| y"> | | | | don't seem to fit the career progression in the years |
| Ever since we were kids, we quickly realized that | | | | stated on the resume. Going from one company as a |
| perhaps not telling the entire story of an incident | | | | Counter person and then being a Branch Manager at |
| could be beneficial in the short-term. Whether it was | | | | the next company within six months is a red flag. |
| taking an item from a sibling or maybe how that | | | | Possible but improbable. Action: If it's true, state |
| candy bar magically appeared after a trip to the | | | | clearly how you attained the job in that period of |
| store. Kid's stuff we say. However, while most of us | | | | time. Be careful of inflating your title. |
| agree that being honest and never lying is always the | | | | Employment Gaps: This is the most common |
| best policy at work and our personal lives, there are | | | | exaggeration as people try to hide short stints at |
| still some areas that many people feel the need to | | | | companies. Maybe a long job hunt, jail (yes it |
| be less than straightforward. | | | | happens), maternity leave, etc. Action: The cover |
| A good resume is a ticket to an interview. According | | | | letter is key here as it will give you the chance to |
| to HotJobs, inaccuracies are found in 40% of | | | | explain the gaps in your job history. Most companies |
| resumes. And because of these 'misunderstandings', | | | | are sympathetic and understand if you are honest |
| HR personnel are spending even more time verifying | | | | with them. But if they find out something that you |
| references, college degrees and checking dates | | | | didn't reveal, you could be back out looking for a job. |
| worked. | | | | Fired or Laid Off: This circles around to the |
| Candidates need to understand that with social | | | | above. There are so many RIF's lately that most |
| media, the internet, and close relationships in any | | | | companies see that as a sign of the times. If you |
| particular industry, the chances are pretty good that | | | | have been fired from a position, there are many |
| false information will be found. According to a | | | | ways to turn that around to a positive. Action: State |
| CareerBuilder survey, 93% of employers who found | | | | what you learned from the experience, and how |
| a fib did NOT hire the person who was being | | | | you've changed. This could be to your advantage. |
| interviewed. No matter how good anyone is in their | | | | However, if you're caught stealing, especially in our |
| potential new role, ethics questions start entering the | | | | industry, it will be difficult to find trust again. But by |
| minds of hiring managers. | | | | being forthcoming and humbled by the experience, |
| Think it can't happen? Look up Marilee Jones. She | | | | you may find someone compassionate enough to |
| was the Dean of Admissions for MIT and enjoyed a | | | | give you a second chance. |
| 28-year stellar career there. Jones worked her way | | | | Age: While companies cannot legally ask you |
| up at the college and held the impressive position for | | | | your age, many people try to hide that by not |
| many years. Due to an anonymous tip, they found | | | | revealing their college graduation year, or may not |
| out about her fake college degrees and promptly | | | | even include earlier career positions. Action: Entice the |
| fired her. She simply lied and it ruined her career. | | | | HR person with actions and successes that show you |
| How about George O'Leary, the ex-football coach at | | | | still have the passion and can provide a wealth of |
| Notre Dame? His application inflated his education in | | | | knowledge to the right company. Again, the goal is to |
| college and lettering in sports. He was forced to | | | | deflect any perception that age is a deficit. |
| resign from this prestigious position after only five | | | | Salary: Recruiters and companies want a salary |
| days on the job. | | | | progression so we know what positions will be right |
| Let's ponder some common resume embellishments: | | | | for you. Action: When asked for your recent |
| Education: Many people are embarrassed if they | | | | compensation, be truthful and aware that the hiring |
| didn't go to or finish college. Stating that a degree | | | | company can legally ask for your most recent |
| program was completed is the riskiest as it is one of | | | | paystubs and W2. There's no way around this one. |
| the easiest things to verify. Action: State the college | | | | Your resume can and will be available to employers |
| name and field of study, but don't place a bogus | | | | forever, so don't lie, exaggerate or inflate its content. |
| degree or year graduated. You can discuss this in the | | | | Remember what mom said to us years ago: |
| interview. | | | | "Whenever you tell the truth, you don't have to |
| Job Titles: Recruiters are wary of job titles that | | | | remember what you said. |