Even though we are aware of the consequences of lying, we may feel tempted to justify that a little lie on a resume cannot harm.

We all know what lying means. In general, we tell our kids they will get longer noses if they do. However, for some reason, we feel it can be the path to better off our resume for one reason or another.

To lie or not to lie?

Just because many people do it does not mean it is ok or much less that you will not get busted. The basic idea of lying is not getting caught. However, there are so many ways to double-check what you have written or said that it is complicated to get away with murder. For example, social media is where we are usually honest, so it is a possible place for your future employer to do some screening. LinkedIn in the first place but also other more personal sites like Facebook, Tweeter, Instagram can play a trick and reveal contradictory information or something we would like to hide to our employer. So, your social media accounts are not so ‘personal’ after all.

Another way prospective employers have to prove a resume right or wrong is by running background checks on experience, degrees, criminal record, etc. They will probably call your previous employers and references, too.

However, the most straightforward resource they will refer to is scrutinizing dates, job titles, and any inconsistencies in all the literature that you will submit during the hiring process. 

Some examples of lies on resumes

Case 1- You agree with a friend or colleague to pass as your former manager and give their number as a reference. 

Although this is hard to prove, it is not impossible. Your prospective employer may use a different channel of communication, such as the official number of the company, instead of the one you provided to contact them. That’s it. They got you.

Case 2- You choose to allege having had job titles you did not hold to show a more impressive resume. 

Your interviewer may ask you concrete questions about your responsibilities that you will find challenging to answer. Or even worse, they can call your former boss and ask for your responsibilities.

Case 3- You decide to lie on your time gaps in your work history, fearing you may look lazy.

It is valid to have a time gap in your career. You may have chosen to do volunteer work or work independently. However, if you feel uncomfortable being truly honest, you may want to mention years, omitting months, for example. Your interviewer may ask you for date specifications, but at least you will not be lying.

Case 4- You pretend to have technical skills that you lack expecting to get the job and learn on the go.

A simple question during the interview, asking you for an example of how you previously used that skill, can put you on the spot.

One thing is to highlight your attributes and achievements, but it is another thing to lie on hard data or personal qualities you lack. Being caught in a lie will end a job offer, and harm your reputation even if you are already hired. So, give a second thought if it is worth the risk.

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