When you really need to find a new job, it becomes tempted to stretch the truth on your resume. Maybe you exaggerate your professional history, adding a few years of experience with a hot technology skill? After all, what’s the ultimate risk? Do hiring managers actually have the time to verify everything for every candidate that crosses their desk?
Let’s take a closer look at this important issue facing more than one technology candidate. Ultimately, the risks of falsifying your resume are numerous. Getting caught might cause untold damage to your career and professional reputation. Tread wisely.
The Odds are Against You When Lying on a Resume
According to a recent study, around 40 percent of all candidates lie on their resume. This includes lies of commission, which are direct false statements, and lies of omission – not telling the entire truth. Notably, nearly 75 percent of employers discovered lies on a candidate’s CV. Keep this information at the forefront of your mind when considering dishonesty as part of your job search.
What Information Gets Checked by Hiring Managers?
HR departments typically vet the basic data from a candidate’s employment history. This information includes start and end dates and whether a candidate left voluntarily or due to firing. Checking job titles, responsibilities, and salary information only happens on rare occasions.
Contacting a Candidate’s References Helps Discover Lies
However, HR managers typically check a candidate’s references before a final hiring decision. At this point, expect them to discover any apparent falsehoods of a candidate. These generally include technical skills, job duties, and overall responsibilities. Usually, the lying candidate simply gets removed as a candidate without being informed of their lies being discovered.
Discovering a Lie After Being Hired
The most damaging situation – to both businesses and employees that lied – involves a lie being discovered after hiring. Perhaps a manager discovers their new employee simply doesn’t know a tech skill detailed on their resume? In this scenario, expect to be immediately fired, with potentially long-lasting damage to your professional reputation.
Ultimately, the myriad risks of lying on a resume make it unworthy for any technology professional to consider. In the end, following a forthright and honest approach pays dividends throughout your career. If your resume needs some extra depth, learn a new IT skill and earn a certification.
Synerfac Can Help
When you need help with your next job search, speak with the expert recruiters at Synerfac. As one of the top IT staffing agencies in the country, we know the companies looking for talented and honest candidates. Connect with us soon!