From search firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a list of the most popular evasions, obfuscations, and lies in job-seekers’ CVs. Perhaps I’m naive that way, but I’m puzzled why people lie most about the stuff that’s easily checked — education — while lying least about the things that are least easily checked — accomplishments.
CHALLENGER, GRAY & CHRISTMAS, INC.
TOP RESUME, INTERVIEW FABRICATIONS
(Ranked in order from most to least common)Education: Listing degree from a school never attended; inflating grade point average and graduate honors; citing degree from online, non-accredited “education” institution.
Job title: Making up a title or boosting actual title by one or more levels in hopes of obtaining better salary offers.
Compensation: Inflating current or previous salary and benefits to secure more money from prospective employer.
Reason for leaving: Saying it was a mass downsizing when the discharge was based on performance; asked to leave, but saying you quit; underplaying or completely hiding poor relationships with superiors.
Accomplishments: Overstating one’s contributions to a team project or company performance; claiming to have received special recognition; exaggerating level of participation in an important aspect of the business.
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What Incentive is There to Lie on Your Resume?
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