Things Not to Lie About On a Resume

According to a famous global study, 75% of recruiters have spotted lies in the candidates' resumes. 

These are significant numbers, and they can't be ignored. They often find deception in the applications, though the percentage may differ. Many may contain partially false information. On the other hand, some CVs include slight deceptions.

Nonetheless, human resource executives are constantly monitoring for scams and implementing different strategies, such as employment verification, employment checks, and talking to references.

If you want to land on your desired position speedily, here are eight things you should never lie about. Taking care of them would make your resume credible and set you as a reliable candidate.

8 Scary Lies from Which You Should Keep Your Resume Away

False Educational Credential

If HR specifies a specific qualification for a high-paying position, some applicants lie about it. They mention false educational credentials to appear as suitable candidates. For instance, the requirement is for a bachelor's degree while they have an associate degree. They might show themselves as baccalaureate. 

For example, they might mention their diploma in finance to meet the requirements, when in reality, they possess a degree in economics. Some lie about their majors, while others lie about the institution's name. They think that mentioning a prestigious university on their resume will amplify their credibility.

Exaggerating Professional Experience

Another thing that you shouldn't lie about is your professional experience. While you think mentioning your wrong details regarding the date of employment, title, and responsibilities would qualify you, it acts the opposite. Exaggerating about your duties and accomplishments wouldn't help either. Some also lie about why they left the job. 

For instance, they have been fired. Yet, they mention themselves leaving the position for a better opportunity. In another scenario, the employer may have dismissed the employee during probation. But they would say it as their voluntary act on their CV. 

If you cannot create a credible CV while maintaining honesty, let online reputable resume writing services Toronto handle the task. They can set you apart and boost your hiring chances without adding false information. 

Claiming Skills That You Don't Have

Regardless of the field, each position expects specific soft and hard skills, education, and work experience. Some candidates who cannot get a job end up lying about their skill set. They may add abilities to their resumes that are mentioned in the job description while not possessing them at all. 

For instance, a content writer who can't produce content without relying on AI mentions their ability to write original content. In another case, they may be beginners at a particular skill yet showcase themselves as experts. 

Fabricating Employment

Some candidates with zero or less work experience face problems getting a job. They fear employers wouldn't recruit them without a professional history, so they fabricate their employment. They make fake entries of their previous jobs and fall into the trap. Keep in mind that highlighting two honest work experiences is better than four or five fake ones. 

 Dishonesty About Languages

Some jobs require professionals who specialise in specific languages. Lying about your language proficiency on your resume might get you the job initially, but it wouldn't help for longer. You may not be able to pass the test or perform within your designation. Thus, it would lead to dire consequences, such as dismissing your position. 

If you don't want to waste your time, speak truthfully about your language expertise. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, mention it without hesitation. 

 Frauds About Voluntary Work

Voluntary work on your resume will leave a good impression on the recruiter. They will see you as empathetic and willing to put in extra effort. It might give you a competitive edge only if it is accurate. Otherwise, the outcome will be good once your recruiter finds your information fraudulent.

 Adding Fabricated Certificates

Adding a fabricated certificate related to your profession is ethical on the CV. It is not only risky for your employment but may also harm others. For instance, if you work in the medical field, it can potentially cause death. 

 Lying About the Criminal Records

Some open positions, such as law enforcement, youth counsellors, and public service officials, require displaying criminal records. Candidates involved in something illegal usually lie about it on their applications. You should never hide or fabricate it because your recruiter will ultimately become aware of the reality. 

Strategies to Avoid Lying On Your Resume

Here are three primary strategies you can try yourself or let professional resume writing services  work on.

 Exhibit Your Transferable Skills

Instead of listing skills you don't possess, highlight your transferable ones. It will highlight your value in the eyes of the recruiter. For instance, if you're applying for a content writer position, include your previous search engine optimisation skills. Your SEO abilities would let you curate high-ranking content better. So, your HR will appreciate these skills and might prefer you over the rest.  

Maintain Honesty

You may not know this, but 95% of recruiters respect honesty. They want to hire candidates who speak upright truth, which makes them reliable. Employers usually prefer trustworthy employees over those who hide or lie. Therefore, only include truthful information in your application. 

If you have one job experience or nothing at all or a career gap, then mention it. Instead, strengthen your application with relevant skills or transferable experience. In the cover letter, you can explain your career breaks, criminal records, or enthusiasm for the position. If you don't have a high GPA, there is no need to highlight it. 

Demonstrate Relevant Experience

Carefully read the job description. Note the specific skills and experience they are looking for. Select the ad that you find relatable and work on it. Craft your resume while meeting their expectations. Include relevant knowledge, skills, or certifications to make your application job-winning. Mentioning your strong professional summary would help. If you still have enough space, add hobbies while highlighting how they benefit your potential position. If you don't have adequate qualities to compose a credible CV, then acquire them. Grow professionally by enrolling yourself in relevant courses and freelancing or contract-based gigs.

Closure

Recruiters stay on their toes to detect any deception timely within the hiring. Therefore, lying in your resume wouldn't get you anywhere. You may reach the interviewing stage but won't get the position. It would waste your time and result in disappointment. Consequently, always speak the truth about the eight above things in your application.

It may slow your hiring process, but you will eventually land a decent position. Plus, applying the three mentioned strategies will leave your first impression as good and gain your employer's trust quickly. Who knows, they might offer you profitable opportunities in the future.