It's not really allowed, but it sometimes happens that people lie on their curriculum vitae. A resume is a document where people describe their education, skills, work experiences, and other qualifications. In this blog, we'll discuss various reasons why lying on your resume is a no-go, what consequences it can have and give you tips for writing an honest curriculum vitae.
Adding a lie to your resume for your own sake happens more often than you think. Research by Staffcircle shows that 32% of survey participants have lied on their resume. This can include their work experience and skills to better suit the position they are applying for. Some job seekers may have been laid off, have gone on a long trip, or have taken a break for another reason. A gap on your resume can be suspicious for recruiters and HR staff. They may ask about it during the interview and this can sometimes be uncomfortable for the applicant. It is therefore possible that they change their start and end dates of jobs to fill these gaps. But did you know that this could have serious consequences for your future career?
It can be tempting to polish your work experience or education on your resume while applying, but it's important to realize that this is unfair to your employer. In addition, the risk of being caught is high. Many employers check references before they hire you. If you are caught providing incorrect information, this may result in dismissal or a negative endorsement on your employer references. This can be a setback for your future career because it brings distrust to your next application.
In addition, it can also have legal consequences. According to article 225 of the Criminal Code, intentionally mentioning incorrect information on your resume or keeping certain things up is punishable. If this gives you a job you wouldn't have gotten otherwise, it can be considered fraud. You can even be fined for this. It is therefore better to be honest on your resume and only include information that is actually accurate, so that you can apply honestly without risking problems.
But what can you do to still excel? With these tips, you'll land your dream job, with an honest resume.
Stand out by focusing on the good points of your resume. Name the results you have achieved. For example, write, “I increased search results by 12%,” instead of, “I was responsible for optimizing search results.” This way, you'll note what you've done and prove your skills by telling us what you've achieved with it. You will then leave a bigger impression on the company you're applying for.
In addition to years, always mention the month in which you started. This way, the employer can see how long you worked somewhere and whether you change jobs quickly. Do you have a gap in your resume because you started traveling for a year or stopped your education early? Then list this briefly and concisely. There is nothing wrong with this. After all, working on your qualities is also relevant. It is even possible that all your travel experiences are considered unique, so you still stand out among all applicants.
Personalize your resume and cover letter for each company. Think of adapting the design to the corporate identity of the organization in question. In addition, it is wise to only include relevant work experience on your resume. A job as a tradesman at a supermarket fifteen years ago may not be very relevant when applying for a marketing manager.
Write a cover letter based on the company you're applying to. This shows that you have thoroughly studied yourself and understand what is expected of you. At the same time, you radiate enthusiasm to work for the company and prove that you are a good fit for the position.
Be honest, because honesty pays in the long run. You may not stand out for a specific job right now or may ask for less salary than you wanted, but eventually, a job that suits you will come your way.
Do you have a question or are you looking for a job? Don't hesitate to contact us!
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