During a job search, you might be tempted to lie on your resume if you continuously come across positions you desperately want but don't quite meet the requirements. This scenario is common among job seekers, as job recruiters frequently uncover resume lies when vetting candidates. Lying about credentials or job experiences on a resume is never a good idea. Here are three consequences you might face if your resume isn't 100 percent truthful.
1. Disqualified Job Candidate
Hiring managers are generally well-connected within their industries. Therefore, a quick phone call, text message or email to someone at a company or educational institution listed on your resume might be all that's needed to verify if your document is truthful. Once your resume lie is exposed, you'll likely be disqualified as a candidate. Even if you get past the initial stages of the application process, the hiring manager is bound to notice that something's off during the interview when you can't answer basic questions about former jobs, educational institutions or software programs listed on your resume. This can lead to an embarrassing situation, as the hiring manager might stop the meeting abruptly and send you out the door once he discovers you lied.
2. Possible Job Loss
Even if you make it past the resume vetting and interview stages and receive a job offer, your employer and co-workers will immediately notice your job performance. It's almost impossible to pretend to have skills or knowledge you don't actually possess. Initially, you'll have to deal with the constant stress of being confronted with questions you can't answer or tasks you can't complete. After a while, you're going to start to feel overwhelmed, and your employer is going to want some answers. Hiring and training new employees requires time and money, so employers are understandably upset when they realize someone they hired lied about their abilities. Once your dishonesty becomes? evident, don't be surprised if you get fired on the spot. If your employer decides to keep you on board, every aspect of your performance will likely be under constant scrutiny.
3. Tarnished Reputation
Lying on your resume sends the message that you're more than willing to cheat and lie to gain opportunities. Once you have this reputation, employers who value honesty and professionalism will likely view you as an undesirable employee. Once you tarnish your reputation within your industry, making strides in your career might be difficult. Most employers expect honesty and integrity from their employees, and possessing those traits helps to keep your reputation intact.
Searching for a job and maintaining steady employment are already challenging. You don't need the added stress of worrying about being caught in a lie. Even if you don't get caught right away, lying about credentials on your resume can hurt you down the line. If you're just starting out and have minimal experience, highlight your strong points without embellishing them, and mention the steps you're taking to enhance your skills and qualifications.
Photo courtesy of alexisdc at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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