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August 29, 2005

Lying on Your Resume

A colleague here at Monster suggested we blog about resume cheating. He'd been reading Freakonomics, which states that 50 percent of people lie on their resumes.

This email reminded me of the weatherman on my hometown news in Schenectady, New York. My parents sent me a newspaper clipping back while I was in college to let me know he was fired for not actually possessing the meteorologist degree he claimed to have on his resume. He defended himself explaining he was only a few credits short, but that wasn't enough for the station or the viewers.

And it looks like this self-proclaimed "meterorologist" wasn't alone. According to About.com -- and a number of other sites and articles I've spotted in my travels -- education is the most common topic people lie about on their resumes.

"Other common lies include:

  • Stretching dates to cover employment gaps
  • Enhancing job titles
  • Embellishing job duties and achievements
  • Inventing employers."

Why do people do this? Because they can get away with it provided the company doesn't perform background checks. (On a related note, check out this article about the companies least likely to do background checks -- scary.)

However, more companies are doing background checks, and job seekers need to remember that getting caught in a little white lie -- even after being hired -- can cost the job. There's a fine line between marketing yourself and lying. You need to be sure to stay on the right side of that line.

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Posted by Norma on August 29, 2005 at 01:46 PM in Job Search , Resume | Permalink | Comments (147) | TrackBack (0)

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Comments

yeah...it's real important to make sure that you don't lie to a potential employer who will lie, cheat and steal to make sure that shareholder's profits are maximized. if you're in the game, you'd better learn that the rules don't apply in most of corporate America. and by the way, if you can't figure out a way to enhance your resume by lying and NOT get caught by corporate rockheads, you don't deserve the job you're applying for.

Posted by: rick mears | Aug 30, 2005 9:52:01 PM

Most resume's that I have seen seem to glorify there job functions.
imagine this on resume: "Team Mentor and Technical Lead"
Or this: "Helped coworkers" or even "assisted people frequently with troubles. There is a certain amount of "window dressing" when it comes to resume's since employers never look at the possobilities just the past when it comes to resume's.

Posted by: Brian George | Aug 31, 2005 5:13:25 AM

somebody do lie just to profit

Posted by: ricky nazareno | Sep 2, 2005 11:48:20 PM

I worked as an assistant director @ a facility for about a month. Then I quite because I did not like the position.

Five years later another company took over the facility. They received a copy of my resume off of monster.com, and asked me to come in to interview for a Director position to run that facility.

Should I mention I used to work @ this facility when it was run by the former company during the interview?

Posted by: Mike | Sep 4, 2005 2:14:01 PM

I was fired from my last job for policy violation. HOw do I respond to the question about reason for leaving on the job application?

Posted by: Lori Smet | Sep 7, 2005 1:39:04 PM

I admit to lying on my resume, and I have absolutely no regrets about it at all. I have cheated in school, and I am definitely cheating when it comes to submitting my resume to employers because come on, in today's Corporate America, lying is a great thing. And I encourage EVERYONE in America who is looking for work to lie on their resumes in the best and most convincing way possible. Whether it's fabricating GPA scores, or making up fictitious businesses, or anything to showcase that you are a fraud, I ABSOLUTELY ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO LIE AND CHEAT ON THEIR RESUMES! And to the honest and ethical people out there who try to get jobs the smart way by being 100% honest on their resumes, shame on you.

Posted by: Mhuda | Oct 18, 2005 8:33:57 PM

You know; for years I was honest, and it hasn't gotten me anywhere, at least not since the last company I worked for outsourced its jobs to CHINA. I dont have the illustrious credentials that employers are looking for, but I do show up for work every day, and I do really put in the effort to get things done, so you know, I am tired of working lame jobs for $10/hour. So I figure, its time to lie. And reading the responses here, I can see that I have others who would agree. Lets face it; the past 20+ years have been nothing BUT lies for corporate types. All that I want is to be able to pay for the roof over my head, and the utlities, put enough gas in my car to get me to the next week, and hey, did I mention that I am also a middle-aged woman?? As if THAT were not reason enough to lie on my resume!!

Posted by: Karin | Oct 20, 2005 11:50:51 PM

Can you blame people though? I won't say that lying is right because it isn't, but these days you have to do what you can do to survive. Heck, it's been that way really since the beginning of time. When there is so much competition out there, people feel like they have to lie to get a fair chance. Many do and many more get away with it, and I admit I have been one of them.

Hey, bills have to be paid. McDonalds doesn't cut it.

Posted by: Alexandra | Oct 25, 2005 12:45:52 AM

Hi. The link attached to this comment is my blog, where I commented on this entry. Feel free to stop by and drop a line! Thanks.

Posted by: Laura Grow | Oct 25, 2005 11:39:28 AM

great information. im never going to lie on my resume after reading this.

Posted by: background check | Nov 1, 2005 7:00:16 PM

Look, I have a degree in MIS/CS but no experience. I tried to tell the truth and the result I got was ZERO!! Nobody even bothered to call me. And you know what, I KNOW that thousands of people got jobs by giving bogus resumes. I simply can't compete with them if I stick to truth. So, this time I am going to lie and make up business names and inflate my job descriptions and do whatever it is necessary to get jobs..ok??

Posted by: Anything but Truth | Nov 14, 2005 8:51:56 PM

I am an employer, I fired a person today for an untruthfull application...I feel very distressed about most of the feelings expressed on this blog, I will check out people more thourghly now, as it looks to be common practice among people...unfortnately, the person I fired was not paying attention to their responsibilites,..if they had done their job, it was not that hard, I would never have started looking so closely at the person who was let go, You see as an employer my company (corporation) is my life, if you as an employee do not understand that, then you will never get anywhere...I have given everyone that works for me the chance to make themselves as good as they can be, they usually crash and burn because they dont want the responsibility..I have had people just quit comming to work because they just dont know what work is, even though they have made more money than they have ever made in their life. I would love someone who understands how to make $100,000 in a year, but they may have have to work for 15 or 20 for a few of years to learn how...it is unfortuante that the attitude expressed here is as it is...

Posted by: Russell | Oct 5, 2006 7:28:32 PM

As competitive as it is out there to find suitable employment - I'm amazed that people will still think it's 'clever marketing' to lie on your resume to "get an edge" on other candidates.
I work in the screening industry - we are aware of the tricks that people play to make themselves appear better than they are. Companies who believe in employing the 'right people for the right job' will spend the money to verify information given on job applications. A screening company WILL verify that information because it is their core business. And for those who complain about measley pay: We are aware of the cost of living - are you aware of the cost of your lying - both to yourself and your potential employer?
Lies will always catch up with you - it's just a matter of time.

Posted by: IscreenU | Nov 19, 2006 8:02:25 AM

Companies and bosses have lied to me my whole life, while i sat there and got screwed. should i just tell the truth, get nowhere and let the lucky people of the world who don't have go through all that suceed while i go in a hole and die? sorry, im sick of it and im a fighter, im going to do what it takes to make it, even if that means lying to lyers.

