The Truth Shall Set You Free!
The Orange County Register had a great article a few weeks back about being honest and truthful on résumés. That sparked me to comment on the topic. No doubt, honesty is the best policy. Now more than ever, there are so many different tools at employer’s fingertips to delineate the truth, that it is critical to have all your facts straight on your résumé. Google is one of those tools. Wouldn’t you Google someone before you hired them? Having said that…GOOGLE yourself! See what’s out there. The more you know, the better; and the better you’ll be prepared to discuss something if it comes up. Sorry, back on course…résumés.
Résumés are a unique document when you think about it. It’s your calling card. You are putting your accolades on a piece of paper hoping to impress, stand out, and eventually lead to a successful hire that will pay your bills. Ultimately, it’s the first impression you make without even being there in person. With the unemployment rate on the rise again, there are many potential job seekers applying for the same jobs as you. So your impression needs to be a good one! The ultimate goal of a résumé is to win you an interview, but you have to be able to substantiate and backup whatever is on that resume. Your résumé most importantly reflects you, so it needs to be accurate and honest.
If you work in Finance and spend 75% of your time focused on economic forecasting and 25% on IT-related work-but are now pursing an IT related job-there is nothing wrong with highlighting the 25% you do in IT to put more emphasis on those skills. You want your résumé to have the “strongest possible presentation that is truthful,” says Louise Kursmark-an executive résumé writer and career consultant. However, be cautious of exaggerations. They can be costly mistakes. Do not claim you run an IT department, when you don’t. Remember, Lots of employers have a zero-tolerance policy against lying on résumés and if you get caught you will most likely be fired.
Lies lead to more lies, but fortunately with background checks (up 24% in Q1 2010 compared to Q1 2009 according to ADP), they will get caught. Honesty is still the best policy, as I’m sure we have all heard since grade school!
A Few Résumé Rules:
- Omit the reason you left your last job (personal or if you were fired). This will most likely come up in the interview and that’s where it should be addressed.
- Do not state salary requirements. Everyone wants more money. If you get an offer for the job, then negotiations on pay can be made.
- Focus on the truth and representing the facts in the best possible way, without crossing the line.
- Accurately reflect your education. Examples: Bachelor of Economics Candidate, anticipated completion Fall 2010. Or Completed 75% of required courses for Bachelor Degree in Accounting, expected completion date of June 30th.
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