It is commonly believed that you should never lie on a resume. Employers always find out and the next thing you know, you are fired, embarrassed or depending on the severity of your lie, you may even be facing legal problems. While it is true, to an extent, that it is a bad idea to lie on your resume by adding employers that you never had, degrees from colleges you have never even applied to or exaggerating how long you were employed with a company, there is nothing wrong with trying to cast yourself in the best light. Keep in mind that while employers want to you stay factual, they also want you to impress them and show them why you are the best candidate for the position.
So here are some lies you can totally get away with (and they might even help you get a job)
The Lie of Omission (or, you don't have to tell them everything)
Employers aren't looking to find out every job that you have ever held. In fact, all they are looking for is someone who is right for the job. You don't have to list everything. That time you worked at snack bar in college? Don't list it. As you go through your list of previous experience, try to look at it from an employer's perspective. In the job description section of each job you list, make everything you write answer the question “Why should I hire you?” If an entry can't be made to answer that question, leave it out. If you end up with nothing left on your resume, then you should rethink even applying.
The Lie of Exaggeration (or, This is not the time to be humble)
When citing past experience, this isn't the time to be completely honest. Take credit for the success of the teams you were working in. Your part in the team may have been small, but you can always say “I was part of a team that increased sales by 20%”. Employers want to hire team players, so show them rather than just tell them about your personal duties and accomplishments. Remember, this is an advertisement not an interrogation.
The Numbers Lie (or, you can make statistics support anything)
With almost any job, you can turn your accomplishments into numbers. For example, if you worked for McDonalds and spent a good portion of your days passing out straws, you can say that you increased straw efficiency 35%, and improved customer satisfaction by anticipating needs. The more you are able to add statistics and work in words like million, Fortune 500, the better. Numbers catch the readers eye and help them see why they should hire you. Don't forget that even a summer gig putting pizza coupons on peoples door can easily become “Launched and carried out viral marketing campaign that increased sales by 50% and raised brand awareness throughout our service area.”
The Lie you Tell Yourself (or, be proud of every job)
I know that you may not have loved every job you have ever had, but try to let go of any negative feelings you may have about the position or the employer. Find a way to make your experiences at that position shine through. If you feel bad about a previous job, it shows. So , take a deep breath and find a way to make your time in that position seem like training to learn the skills that you now have. Every job is a stepping stone, but make sure that you describe each job as if they were the best jobs you have ever had. Having a good attitude is what employers look for, so show them that you are able to make lemonade from lemons.
While these aren't really lies, when writing your resume, they can feel like it. Just remember that this is your sales pitch and show the employer why they should hire you. Most people believe the image you are presenting them and don't spend a great deal of time picking apart the details. So, create your image, make your resume reflect the image and prepare for the many interviews likely to come your way.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a freelance writer and regular contributor to several websites and other publications, a volunteer, a full time mom and an active job seeker.
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