Posted by: been through the ringer | Dec 6, 2006 10:14:21 AM

My question for the HR folk and Employment Ethicists is: Is it lying to not provide all the qualifications that someone has on a resume of application? Example, I have a Masters degree. If the position requires a BA/BS, is there any Law, Rule. or Policy that says I MUST disclose that I have a Masters? I guess the same applies to past positions held. I have held Director and above positions, but do I have to state these titles or would Manager suffice, as every one of these involved management responsibilities for employee hiring, termination, and career management? In short, can one be compelled to commit full disclosure, and if one "omits" qualifications, is that considered "lying"?

I am tired of being round filed with the "Overqualified" response from Recruiters.

Posted by: Overqualified | Dec 18, 2006 2:13:57 PM

lying is the only way to get ahead

Posted by: Nio Globan | Dec 31, 2006 3:36:44 AM

I have been working hard for several years to get what I deserve. I have not been successful so far, maybe because of me or maybe not, but to tell the truth many bad things have happened to me at the work place for being honest.

Many of my career mates have gone real far and have been successful by lying and cheating. Employers ask us to be honest most of the time but "honestly" they have lied to me several times and they have cheated me and promised me a hole bunch of things that were completely not true and they have given me a kick in my butt with no reason. I have also looked for new jobs with supposedly better companies and I have sent thousands of resumes. Headhunters and other human resources professionals have seen my resume and have told me it is impressive but so far no luck. So therefore I am going to have to start making up jobs, dates, responsabilities because being so honest has led me nowhere. "nice, good companies do not care if you are honest, they care about if you have worked for known brands, or you have held positions that you probably haven't held, or if your resume looks impressive (even though it might be all lies).

So, long story short, lie and you might as well get away with it, if you tell the truth you might end up losing more time and money.

Posted by: PD | Feb 22, 2007 2:06:46 AM

If you have no work experience no one wants to give you that first chance. What am I suppose to do, I have a degree but it means nothing without the work experience

Posted by: Patty | Feb 22, 2007 12:20:56 PM

It is amazingly astonishing, and quite frankly empowering to realize so many people have already jumped on the "resume-embellishing" bandwagon that I felt compelled to hop on due to my inconsistent professional background and my station in life. I am what I consider an honest, hard-working, diligent and conscientious middle-aged man. I don't lie, I don't steal, and I strongly believe in contributing to make this a better world. Growing-up in a war-torn nation, living in more than 7 countries before settling in the U.S., and losing my father at a young age when still struggling with culture shock and ample amounts of discrimination and bigotry, this unsettled pattern of instability has chronically manifested itself in my life. Though I was not able to obtain a college degree in my 20s', I work hard throughout my younger days and naively expected to be rewarded for my contributions. As many reading this opinion already know, that's a croc of bull...! After struggling to find my place in several industries and being let down every time, I finally decided to go back to my native land to play a more meaningful role in rebuilding a once beautiful paradise back to some semblance of its previous self. After an extended absence and yet another slew of disappointments (people are people wherever you go), I came back to the U.S., re-attended college and obtained a bachelors degree in Int. Business. Thinking I will do right by myself this time around and stick to my guns despite any potentially discouraging disappointments, I persevered to land the right job to no avail. One problem! My resume. With all the different jobs I have held, and the extended period I spent in a foreign country working only occasionally while concentrating on rebuilding my family's estate and dealing with legal issues, it's practically impossible to explain that to a prospective employer and expect understanding and a chance to prove myself. And the harsh reality is that like everybody else, I am bound to the living costs that come with urban living in modern America. All proponents of stating nothing but the absolute truth on ones resume, including the author of this article, fail to take in consideration that life is not always full of roses. Being truthful on your resume is to many people, if not the most, tantamount of shooting oneself in the foot. Might as well have a yard sale, sell all your worldly belonging and move to the park across the street! With all the job hunting advice articles I've read, I never read an article about those who face difficult circumstances that cannot be easily mitigated through following advice geared towards people who's lives unfolded smoothly with no glitches or obstacles. We claim we live in a nation where everyone, regardless of past mistakes and difficulties, can excel and succeed by working hard and being honest. I also believe that too! But No one gives you that chance, the tip of the string, if you are completely honest on your resume. I know I am an intelligent person with great education and a widely varied professional background, but I can't convey that to any potential employer by being honest on that one page I use to make a first impression. A resume is simply a gateway to an interview. I believe the interview is where an employer can turly make a real judgment about a potential employee. NOT the resume!! A resume is an ad, and since when were ads honest and truthful?!!

Posted by: FedUp | Feb 22, 2007 5:17:23 PM

Lieing is not good,I learnd the hard way,but now Iam back on top of my,!!But remmember don't lie on anything if you can!!!

Posted by: Ernest M | Feb 23, 2007 1:30:49 PM

Something like that happened to me I was working in a clinic as a "Medical Assistant", or so I claimed in my resume. After working in that clinic for five years, they called me in to the manager's office. Being so long that I was there for I had no clue it was going to be about that. Come to my surprise they fired me on the spot for false information. I never thought that after so long they would actually verify. They also told me they could take me to court for that. Don't lie on resumes it is not worth the trouble.

Posted by: annabel | Feb 24, 2007 3:19:00 PM

I AM STUDENT OF BBA FROM SMU

Posted by: RAHUL SHARMA | Feb 26, 2007 6:48:37 AM

Those who stand for the truth usually find themselves standing ALONE!!! Truth or lie is to often related to perception. Perception can be influenced. Material fact is the only thing that can be really judged as being true or false. Most job applications are used to weed out applicants. Kinda like "Anything you say can and WILL be used AGAINST you!! Honesty is an emotion not a job hunting tool. They can only verify facts not honesty or truth. Put down facts that verify in your favor!!!! This whole article screems HR is a waste of assets becuase they want it easy. Somebody complained about the cost associated lying for the business. Hey too bad, they are the ones that are hiring and most likely they are hiring because they lied to the guy/girl that vacated the position. DON'T LIE realign items that help your perception... ;o)

Posted by: NOT Standing ALONE!! | Feb 27, 2007 9:47:35 AM

I have a BS in Computer Science and Math. Telling the truth on my resume have gotton me no where. And I have graduated back in 2003. I am still looking for an entry level position. DO YOU KNOW HOW FRUSTRATING THAT IS??? So what do I have to lose by lying on my resume? It seems that my years in college was a complete waste of time. I am still working minimum wage jobs.

