Little Fibs Could Cost You a Job

During a job search, it can be tempting to edit the information on your resume to better match the requirements of an open position. Although these little fibs may seem harmless at the time, they can have significant ramifications down the line. Before you make the choice to fudge the truth, consider how it will impact your job search and your future with a company.

Lying on a resume is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, studies show that approximately 40 percent of people lie on their resumes. From little fibs about industry association memberships to more significant lies about your education, each of those untruths have a cumulative effect. The more dishonest you are, the more you start living in a fabricated reality that becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of.

Little fibs often seem harmless. After all, what can it hurt to suggest that you worked closely with an industry celebrity when, in reality, you were a coffee-fetching intern? The thing about little fibs is that in many cases, the truth comes out, putting your integrity and truthfulness into question. If you are found lying about one small thing, your boss may question your honesty in other areas. Even a tiny lie can create a crack in the foundation of your professional relationships.

The employer-employee relationship requires a great deal of trust. Your boss must trust you to handle confidential client information and be discreet about company endeavors. Little fibs that are exposed on your resume instantly damage this trust, sometimes before it is established. When the stakes are high, an employer is unlikely to waste time and effort on an untrustworthy candidate — particularly when there are hundreds of other options from which to choose.

For jobseekers, the consequences of little fibs often happen sooner than expected, even if the employer does not immediately spot the resume lies. At some point in the hiring process, many employers require candidates to fill out a job application. At the bottom of an application is a signature section that asks you to verify that the information you provided is true. If you lied on your resume, you are faced with a dilemma: lie on the job application or fill in information that does not match your resume. No matter which option you choose, you face a lose-lose situation. By avoiding telling lies in the first place, you can avoid an uncomfortable conversation with a potential employer.

When it comes to a job search, honesty is always the best option. A straightforward resume and cover letter may not be as compelling as their fabricated counterparts, but they can help you avoid embarrassment down the road. By avoiding little fibs, you can start a new job on the right foot.

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