When you really want a particular job but don't quite fulfill the requirements, it can be tempting to lie on your resume to increase your chances of getting it. This is always a bad idea. If you're caught, the consequences of a resume lie could be quite severe.
The first problem is that your lies may be pitifully obvious. People often attempt to exaggerate their job titles, making them seem more impressive than they actually are. However, fake or misleading job titles are among the easiest resume lies to spot for seasoned recruiters. The title "consultant" may be real, for example, but it's often a euphemism for "unemployed." Similarly, avoid anything involving the words "rock star," "entrepreneur" or "life skill instructor." Stick to the facts, and stick your real job title. A little browsing on LinkedIn often confirms within moments whether you have legitimately had those titles.
Another common resume lie is to exaggerate your qualifications. In most cases, it may involve upping a GPA a notch or even claiming minor qualifications that have not been earned. In most cases, people won't care whether you got a 3.9 versus a 4.0, so it's not even worth lying about it. In the case of made-up degrees, it can actually be a criminal offense in certain states. This is one resume lie that could get you prosecuted in Texas.
If your resume lie is caught, your job application will be immediately removed from consideration. As a result, you may be blackballed from the company entirely. You certainly won't hear about other opportunities that might be more suited to your application.
There are cases where a resume lie gets through the initial hiring stage, but even then, you're not safe. Most companies quickly dismiss employees if they are found to have lied on their resumes, and you run the risk of not being capable for the position that you are applying for. Getting in over your head does not look good on any resume, particularly when a former employer is asked whether it would hire you again. A clueless employee is an unwanted employee and potentially a dangerous employee.
Finally, a resume lie can be hard to keep straight. If you have made up a degree, you need to explain which university you went to, which might mean that you have to make up three or four years of your life. All it takes is for one person who knows you slip up, and your lie is exposed.
It's not worth creating resume lies just to get a job. Employers look for dishonesty on resumes and catch those statements that don't quite add up. A good hiring manager will see you for you are and quickly dismiss your job application.
Image courtesy of jesadaphorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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