Posted by: Gonna Start Lying | Mar 1, 2007 9:23:22 PM

All those people (specially employers) who are so against lying on the resume should tell us how else to get the job? Employers are equally responsible for creating conditions that prompt people to lye. Look at the ridiculous job requirements in Information Technology. They are looking for very specific skills which only a minority has. With their tunnel vision, they miss out on all those potential employees who have a computer science degree but no experience (or having no desired experience). In today's job market, the Computer Science degree is simply useless because no one is getting hired based on just the computer science degree. I have a major in CS and 5years testing experience BUT not the kind of experience that is needed in the job market. Sometimes, it makes me angry that I wasted my time in Computer Science. I wish had done something else since no employers care for someone who has generic computer science skills. I really wish I can find an employer who understands that learning a technology quickly is so trivial that it can be learnt in no time. They should be reasonable in their demands. It is not possible to have experience in everything. Life does not work that way. No one can practically have experience in Java/J2EE, JSP, CSS, HTML, XML, PHP, SOAP, SDLC, .NET, MYSQL, SQL, PERL/Python/JavaScript all at once. Their might be few lucky ones who just landed the jobs where there were opportunities for newer technologies.

Until employers don't change THEIR attitude about head-hunting, candidates will keep lying about their skills.

Posted by: cant Keep up with all skills | Mar 2, 2007 11:34:03 PM

i am so glad i read this blog! i am updating my resume again...as we speak. i have really been debating this....to lie, or not to lie! the truth= has gotten me nowhere, as many of you.

i am tempted to stretch dates on my resume. as a recent college grad with about 7 actual years of work experience, i sometimes get screened out because of my age..which is 23.

Posted by: jon | Mar 3, 2007 9:33:32 PM

People lie because empoyers want unrealistic qualities. like for bartenders no one wants someone with no experience they all want one year so you have to lie and say you have a year of experience otherwise you dont even get looked at. its just like renting for the first time. if everyone one want one year experience how the hell are you really going to get it?

Posted by: saint | Mar 5, 2007 4:23:43 PM

theres a difference between lying and selling your resume. in a competitive situation where you don't know how many others are applying for the same job, there's no duobt about it; lying becomes a neccessity. personally guilty of "upgrading" my resume, i did it as a concious choice with no regret. I know that the jobs out there worth getting aren't just given to those with adequate or advanced skills, education, degrees, or experience, etc. for example, like jon above me, i noticed that it's a harder playing field for those who are younger than what seems to be the "professional age". I have to be aable to outshine others before they outshine me. In this case, nice young guys definetely finish last.

Posted by: al | Mar 5, 2007 8:27:14 PM

Let me applaude every one who has had a 'light bulb' moment and realized that yes,'enhancing' your resume is the BEST way to go about pursuing that dream job.I have been chasing my tail for the last 4 years,working in a string of financial services jobs (mainly sales and commission based),and being at the top of my game at that.With a BS in Finance,I wanted badly to become an analyst,but with post-sept 2001, the job market was grim and I found myself thrown in a series of collections and call center jobs. The minute I switch gears and seek a career change and indicate this on my resume, I get 25 employers viewing but a measly 6 contact me,and you guessed it! from car dealerships to 100% commission job offers.It's like a crime wanting to make a career change.Employers will not give you the time of day if you post a resume short of their job and experience requirements.
So, I have decided to get on the bandwagon and spruce up my resume accordingly.As far as I'm concerned,every new job is different,doesn't matter how many relevant skills you bring, everybody gets the same start to the game.My sister just got a job fresh out of college as a Business Analyst,making $50k to start and do you know how the on-the-job training goes???they go to a WEBSITE ONLINE and practice on different software.Bottom line, it's not rocket science.If you managed to get through school,are hardworking and diligent and know what you are worth...don't be discouraged but rise to the occasion and you will adjust to the position.Sure,lie if you must on your resume.Your intentions are genuine.So what if they do a background check and find out you fabricated some things??there are 10,000 more companies that you can apply to,that's what!Don't waste your time worrying about that.Nobody is looking out for you but you.Do away with that spirit of timidity but be an example of courage in action.Nice guys finish last- don't be that guy.That's how what's his face ended up winning the 1 million in Survivor simply by using his wits,not by breaking his back and worrying about people discovering his little lies.

Posted by: best job seeking and exit strategy | Mar 6, 2007 11:52:12 PM

Sometimes it is depressing to read such blog. To know that the workforce has been reduced to lies by necessity. I have been looking for jobs for a while now, but with experiences that is outside the norm, it’s hard to find anyone to accept my resume. The only responses I get are the ones from sales... I guess when you are a liberal arts graduate with experience in everything and nothing, the only thing anyone expect you to be good at is sales... well... I hate sales... so I guess I’m gonna have to come up with something quick... I’m thinking a degree from Mars University and work experience as a intel analyst for the Uranus government... maybe I can get a job with Microsoft...
What ever happened to employers just trying new practices and giving people a chance???

Posted by: jeff | Mar 8, 2007 2:46:11 PM

I never fabricated my resume, guess that's why I haven't gotten far. I been stuck in a dead-end job making lateral moves for the last few years. My credentials exceed my boss, I have to explain certain industry things to them. 2 jobs ago, I was doing the work of a director since the company had turnover issues. Those bastards wouldn't even promote me to supervisor, let alone manager. I can't get a manager job since my titles have been rep and analyst. Never mind I been doing this 9 years and the manager job only requires 5. I don't have "manager" in my title, hence according to resume screeners "I lack the experience."

I love how companies want you to know their in-house created programs already before you apply. I know people that googled "buy M.B.A" and had a so-called degree in 3 days, only $50. Here I am, 3 degrees later...drowning in student laons still and can't get an appropriate job.

LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE, LIE,

Posted by: Screw Employers - LIE | Mar 9, 2007 4:15:56 PM

okay, so lying is a risk we take to get that oppertunity that we all want. america the beautiful and land of oppertunity...right? wrong! okay so we embellish job titles which companies do as well whenever posting job openings in newspapers or on the internet for that matter. well, my thoughts are lying is a funny thing sometimes because to me its what your lying about that matters. i mean, hey if your lying about the date on your resume that your not sure of whats so bad about that? Well, in the end lying on your resume is a risk we take and for some of us we have no other choice.

Posted by: oxtemper | Mar 10, 2007 5:38:42 PM

Lie? Me?....You betcha. I have an A.S. in business(lie)with 13 years Supervisory experience(lie) and have had various 0ccupational seminares(lie). I am a supervisor(truth) Making $52,000 a year(truth). My fiance' has an MS in Kinisiology(truth)a BS in Sports Physiology(truth) and countless years of vollunteer experience at YMCA's(truth) and is working as a youth leader at a YMCA for $7.00 an hour(BIG FREAKIN TRUTH!!!)

You figure it out who's paying the bills the honest one or the liar??? At this rate I'll probably lie about the time of my death!!!

