ARE YOU A JOB SEARCH FAKER?

By Wendy Oliveras on Tuesday, March 02 2010

In an act of desperation, and as a result of today's increased job talent pool and challenging state of employment, some job applicants are tempted to falsify their resumes and application information.  These applicants actually think “faking” or “exaggerating” information on their resumes will not be found out by a prospective employer.  The good news is that you can avoid embarrassing and detrimental consequences by simply telling the truth on your resume at all times.  What is the point in lying on your resume?  If someone can give me a convincing reason as to why this would be a good thing, then I am all ears.  Otherwise, faking anything on your resume is a major “no-no” in your job search.

Since the economy is slowly picking up and jobs are incrementally becoming available, why are there still some job seekers who are intent on falsifying their educational credentials, puff their titles, and even provide fake references?  This is simply ridiculous.  Do job seekers really believe employers are from another planet?  These job search fakers have a rude awakening coming to them.  

Not only are companies becoming more aware of this unethical practice, but prospective employers are implementing strict background checks and references very carefully.  So, if you fake your grade point average, fake your degree in general, fake your job title, lie about why you left a previous job, or even exaggerated about your achievements at a previous company, you have just either killed the deal or are about to get dismissed from your current position if caught.  Either way, you will lose the opportunity or your current position.

The bottom line is that in going forward in your job search, be honest about what you write on your resume.  Lying will only make you look dishonest, incompetent, and untrustworthy.  Certainly not the positive attributes you should be displaying in your job search.  Do the right thing and be an honest job seeker.  You will be a better person for it in the long run.

Wendy Oliveras is an entrepreneur, columnist, author, search consultant, and career planning and development advisor.  She can be reached at either (201) 947-6662 or via email wo@oliverascoinc.com.  Please also visit her at http://www.twitter.com/wendyoliveras, http://www.linkedin/in/wendyoliveras, or http://www.oliverascoinc.com.

To view my previous articles, please visit www.examiner.com/x-22670-NY-Search-Consultant-Examiner.  Thank you.