It seems like such a simple concept, a resume should truthfully represent your ability to complete a project. However, studies have shown that upwards of 40% of resumes fabricate or hyperbolize the information they present. Even more pad their resume with fluffy information. While insecurities might drive us to try to make us seem more appealing to a recruiter, remember the risks are huge.
Let’s look at some basic things people do that constitute lying, and could cost you big time.
“It isn’t like they’re going to see my diploma,” you think to yourself as you add an additional degree onto your resume. Education fluffing is one of the resume-padding favorites. It’s as simple as writing in an impressive field in addition to the one you already studied, perhaps even related to your client’s business. “Why yes, I did in fact study history as well computer engineering.”
If you suddenly get caught making amateur mistakes, you’re out a job and have damaged your reputation significantly.
Some might argue that this isn’t even lying. Often, particularly when we are younger, we are given awards for many things. The fact of the matter is that no-one cares about those awards unless they are prestigious, nationally recognized, or exclusive.
If you only have mild awards from school, you’ll just draw attention to the mediocrity of them. It’s important to show awards, but don’t dilute the good ones with a barrage of poor ones. If the award is important, but not nationally recognized make sure you note it’s exclusivity.
Many people hide behind the veneer of many jobs to hide their lacking quality.
If you haven’t accomplished much, either consider a new career path, or hope you land some new jobs and really work hard to buffer your resume honestly.
Resumes are less about the quantity and more about the quality. Why anyone would pad their resume with meaningless words or false accomplishments is beyond me. It only serves to distract the recruiter and lessen your appeal.