Posted by: Roger A | Mar 13, 2007 1:19:09 PM

I am a 55 year old woman with over 25 years of nursing experience. I will be damned if I lie on my resume because it is hard to remember the important things in every day living, let alone lies. There is no way I could ever remember lies. My brain cells are limited at this satge of my life. If people do not want me for my experience and my integrity, then I would rather scrub a commode at the Holiday Inn as a maid than deal with having to lie just to land a job. If one has to lie to get any job.......it isn't worth having.

Posted by: Cilla Mitchell | Mar 13, 2007 4:38:45 PM

Wow. I find this very interesting. I hadn't thought a lot about lying or not lying on a resume. It seemed futile to lie because it would burn me in the end. Where I work I see the daily deceptions and the lying to create certain perceptions by others. I compare those tactics to being highly competitive. Highly competitive individuals seem to have it as a second nature to be somewhat deceptive, overpowering, focused on what is perceived rather than what is true. I have learned the hard way that their immediate or short term success is usually pretty good and rewarded compared to a person who focuses on trying to do the right thing and truly make a difference. I sometimes think the business world is not the world for that person. Maybe that person should be a teacher, police officer, counselor, therapist, or nurse. Other than the nurse, the other jobs historically don't pay that well. But all have the highest level of responsibility and accountability. Does that make sense? The more honest and caring you are the more likely it is you will be paid less? I feel that is because in the business world it is results (true or fabricated) that matter. As long as the perception by the important people is that results have been acheived. There isn't time to be concerned if the result is long lasting and long term beneficial to the company....move to the next item that needs the perception changed. That is what seems to matter. No, it isn't stated. But when you live with it long enough, sadly it is what is understood. I can't condone lying on a resume. It seems like a bad way to start. Consider the environment you are trying to get into, consider the employer and what is at stake for them, consider what is at stake for you. It is likely that you will never know how much or how little a prospective employer will check your credentials before hiring or after. My recommendation is to use guidelines or available services to make the realities of your education experience and skills sound as attractive as they can, and maybe be willing to start in a related field at a lower salary for a while. While there, make sure you promote (build perception) your skills to your new boss and use your skills, then promote that experience on your next resume. You never know, they may even create a job in the company because they learn to value those skills. Even better on the next resume. It is highly competitive, and those built for it will excel. I see all kinds of tactics used. The most popular seems to be the "Make Me Look Better By Making Someone Else Look Bad". I try not to play that game. But I definitely play "Make Me Look Good by Talking About What I Have Done". It doesn't come naturally to me, it goes against my grain, but it has helped me to survive when working hard and knowing I was doing the right thing just wasn't cutting it anymore.

Posted by: perplexed | Mar 13, 2007 6:11:22 PM

Does anyone else find it funny that the very people typing about how they are forced to lie in the working place in order to get a job can't even comment with proper spelling. I wonder if the reason for your lack of hiring is something that is coming up on your resume as a glaring eye sore...like a typo. If you have errors on your resume, they will assume you'll have errors at work. I've always been honest. I have no college degree at this moment and have managed to work my way up in my field by showing that I was capable, reliable and a hard worker.

Posted by: NoWonderYourLying | Mar 15, 2007 12:11:09 PM

I have an associates of business degree in office management. I cannot get a job because I do not have any work related job experience. I have not worked in 14 years. I had to lie on my resume that said I had a recent work history to get the minumim wage job that I have now. If I didn't lie I would never have any job.

Posted by: John | Mar 16, 2007 3:24:47 PM

I've been reading this blog and other articles on resume lying, but I noticed no one mentions about the employers' "LYING" themselves on the job descriptions. Here's a great example, I applied for an A/A(administrative assistant) position. I read all the qualifications, etc, etc. I met all the qualifications because I've been an A/A before. I got an interview, that went well and the next day I landed the job.

Now, here's where the LYING begins from the employer. Anybody who's been an A/A, knows this position entails a lot of task. I found out that I wouldn't have my own cubicle/office because the receptionist that they've had for 8 YEARS can't handle the 8 multi-phone line system. I was stunned, but that was only the beginning of things to come. I mumble to myself(in my head) she's been here for 8 years and still can't handle the phone system. By me now being station at the front desk receptionist area, I became the 2nd receptionist PLUS I had to help her do her receptionist duties which included her data entry and other task. I had no time to do my own work. Now this was not in the job description when I applied. Nor did it state like a lot of other jobs do, "other duties assigned", well this wasn't a duty, this was an entire new job task. Now I was a full-time receptionist. When she called out, I had to fill in for her, which included completing her job task assignments as well as mine. And we all know how corp likes to chain the receptionist to the desk...NOBODY wanted to relieve me for breaks or lunch, including the office manager. I quit that job with no notice and I found out the office manager(my boss) and the assistand manager were fired a month after I quit. Payback is a b_tch!

I say as long as you don't lie about something enormous like, a college degree, etc that's fine. Shifting employment dates to fill in gaps, is a little tricky. Although, some recruiters or hr people don't even notice it. If you have a gap that's a few months to a year, you can EASILY lie and say you had to take a personal leave from your previous job at that time during an interview. Anything more that a year, well...you're on your own.

The moral of this blog is this, DON'T think for a second Employers' that you don't lie about the job descriptions. You fabricate the job title and the job task, just to get more people to apply. Don't become all high and might all of a sudden. And for the HR people and the recruiters, don't pretend you didn't showboat a few white lies on your resume and references during your years of job hunting because you did.

Posted by: Tay | Mar 16, 2007 4:04:04 PM

I have tried being honest about my resume and it's got me nowhere. This blog has really given me an incentive to "LIE"... I will follow up and let you know when i land the job of my dreams based on my updated resume I am going to create right now... Did I mention i'm a 30 year old woman and single parent... Let's be serious, that alone has disqualified me for several positions i'm sure.

Posted by: Corra | Mar 17, 2007 3:37:29 PM

This blog has inspired me to "LIE" on my resume... I'm tired of still working for minimum wage with skills and experience! No matter what i do these potential Employeers just don't want to give anyone an opportunity to advance or simply make enough to meet our economic needs! Seriously, I want to work and i actually enjoy it. Sometimes it doesn't even matter what the job is because i'm very adaptable... Just pay me what i'm worth!

Posted by: It's still a Mans World.. | Mar 17, 2007 3:47:15 PM

"LIE" it's worth it...

Posted by: It's still a Mans World.. | Mar 17, 2007 3:50:02 PM

Would you consider it lying to use a relative's address in order to deceive an employer's webcrawling software into thinking I'm local, when I live 1000 miles away? I'm thinking of doing that, then owning up to the truth with the first human I encounter. I'd like relocation assistance, but can do without it, if necessary. Want to get out of this town, though, and move near some mountains since the job appears to be going away soon anyway.

Posted by: cyn012 | Mar 19, 2007 7:24:19 PM

I totally agree with everyone who is lying. I have over 8yrs experince in customer relations, and because the person who interviewed me could not verify my information ( I DID NOT QUALIFY).
So my suggestion is to LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE then LIE!

