Lying on your resume can cost you the job, your reputation, and in some cases your career. Here is why you should never lie and what to do instead.
Consequences of Lying
- Discovery: Employers verify education, employment, and sometimes skills. Lies are often caught in background checks or reference checks.
- Termination: If you are hired and the lie is discovered later, you can be fired for cause.
- Reputation: Word can spread. Recruiters and hiring managers may remember.
- Legal: In some cases, falsifying credentials can have legal implications.
What Gets Verified
Employers often verify job titles, dates, and education. They may also check references and run background checks. Do not assume small lies will go unnoticed.
What to Do Instead
Present your experience honestly. Emphasize relevant achievements and transferable skills. Address gaps or weaknesses briefly in the cover letter or interview. If you are underqualified, focus on what you do bring and your willingness to learn.
Gray Areas
Reframing your experience in terms that match the job (e.g., "Led projects" when you coordinated them) is acceptable if it is accurate. Inventing degrees, jobs, or dates is not. When in doubt, be truthful.