputation. You risk damaging future opportunities in your field when you mislead a hiring manager who most likely will network with his colleagues.
Stretching the truth is too risky, and if you can’t back up your experience with your abilities, it’s best to avoid certain positions, no matter how well you believe you can do the job.
Do you think the majority of job candidates get caught with dishonest information?