Posted by: snj | Mar 21, 2007 11:24:06 PM

The debates of whether to lie has clearly unearth our true human instinct, that to survive in this society we live in we really have to lie. As kids we lied to parent; as students we lie to teachers; likewise as employees we lie to our employer (ie; why late for work, train delay? possibly best answer). As you can see vividly that this world is really a dog eat dog world and not lying seems to make you an outlier and this world clearly doesn’t tolerate such existence. Thanks for reading I’m a current an undergrad majoring in animal behaviour, at Melbourne Uni.; Australia.
You are certainly welcome to reply/add comments in regards to my opinion.

Cheers Aaron!

Posted by: Aaron | Mar 23, 2007 10:00:04 AM

i am not a good liar so i don't think i'll get a good paying job
what do you think stop lyingggggggggg

Posted by: aw | Mar 23, 2007 2:05:07 PM

As a professional resume writer, I coach my clients on a daily basis about the serious consequences of lying on your resume. Not only are companies doing more and more comprehensive background checks to verify potential applicants backgrounds but company's now use complex situation interviewing that makes it very hard to fudge answers if you haven't actually done what you claim. Read more about more thoughts on my blog "Little White Lies- The Dangers of stretching the truth" at www.careeredge.com.au

Posted by: Jill Kelly, Resume Writer - Career Edge | Mar 27, 2007 1:00:35 AM

I have been applying for jobs for the last eight years in a new field of computer programming or computer anything. I have yet to get an interview or even a response; except those automatic ones thanking me for my resume and they will call if I have the necessary skills.

I have worked all my adult life, and due to getting a divorce, I went back to school and got an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, and now a master's degree.

Several people have mentioned to me that I am probably being discrimnated against because of my age. Of course that is against the law, but how are you going to prove that one. Of course no one ask for your age anymore on an application, however, they still want to see when you graduated high school. If you don't put a time down then they don't bother with your application.

I have definitely been thinking of other ways to do my resume to avoid giving away my age and sex. Now I am even wondering if names make a difference. I am so frustrated at trying to get a good paying job. I have always worked harder than most of the people I work with. I am all the things an employer wants, but it seems I will never get the chance unless I find some way to make my resume catch someones eyes.

Posted by: JLM | Mar 29, 2007 1:33:45 AM

I would suspect that all those who have supported lying on a resume could examine their lives and see if they are lying to themselves. A lot of comments have indicated that the person thinks of him/herself as being honest and hardworking, but how honest is a person who is willing to lie to get ahead? Maybe they are not as honest and hardworking as they think they are.
In addition, lying only makes the situation worse. People will have to keep coming up with bigger and bigger lies to top the other liars who are searching for jobs. It will become inflated and out of control. If most everyone tries to be honest, then the liars will be spotted for what they are.

Posted by: Tom | Mar 29, 2007 3:21:02 PM

I've spent 20 years in the recruiting field. Years ago, lying WAS a big taboo and in many cases, it still is today, but fewer employers found out about it in the past because background checks and paranoia was not what it is today. Even so, a lot of internal company recruiters, HR people and recruiting firms are under so much pressure to "make the hire" that background checks are often done poorly and incompletely. Let's face it, it is extremely difficult to really verify a lot of a person's information from years ago, especially since so many more companies have been merged with others or gone under...and so many more people have changed jobs so much more often.

I'd be more sympathetic to a good, solid canidiate for a job "stretching the truth" a bit to get his/her foot in the door than to a seasoned executive lying about his/her MBA that is being considered for a high level position. In any case, I'd hate to know that a lie on a resume could come back to haunt me after I was hired. Honesty is always the best policy and sure would help me sleep better at night.

Posted by: PWN | Apr 2, 2007 12:38:08 PM

Wow. This is an interesting topic. So many people had great responses. I find myself marketing myself like the rest of the world. I am currently attending college. I have been there for sometime. I am a mother of one, wife, employee working 40 hrs a week, housekeeper( ladies you know what I mean), doctor and all of the above!
>.................
long story short, I started out making $8 hr with no experience. I took the advice of a close family member, and worked the system. I had to work temp agencies for some years, to gain experience. Now I can market myself for about $16/ $17 maybe.

yes.yes....yes.I had to lie for someone to offer me an opportunity. Sad but true. it is funny, that when we (job applicants) lie, or falsify informaiton we can get in trouble. But what about when companies lie to us, and they can file bankruptcy or steal people whole life savings (Enron) and get off the hook?????????????? Where is the justice system then?

Posted by: FED UP WITH CORPORATE! | Apr 3, 2007 2:03:34 PM

If you don't have the educational background to land the job you want... GO GET IT!!! You will never get anywhere without an education! Lying on your resume may seem like a great idea now, but what are you going to do when you land that great job you've always wanted, you've started looking for a new car and you've even started thinking about looking for a nicer place to live when all of a sudden you get a call to report the manager's office. He tells you it's been great working with you, he appreciates how hard you've worked, but because of a little white lie they discovered on your resume they have to let you go due to the fact that if they had noticed it earlier you never would have been hired for the job in the first place! So you better be able to back up everything listed on your resume with some kind of proof or someday you might be looking at a pink slip with your name on it. 'nuff said...

Posted by: jackn7 | Apr 4, 2007 1:18:05 PM

I would like to keep my resume as close to the truth as possible. I am re-entering the job force after raising some kids. I simply can not remember exact hiring/firing dates. Does anyone know where I can get a record of my personal emploment history FOR FREE??!! I don't think I should have to join a service for $39.99 just to get this information.
Thanks,
S

Posted by: S L F | Apr 6, 2007 3:19:29 PM

I am trying to build my first resume in over 15 yrs. Former employers are either retired, moved, bought out, etc. Trying to get info I lost 3 moves ago is impossible. I am starting in a new part time career as my gov't job winds down. I am retiring in 5 yrs from the feds. I don't want to lie but the exact dates , phone number of references is not even possible. Anyone having any imput on resume building or a sharp and to the point cover letter, let me know.

