|
Author: Linda Matias Article source: http://www.kabish.com/. Used with author's permission.
It seems like a good idea, harmless in fact. Your friends assure you that everybody does it and that employers rarely check resume facts. Going on blind faith and convinced the truth hasn't been helpful so far, you seriously consider fabricating information on your resume. You adapt the school of thought that a little white lie never hurt anyone and lying on a resume is just that, a little white lie.
Cheating on a resume can be tempting, especially when one has been searching for a job for months or even years. However, we all know that fibbing is never a good idea, and the likelihood that you'll be caught is extremely high. Even if your "creativity" slips through the cracks, karma has a way of catching up with you. So either way, lying gets messy.
That said, many job seekers have major hiccups in their professional life—employment gaps, lack of education and/or experience—and it is becoming increasingly difficult for most to write their own resumes without exaggerating or flat-out lying. Since resume fraud is on the rise, employers are taking much more care in verifying information, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to mislead them. The good news, however, is that lying isn't necessary if the resume is well-written and strategically organized.
The education and experience sections of a resume are the ones most job seekers are fixed on fabricating. They are under the impression that if they lack the educational requirements or the experience described in the job description they won't be considered a serious candidate. That, however, is a myth.
Education doesn't top an employer's list
Many people incorrectly believe hiring decisions are made based on the candidate's education, and they feel compelled to stretch the truth in order to compete with their degreed counterparts. The reality is that education, though important, isn't the driving force behind hiring decisions unless, of course, your profession requires a degree (e.g. doctors, lawyers, CPAs, etc.).
When a candidate lacks a college degree but has a solid work history, education quickly falls down the ladder of necessary requirements. Let's take a look at this point from an employer's perspective.
The situation: The job description reads, "Seeking an accounts payable specialist with comprehensive experience in processing expense reports, reconciling vendor accounts, and performing bank reconciliations. Successful candidate holds an associate's degree in accounting."
Candidate #1: Jose has worked in accounts payable for the last five years. During his career, he has set up new policies, cross-referenced purchase orders with invoices, and interacted with vendors to resolve invoice discrepancies. His experience comes from the school of hard knocks and he doesn't have a college education.
Candidate #2: Maria recently received a bachelor's degree in accounting. While earning her degree she worked as a front desk clerk for a Fortune 500 company where she was in charge of filing and answering a multi-line phone system.
Who would you rather hire, Jose or Maria? Chances are that you named Jose as the clear winner because his experience supercedes Maria's education. Jose will be able to jump into the position with little or no training because he has hands-on knowledge of best accounting practices. Maria, on the other hand, is green. The hiring organization would have to spend time, money, and resources to train her, which they most likely won't have an interest in doing.
Show 'em what you've got
Employers spend most of their time scrutinizing the experience section of the resume, and unfortunately, the homespun resume rarely tells the whole story. Most resume do-it-yourselfers fear their accomplishments won't fare well against the competition and they decide to embellish facts in an effort to attract an employer's attention.
Again, fabricating information isn't necessary. Most likely the experience you have garnered throughout your work history is impressive. The challenge, however, is expressing your accomplishments in a way that entices the hiring organization to give you a call.
When dealing with hiring organizations you have to connect all the dots. For each position that you are applying for, there is an average of 500 applicants so you have to make it very easy for the reader to distinguish between you and every other qualified candidate. The only way to achieve that is by writing strong resume copy.
As a job seeker you are intimately involved in your own search, so much so that it is hard to take a step back and write a resume that is marketable. You are probably your own worst critic. If you have attempted to write your own resume you know how difficult it is to write about yourself objectively.
To make the resume-writing process easier, answer the following questions:
- What skill set do you bring to the table?
- What are your competitive strengths?
- For each position you held, list three to five achievements.
- How is your company better off since you joined their team?
- Have you been involved in designing and/or implementing new initiatives?
