Lying on a Resume

During the past few years, the United States has seen a myriad of high-profile individuals, working professionals and the most entry level individuals committing what should be considered a crime – Resume Fraud.

Technically it is not a crime to lie on a resume.  However, most hiring professionals believe it should be.  Countless hours are wasted on job seekers who misrepresent themselves on their resumes.  In almost every case, where lies have been found on their resumes, those individuals don’t fare well in the working world.  If a job seeker is willing to lie on their resume, it is easy to question whether or not they are honest in other aspects of their life.  It becomes viewed as a character flaw.  When someone’s character is questioned, it is difficult to repair any negative thoughts associated with that person.

Even though resume lies are considered extremely unprofessional, they somehow are still making their way onto resumes and into hiring authorities’ hands.  These are seemingly harmless untruths to candidates, yet are highly looked down upon by future employers.

When surveyed, only 5 % of workers admitted to lying on their resume.  However, 57% of hiring authorities reported that they have caught at least one lie on a candidate’s application or resume, according to a recent survey by CareerBuilder.com.  The most important statistic is that 93% of those who spotted a lie DID NOT hire the applicant because of the lie.

The top nine most common lies found on resumes, according to Forbes.com:

1. Lying about a degree

2. Exaggerating numbers

3. Increasing previous salary

4. Playing with dates

5. Inflating titles

6. Lying about technical abilities

7. Claiming language fluency

8. Providing a fake address

9. Padding grade point averages

My advice to job seekers is to simply be honest! My advice to hiring authorities is to be aware of dishonesty!

In either case – HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!

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What Clients Say About Patrice & Associates

  • Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!

    I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Patrice & Associates during my job search. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of your team in helping me find the right job opportunity.  In particular, I would like to highlight the invaluable assistance provided by Chris Bousquet, who stood by my side every step of the way in the search and interview process. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful transition to my new position.

     

    Once again, thank you for your assistance and commitment to my professional career. I wish you and the Patrice & Associates team continued success in your work.

     

    Sincerely,

    Miguel Pulla

    Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!
  • Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!

    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

    Lethr' Rothert

    Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!
  • Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals

    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

    Sincerely,

    Neil Archibald

    Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals
  • Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring

    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

    Eula

    Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring
  • Patrice & Associates Video Client TestimonialsClint Carpenter was wonderful!

    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

    Gary Summers

    Clint Carpenter was wonderful!