Posted by: jimbo | May 7, 2007 2:30:23 PM

As an employer, employee, self employed I can say that all the above are TRUE. Currently, as a doctor (alternative medicine) it offers a low salary and extremely high educational prerequesites. Was it worth it? NO WAY. Did I have to lie to get the job. No, my credentials were enough. Do I have to technically lie to keep the job? YES. When I was a hiring manager I saw great candidates get shot down b/c they HAD college degrees and the company (Fortune 100) didn't want them b/c they would probably wanted more compensation and would quit soon(who knows b/c we never brought them in for an interview). Especially for a person like me who has undergraduate and professional degrees/certs. Heck, I needed to pay bills and would do any job at the time but I got passed over for jobs I had already done in the past. Luckily, I still had friends in the business that got me in the door. I think that's the best asset, friends not resumes. Resumes usually only get looked at when a friend or acquaintence suggests they look at it. How does one explain failed self employment? It took a lot of guts to try a business on your own but it still makes you look like a flake. You end up having to CYA for that time period and make up some lame excuse. In fact, you end up having make up a lot of lame excuses to CYA for basic things in life like, "I just got friggin bored with the job regardless of the pay-I hate it". Explain that! How about I didn't like the boss, period and he wasn't leaving so I did....how do you explain that ethically all nice and neat. Truth is I hate liars but reality is everybody out there is lying and passing you UP. I didn't make the rules but they sure as heck are making a fool out of me. Do what you have to do, there are many honest bums on the street. Wanna be one of them? Point: I sat in a room when a co-worker got a call for a reference for a past coworker who applied for a pharm sales job with a top pharm company. He gave the guy a new title, national sales rep., made up a phony ref: on the spot and the guy got the job: $65K to start. The guy who gave the reference was one of my sales reps, I was his manager, the former employee barely had any sales experience PERIOD and a college degree, no medical/science background whatsoever. Two months later he came to the store to thank us and take us out to dinner, I didn't even know the guy but he paid for 4 of us on the company expense account. Why? Because I am a technically acceptable "doctor" except I can't prescribe drugs...idiots! He said it was a sales presentation on his expense report. At the time I was making $45K right out of school with tons of debt and no job so I went back into retail management until things got rolling a little my way. Bottom line, I couldn't even get an interview with a pharm company probably for various reasons but possibly my age (2nd career and they like the young pretties) and possibly the degrees. Sure, they could have thought I was a flake but my career paths are sensible, employement record stable and no background problems, sales awards, promotions, etc. Still not good enough. Another example: I had lots more experience, achievements, degrees, etc. applied for the SAME job different company...never even a phone call. I WROTE THE RESUME for a coworker and fudged his background (not a ton of BS but made his HS education, his mediocre military service and limited experience look good) for the same job; he got multiple interviews and was hired. EVEN WITH HIS FELONY CONVICTION not to mention the many harrassment allegations at work. Give me a break. I've never even seen handcuffs and this guy gets hired, I don't even get an interview. I would love to have heard how he lied and pulled that off. Enough already? Not even close, how about a former manager with no education being promoted up the chain just riding on the coat tails of someone he knew..not unique to me happens all the time. Your boss may be one of them, no experience for the job and no education and no reasonable excuse why they are your boss. Want another one? How about a former manager who got fired for physically assaulting an employee, was fired and given a "good" reference to go to work for a competitor company. Got the job, got a raise in the process and through a miracle of Satan, the two companies merged a decade later and now she is a senior manager in the comapany she was fired from! No jokes. It's all BS out there. Sure there are some who would love for it not to be but it is. As I said, I didn't make the rules the rules are making me. Will I try to first be honest? Yes. Will I outright lie? Probably not. Will I be vague? You bet your sweet...

Posted by: Ol' Doc | May 7, 2007 5:48:24 PM

While I do not condone lying on a resume, I would like to ask the self-righteous HR staffers who write up job descriptions and develop career websites what their responsibilities are in the area of integrity. Is there a company that doesn't "value their employees?" And let us not forget how rah rah every ad is about teamwork. How many job descriptions let you know how much of the professional position you are applying for is, in fact, administrative? Or do they let you know at anytime in the interview process that three people have been let go from the team in the last 6 months? I could go on. False advertising is a two way street, and sadly, everyone loses.

Posted by: smt | May 9, 2007 8:05:02 PM

wow. so many comments on here about lieing aobut every frinking little thing you people are inseane and totally wrong.

Posted by: ally | May 11, 2007 7:43:50 AM

I hear a lot of people complaining about crooked companies. Well if 50% of people lie to get a job, then there must be a lot of crooked liars running and working in American companies. We wonder why Enron happened. There is no higher moral than the almighty dollar. And that's sick. Don't complain about crooked companies, if you are a crooked employee. It's about as hypocritical as it gets. The one reason you see so many jobs at these bad companies, is because they can't retain their employees. The good companies keep good employees. So you generally don't see the good companies all over Monster with a 100 jobs.

Posted by: Dave | May 15, 2007 1:32:07 PM

Hats off to "Fed Up" & "Can't keep up with all skills"!!!!!
Ms. "No wonder your lying", you need to get off your high horse and stop assuming you know people's characters b/c of a few typo's. So what if they made a few typo's in their blogs. You mean to tell me you have never made a few mistakes in the heat of such strong emotions. It's a sensetive subject and it is emotionally draining to know what your worth and no one will give you the time of day. It's hard when you know you're living a life style that is paycheck to paycheck knowing you could be making so much more if employers would just give you the opportunity for an interview to see your potential. It's people like you who judge others that make it hard for the rest of us! Look in your own mirror. They may have made a few typos wanting badly to get their point accross and didn't notice them but I bet you as strongley as they feel, they go over there resume's over and over again until it's spotless. No one wants to help anymore! They want to give critisizm without offering a solution. What does your resume look like. You need to think before you speak and look in the mirror before your quick to judge others. I bet if you look real hard your not exactly little miss perfect as you claim to be. The truth hurts!!!

No one tells it like it is anymore. It's easy to judge those who
are just trying to make it in this world while you sit in your nice offices making six figure income's driving your beamers and lexus'. I bet you the same people who are judging us lied on their own resumes to be in the positions they are in they just wont admit it! They jump on the band wagon of other employers pointing fingers in order to fit in and look innocent. Don't be angry at us because we figured out a way to beat the system like you did. I am not encouraging people to lie but people are fake these days and it's a dog eat dog world. you do what you have to do to survive!

Oh and "Ally" sweetie, you just need to stay off the internet! Maybe you and "No wonder your lying" can get together and discuss your typo's. She might be able to help you work out your issues with people being "Frinking Inseane", as you put it, while she judges you from her high horse!

To all the others, I hope you get your dream jobs! I am a good person that wishes to see other's suceed if you have the desire to and I wish you many blessings. For those who continue to snub your noses because you're already at the top just remember, what goes around comes around! I don't believe I am better than any one and you shouldn't either.

Posted by: Living in the real world | May 16, 2007 9:01:14 PM

WOW!!!...I must say it never even crossed my mind to lie on my resume and with all you people out there so willing to lie no wonder it's such a job to find a job!!!!

Posted by: Me | May 17, 2007 1:54:30 PM

Guys, you don't lie on your resume. It's just not something you do. What you do is talk to your current employer about your future goals, and see if they can't give you job duties that would give you a leg-up for your end goal. For instance, I am working on getting a degree in Computer Information Systems so I can get into Database Administration.

I told my employer what I was doing. They promptly reassigned many more of the technological aspects of our database systems to ME. That provides me with ACTUAL JOB EXPERIENCE in database administration. Although I was not officially a 'Database Administrator', I had duties under my previous job title that prove that I am apt and capable in that aspect. And I will be able to put that on my resume once I have my degree and begin applying for those positions.

