It is said that honesty is one of the noblest of virtues. However, according to a study conducted in 2020 by ResumeLabs, 93% of participants said they knew at least one person who had already lied on their resumes and 36% admitted to having already distorted the truth to their advantage.
So what are the reasons that can push someone to “enhance” their experience and expertise during a recruitment process?
The reasons are numerous and varied. For some it is a question of masking a period, small or large, of unemployment, for others still it is a way of attracting the eye of the recruiter by highlighting knowledge that they have not acquired or in which they do not feel really comfortable.
While some may go so far as to falsify documents, for the majority of job seekers these changes are perceived as “little lies”, which one does not think can be discovered.
But does this strategy really pay off in order to get the job of your dreams? Nothing is less certain...
Experienced recruiters are not immune to a lie.
The truth is that an experienced recruiter will quickly know how to thwart a lie, whether it's about tasks performed, accomplishments in a previous job or the duration of a previous job.
To read:Holes in the resume, how to explain them?
And if you're not immediately unmasked during the interview, chances are you'll find out later in the process. Recruiters have a whole arsenal at their disposal to ensure that you are really the candidate they are looking for.
If you lie about your abilities, you may not be able to complete a technical test, or you may be disqualified in a subsequent interview if you get confused in your lies. Companies very often take references at the end of the process, which makes it easy to discover lies or omnisciences on the part of a candidate by talking to a higher precedent.
Is it illegal to lie on a resume?
The short answer is no. Since a resume is not an official document, it is technically not illegal for anyone to lie on their resume. But the type of lie and its extent can be true.
Lying about your diplomas or falsifying legal or official documents such as diplomas, certificates or certifications could bring you to justice if discovered.
The same is true in highly regulated fields such as accounting or medicine.
Inability to complete job-related tasks
But maybe you will slip through the cracks and still get the coveted job!
What will happen when the tasks you gave your employer that you could perform without additional training are assigned to you? Your managers may quickly realize that you simply don't have all the knowledge you said you did.
If these tasks are vital to the job, you could find yourself unemployed again quickly.
A breach of trust with the employer
Whether or not you get the job, the employer's trust in you will undeniably be shattered. If you are unmasked during the hiring process, there is little chance that the company will grant you another interview in the future, even for another position.
If you have been hired, you will be discredited once the lie is revealed. Even if you keep your job, you are less likely to be given more responsibilities, or to be turned to for special projects.
Damaged reputation
The world is small, and depending on your field of work or geographic location, it could be even more restricted.
It is not uncommon in certain industries to see companies spread the word about certain candidates. You may then risk ruining your chances with several employers at the same time who will not be interested in meeting you.
Lying on your resume is a highly risky bet, whether you get the job you want or not. We always recommend honesty in the hiring process. This allows you to land a job that truly aligns with your values and skills. And if you don't have all the skills line by line of a job offer, don't despair! This would not prevent a recruiter from contacting you if your profile matches, and it gives you even more space to learn and evolve in your new position when the time comes!
To read: 11 things not to put in your resume