The point here is to start thinking about your career as a portrait of who you are professionally, and not just as a job. When you make that mind shift, it will be easier to put words to paper. Lying isn't a necessary evil. The trick to obtaining the job you desire is making the most of what you have to offer. About The Author
Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com.
Why Dont We Talk About Anticipatory Grief?
Anticipatory grief is a feeling of loss before a death or dreaded event occurs. All of us go through it, but we don't talk about it much, and struggle alone. ...
Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 6 of 6
SALE, SAIL Sale is either offering something for purchase ("for sale") or offering it at a special price ("on sale"); sail is part of a ship or boat. SELL, CEL...
Business Card Design - How to Stand out and Get Noticed
One of the most powerful, yet over looked weapons in your
marketing arsenal is your business card. If designed properly
this little 3 x 2.5 piece of paper will ...
The Bangkok Forts – Citadels of Rattanakosin
The Bangkok forts along the Chao Phraya River and canal
rings guarded Rattanakosin when it was first established as the
capital. What remains of these Bangkok...
9 Proven Principles for Increasing Productivity, Profit and Peace of Mind
Do you feel guilty about all the publications you purchase but
never read -- or the articles you read with great ideas or
opportunities you never implement? If...
The Noble Crescent Roll - How to Roll a Masterpiece
Ahhh…the noble crescent roll. In some forms it has its origins in the Middle East and in Europe. We know that during the 1600's crescent rolls of some form were...
What is a Credit Report
Information about credit reports
The Amazing 3-Step Formula To Success!
Believe it or not, there is a special 3-step formula that makes people successful. Unfortunately, you can't buy the formula. But if you could, it would be hott...
Adopt A Pet
add love to your life adopt a pet!
Concerned About Photo Printing Services?
Put your concerns to rest.
Corporate Security for Your Home Business
Following these simple, inexpensive solutions to common security concerns your company may have will go a long way in helping you succeed.
Economists #2
Economists know more about how the fragments of society work than anyone. In school they are taught to break down the economy into its tiniest parts and to quan...
Your Dogs Health; Why Dog Breath is No Laughing Matter
Bad breath is so common in dogs that "dog breath" is a term offen used to describe offensive humans. But it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Read a de...
Sales Training - What Is a Disguised Implied Need?
Have you ever been in the position where you are getting, what you think to be, close to concluding the deal only to find your client comes up with objections?
2 Job-Search Success Stories
Here are two success stories from my readers who found new jobs last week. As you read, ask yourself, "How could I apply this to my job hunt?"
Landlords Dance The FICO Fandango
New FICO standards may provide landlords with more qualified tenants.
Four Common Rapport Building Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Pretending You Are Interested When You Are Not. Do yourself a favor and be honest with yourself and the people you spend time with. If you are really not in...
Iowa Real Estate – Farmland, Corn and Family Living
Iowa is definitely a farming state and corn is the dominant crop. Fortunately, Iowa real estate won't take a large bite out of your bank account.
Breast Enhancement Pill - The Great Mystery - Do Breast Enhancement Pills Work?
Breast enhancement pill. The word itself seems to be an impossibility, an enigma - the fact that taking a pill can increase your breast size may seem ludicrous...
Heres Some Cellulite Products That Actually Work
The internet is chock full of information about body-beautiful products, and cellulite products are definitely a hot item among them......many people don't like...
Is Your Management Style Assisting or Hurting Your Business?
Many times business owners can have significant differences in management styles that can deter the growth of both the employees and the business. Employees can...
Are You Wasting Your Time In Pursuit Of Money?
Are you wasting your time in pursuit of free money like I did. Learn the truth about free money before you continue with your chase. Learn from my own experince...
Train for the Look You Want
Train for the Look You Want. Learn the secrets to train your body to achieve your goals in fitness and health. Stop training and exercising like an athlete yo...
CD ROM Business Cards
Created properly, an extremely effective marketing tool. It's a great concept, - and it has a 'cool factor' of 300%. Many people will pop these into their dri...
|
Print this page