Also, a letter of recommendation goes a LONG way for proving you are a great candidate. I had every single person in my previous office offer to write me a letter, got letters from three of them, and my reputation as a great employee has carried on into the position I have now.

Come on! You don't lie, you use your BRAIN and TALK TO PEOPLE. Your supervisors are quite willing to help you out. They love someone with ambition and Mad Skillz. They relate to that. These "lie on your resume" posts are frankly sickening. No wonder the world is in the state it's in today. Karma will catch you up, and thank goodness.

Posted by: Rachael | May 17, 2007 3:40:09 PM

You want to talk about lies. Well, let me just say, I got SCREWED. Worked for corporate for 2 1/2 years. What turned out to be, I thought a top notch company, only found to be just that alright. Nothing but the opposite. I was told two weeks before a deadline that had been going on since 05, for ALL SA's and Engineers, that in order to continue working on the project, everyone had to be CISSP/Security+ certified. Granted, I was told from the beginning by my former manager, that my position was not indeed a requirement. Well, as time moved on, and with the deadline approaching 2/07, I was NOW told that because I was mapped as a Jr. QA Analyst (mind you, that's not my title, NOR was I doing the responsibilities or duties as a QA); I HAD to take the Security+ exam and that my job was now on the line! I performed nothing but administrative duties!! I had only 2 weeks to prep, study, and take exam that does not have anything to do with my job!!! And because I did not pass, I am now sitting at home looking for employment!!

Go figure...who's honest now....it certainly was not me! I got hired to do one job but when the client viewed documents, I was somehow (illegally) mapped as something else by management.
The former manager got fired prior for mismanagement but where does that leave ME!?!?!?!

Posted by: mdjs | May 17, 2007 5:32:19 PM

Hate to tell you - but if you lie, you will be found out, not by your boss (good ol' Dilbert principle), but by your co-workers and clients.

I've seen many induhviduals lie through their teeth on the resume, get hired, and fired when they can't perform due to the lack of credentials.

Posted by: Shawn | May 19, 2007 11:08:42 PM

Hate to tell you that you will probably not be found out. I'm not advocating lying outright per say but some creative embellishment, you betcha. Most processess will be carried out by a third party verification company so the challenge is to find out what vendor they use and what requirements the vendor is under. For example, some companies are cheapskates and will only pay for state level background checks (criminal) and some other stuff. Well, if you got busted in another state it may not show especially if it wasn't a felony and was recent. That stuff takes time to hit a database and companies will rarely go back and re-do a background check. If you apply to a small company then it's even more "lax" b/c they won't even do a check at all but they may call references. Well, call some friends and have them cover for you. I've seen it done and I'm quite sure some of my superiors did it b/c they are soooo incompetent. As for good companies retain good employees...yeah right. The companies I am referencing are in the top 5 telecoms and 1 top credit card company, I won't be specific b/c it ain't fair to them or Monster if I bad mouth specific companies.

Again, I'm not saying do it no matter what but I am saying to think it ain't being done by your competition is just plain "rose colored glasses" ignorance. All this noble gobbly gook about ethics and what not and good employers...ehhh, there are just employers (not good or bad). Everyone from CEO down is expendable and can/will get fired or laid off so having a reverence for an employer is foolish. They are not REAL, it's an entitiy composed of outright crooks to angels in EVERY company. Bottom line is the resume doesn't get you anything other than an interview. The interview is where the money's at...nobody hires paper they hire people. So if fudging a little on the paper gets you the opportunity for the interview YOU feel you deserve then go ahead. Fair warning is know your paper and be able to back up what you said. From my experience employers advertise they want gold, expect silver and will settle for aluminum. The requirements in most job req's are overkill for the actual job performed. As long as you know you can do the job, have some real skill you can demonstrate or cite to show you can and most importantly "will" do the job then lie away so you can get some face time with a decision maker not HR. HR is the biggest probelem I have seen in companies because they do a lousy job of finding people. Again, if they did their job better finding people instead of paper (electronic or otherwise) we wouldn't be discussing having to fudge paper in order to actually talk to someone in a company instead of getting filtered out by online applications. Yes, you get filtered out when you do the online apps and only HR knows the parameters so even managers get the best of whatever HR thinks you need, not what you actually need.

As far as talking to supervisors, etc. Yeah, go ahead and try to do things the right way first but let's be real. I have been in senior management meetings and heard the lies, I know they exist. People get blackballed, it's true. Get some workman's comp going and you might as well quit b/c you will probably, not certainty, not get promoted anytime soon. Is there anything EVER on paper? No, are you kidding me. But HR and others (legal dept.) know who the bad apples are, keep track of them and let them go as soon as they have a chance. It happens. Is it your fault? Sometimes. Sometimes not. I've gotten blackballed myself for calling people on their lies, unfortunately it was senior management so I never got anywhere with that company. They couldn't fire me but they sure could make me miserable. It's a two edged sword in conscience for sure, you can be honest and point out the liars in your company but they have the power to dump on you. Then it's either play ball like them or continue to get the tar beat out of you. Your choice-be careful. Sanitation engineer is still a janitor but it does sound better doesn't it? Is it lying? I think not. Medical assistant or Office Manager? Some small offices the medical assistant practically is the accountant, office manager, claims manager, insurance liason, etc. so why shouldn't they embellish? Why should they get screwed out of an accurate title description b/c technically they didn't have a title of manager even though they did the job? It's all gray market info.. Don't let anyone elses ethics or morality dictate what you have to do. Do what you have to do to make the playing field level (that's fair enough) even if it's fudging a bad resume. Telling your kid you didn't get a job and you don't have money to feed them; however, you were honest on your resume is a poor substitute for FOOD.
Caution: Don't lie on your resume for Gov't jobs or high security you CAN get in trouble. Not just no job but fines and maybe jail time.

Posted by: ol' doc | May 24, 2007 11:10:39 AM

I've been an employee and an employer for many years and Yes, I have seen people lie on their resumes. I've also hired people who lied on their resumes because they've had the skills I needed for a position. Especially when they claim a college degree. If it's not a professional job where that degree or license is necessary - who cares? I haven't regretted one minute of hiring them.

I figure in this world where everyone is supposed to be something they're not - this land of polical correctness where waitresses are servers and stewardesses are flight attendants and janitors are Sanitation engineers, everyone has had to upgrade or uptalk their resumes. ISN'T everybody lying anyway?

