Can I lie on my resume… just a little?
Comments:13
In 2007, Marilee Jones, called the “most celebrated Admissions Dean in America” resigned from MIT — the reason? A lie on her 1979 job application, fabricating several degrees.
In 2006, David Edmondson stepped down as Radio Shack’s CEO, after he was caught lying about his academic record —again, claiming degrees that he didn’t earn.
Lying on one’s resume can provide rewards unless one is caught, and then the fall-out can be enormous.
Due, perhaps, to the recent rise in applicant lines, more applicants are being caught lying. Experts estimate that as the economy continues to plummet, the numbers of those lying on job applications will increase. Various sources state that between one-third and one-half of all job applicants lie on their applications, even though in some states, it’s illegal.
And, moreover, the employer of a person caught lying on her or her application can potentially sue the person for losses and expenses incurred.
Just ask Richard Clark about his employment at Coopers Lybrand consulting agency in Canada. He lost his employers several clients when they found out he didn’t have any of his three claimed degrees. He paid for his mistake in cash!
According to a study done by Careerbuilder.com, almost all managers who catch a potential hire lying on his resume will automatically cross him off their list of applicants. Nearly half will automatically dismiss him even after he is hired, should such a lie come to light.
And the potential ramifications are even greater than that — once fired for lying on your resume, do you list that job on your resume and have your new boss call and find out the truth, or do you leave it off and just keep lying, hoping that you’re not caught again? It’s a vicious cycle.
More and more managers are doing background checks on employees, so common lies, like claiming a degree that you didn’t earn or inflating your previous title, are more likely to get caught. Another common lie, changing dates to hide gaps in employment, is especially easy to catch.
And the lies aren’t just from the little people. Executives and other high profile personalities are getting caught, too. Laura Callahan lost her senior position in the Department of Homeland Security when her diploma was shown to be a fake in 2004. Experts state that lies about education are often early resume lies that are carried on throughout a career.
In fact, resume-padding has become so popular, not only are there sites dedicated to resume lies, but there are also entities referred to as “degree mills” and “diploma mills” to further aid pretenders in their goals.
So-called “diploma mills” fabricate degrees from real colleges, while “degree mills” refer to colleges that are not accredited (though they may claim to be) and require either no, or substandard, work.
Even a small exaggeration, such as stating that one has already earned a degree that is still a few months away, can be grounds for automatic dismissal. Is it really worth the risk?
Written by Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW - Visit the website to hire executive resume writer Erin Kennedy, CERW, CPRW
Erin is an internationally renowned certified resume writer specializing in professional and executive level resumes and career services.
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Erin Kennedy, CERW, CPRW, is the
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Even getting rejected a few times is better than getting caught lying. If you get fired over being dishonest, that time is totally wasted (Since you can’t even put it on your next resume).
I couldn’t agree more with Erin. She is dead on target. Only the naive would assume that they can get away with lying in the job search process. Not just on resumes, but in interviews, too. Job seekers must also realize that it is a small, small world.
More on the same topic in post “Are You Keeping It Real?” http://tinyurl.com/ydfh9ct
JL
I absolutely agree. Plus, I couldn’t imagine LIVING with that lie… wondering ‘when am I going to get caught’ all the time is not worth the job, IMHO.
Erin
That is true too, Jeff. There is always the chance that you will get caught– ‘it’s a small, small world’, is right!
–Erin
Erin –
On point and so sad. The scary part is how many people keep lying and may even get away with it for a while. To me it speaks to character and how one will do under pressure. Here’s my take on this as well – Dont’ Do it! : http://bit.ly/quW3E
– Shannon
Great post Erin! Integrity and pregnancy, one can’t be partially either!
Joe Lavelle´s last blog ..What the MTV Video Music Awards Can Teach Us About Responding Professionally
Joe, LOL… I was going to mention that in the post. It’s like being “a little pregnant”… either you are or you aren’t!
Shannon, I agree and am surprised that it is still happening, but I think people are desperate, anxious, depressed and willing to go to any length to get a job.
Thanks for the comments.
In my opinion, being honest can never go wrong. Besides, the smart employers are not really looking for experience and knowledge, but your talent and potential. This is becoming the trend as technology continues to advance in a very fast paste. Experience and Knowledge are good, but the ability to learn, adapt, and grow is much more valuable; these are the people who are able to stay on top of technology.
Sorry, but I am not going to be able to join the back patting I am here in this post.
I have lied on every job application and resume I have made since my first few jobs in HS. I have found it to be very profitable. It has moved me up the job ladder and keeps me in the jobs I want. I am a job hopper so there have been a lot of them.
I have found that most jobs don’t take a high level of “skill.” 95% of all jobs out there could be taught in a 8th grade school class in a matter of weeks and that is being generous.
I want to give you a couple examples, I personally pulled off. I have been successful at landing jobs in programming, human resources, and dozens of client services/relations. I will admit I had a little experience programming but, not up to par with the programming job I landed.
Why, do I do this? I feel I would fit in well in the jobs. I for the most part have fit in well. I have receive promotions and raises at these jobs I faked myself into.
I can tell you the real lies and dishonesty is at a peak once I am in the job. The way people try to undermine the interests of the company and their peers is horrible. Most of the people I have worked with will do all they can to minimize the “work” they are responsible for. Next, employees hate their jobs and will do all in their power to make the rest of the company miserable.
I believe if you could eliminate the back stabling, bickering, bolstering, and butt kissing I have seen –at all the jobs I have had–we could get to work at 10 o’clock and be out by noon and increase productivity by 100 percent.
Seriously, if you think your skills and character can be defined in a resume you need to look around. Do you see lies and dishonestly every where around you at work? If you don’t, you are living in the lie. The master and creator of the lies and deceit in the work place.
I would never lie on my resume. I cannot believe that some companies do not conduct educational background checks. I remember when I graduated from college; I had to bring my college diploma to interviews with a couple of potential employers.
Kenrick Chatman´s last blog ..How to Differentiate Yourself and Rise to the Top of Your Profession
Kenrick,
I know… those were the days (college diploma to the interview). I couldn’t imagine lying either. Who would take the risk? Well, it’s easy to say… folks who have been unemployed for a long time.
Thanks for the comment!
Erin