Posted by: Marie | May 24, 2007 9:00:28 PM

I agree that lying on your resume is in poor taste. It is one thing to exaggerate a bit, but to completely fabricate skills or previous work experience is something else entirely. If anyone wants good advice on what else NOT to do when compiling resume, check out the article "Top 4 Resume Mistakes That Can Kill Your Career" at http://www.savvymiss.com/career-woman/career-advice

Posted by: Zena | May 25, 2007 6:45:51 PM

Within the past year I made a career move because I was fed up with all the people at the company where I was working were lying and yes even cheating to get ahead. The last straw was a fellow employee who I found out was changing sales figures by saying that my sales ID was in the system when he completed the sale and that the sales should have been his. I turned him in for stealing sales and also for falsifying sales info for personel gain. He was fired for his actions. I've heard from other people that are still at the company that no matter how much he lies or stretches the truth to get a job he gets bit in the butt because his past comes back to haunt him. Lying is easy to do but hard to cover because there is more to remember and keep track of or you'll get caught in them. Unless you're a CEO of some multi-million dollar company with a really great severance agreement that pays you enough that you will never have to work another day in your life it isn't worth it to lie on your resume or on the job.

Posted by: Carol | Jun 3, 2007 11:56:00 PM

Its a shame that people think the only way around a problem resume is to lie because it isn't. There are ways to handle gaps in a resume, no citizenship, a varied work history and many other resume glitches. Being honest is in my book the only way to go because if you start lying to a prospective employer where do the lies end? Do you start lying to your friends and family? And what about the lying you have to keep up if you actually get the job?

Posted by: Mary Kurek | Jun 4, 2007 1:05:00 AM

What is the price of your character?

Posted by: Matt | Jun 4, 2007 3:21:49 PM

DO NOT LIE ON YOUR RESUME or APPLICATION!!! I have been searching for jobs for quite some time now, and I keep lying about holes in time on my resume. As a result, I have been getting interviews. Then I get the job and wonder why it just doesn't feel like I could actually do the job! This is because I am receiving offers from positions that i am truly underqualified for. Now, I have trouble sleeping at night because I don't know how to tell these employers that I don't want their job. The truth is that I do, but there's just no way that I would be able to. I would get fired within the first month. Just don't do it! It will eat you alive in the end. I'm massively screwed!

Posted by: ananomyous | Jun 5, 2007 12:26:10 PM

bunch of lying idiots

Posted by: tada | Jun 7, 2007 9:39:22 PM

If you don't lie on your resume, it will take you ten times as long to get a job as those who do! Especially when the truth is, you get passed over for jobs because you told the truth! This especially applies to anyone applying for their first job out of college, their first job out of high school, their first job out of being a housewife for many years, etc. Or people who move around the continent a lot because they can't ever get jobs in the places they go...that links to being a housewife, though. You catch my drift...

Posted by: Eloise | Jun 8, 2007 10:09:30 PM

If you're lying to cover up gaps in employment and the lack of employment and things like that, then you're not lying to get yourself into situations you really can't handle. It's because these days all jobs, even entry-level, demand more consistent work experience than the job actually takes in order to do it. You're not supposed to lie your way into jobs you actually couldn't do. You're only supposed to lie your way into jobs you know damn well you can do but just wouldn't get the time of day for if you told the truth: that you were fresh out of college or fresh out of years of housewifery or whatever.

Like, for example. "Typist. Required: 80 wpm AND three years' verifiable work experience." Well, anyone who types 80 wpm could actually do the job in their sleep fresh out of college. So a case like that would justify a lie about how long you'd been officially employed somewhere. You don't lie your way into something you actually couldn't do. Duh.

Posted by: Eloise | Jun 8, 2007 10:17:02 PM

If jobs weren't overstating the minimum requirements then people who can't meet all of them but know damn well they could do the job in their sleep wouldn't have to lie on their resumes. I'm talking about people lying about experience they haven't been able to get, just to "qualify" for the "entry-level" these days. People lie about their experience because they can do the job, not about their skill level because they can't. If employers weren't requiring unnecessary years of experience for even the entry level jobs then most people I know wouldn't have to lie. It doesn't actually take two to three years' worth of full-time experience to do a clerk-typist job! But these days if you don't have it, no matter how fast you type and how good you are with computers (from being in college) they won't even consider your resume or application.

That is why people lie. Not to get jobs they can't do, but to get jobs they could do in their sleep!

Posted by: Eloise | Jun 9, 2007 9:48:35 AM

WOW!! I have read almost all of the comments on this blog. The reason why I took such an intrest is because I am changing my career path I have worked in the same career for almost 10 years and all the responces I get back for my posted resume is for that position although I have applied for the new career I want (I HAVE EXPERIENCE IN IT) but for some reason the old career overpowers it. I have pulled out all the stops (truthfully) by bringing out all the skills I have for the new position but still no luck. I am at my witts end and trying not to get depressed about it, part of the reason why I was intrested in finding out about this lying thing cause I have considered it. I am still thinking about revamping my resume but I am not to sure about embellishing the information. To all who this has worked for, Good Luck in your living Who knows I just might be one of you, then again who knows I just may continue to do it the old fashion way, and hopefully I will get Lucky.

Posted by: Lisa | Jun 12, 2007 12:33:01 AM

Whiner, Liar, your going to burn

Posted by: ray | Jun 12, 2007 5:37:56 AM

Came across this by accident - kind of like a car accident - you drive by trying to see what you know you really don't want to see. I've become sickened by what I see - companies lying to get employees,employees lying to get jobs, companies lying to consumers- where does it stop? We must make a stand. This is not the world I want my children to grow up in. Perhaps I am naive, but as an owner of a small company I am saddened to my core to read this. I have had very few problems with any employee I have ever hired and I compensate them very well. I personally hire every employee myself and only hire people I know or through recomendations of trusted employees. Perhaps if more companies took a personal approach to hiring then everybody could stop lying. Do you really want to work for a company that you have to lie to just to get the job?

Posted by: leisure | Jun 12, 2007 8:28:15 PM

WHAT PROFIT IS IT TO A MAN, TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND TO LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? LIES ARE THE ORGINAL BOOMERANG IN LIFE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, EVENTUALLY THEY COME RIGHT BACK ON YOU. I'M NOT TRYING TO PREACH TO ANYONE, BUT THESE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES ABOUT LIES STILL HOLD UP EVEN TO THIS DAY. SO WHETHER YOU ARE CHRISTIAN, MUSLIM, HINDU,BUDDIST OR ATHIEST REMEMBER DON'T LIE!! THEY ALWAYS COME BACK TO RE-VISIT THE LIAR. AND ITS NEVER GOOD.

Posted by: garic grant | Jun 14, 2007 2:18:20 AM

TRUTH IS NOT A WHAT, IT IS A WHO. JESUS OF THE HOLY BIBLE IS THE TRUTH.THIS WORLD SYSTEM IS GOVERNED BY SATAN. HE IS THE AUTHOR OF LIES. THAT IS WHY IT SEEMS EASIER TO SUCCEED IN THE WORLD BY LYING. EXAMPLES: LYING ON INCOME TAX RETURNS TO GET MORE MONEY, LYING ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS OF DEPENDENTS TO GET MORE MONEY, LYING ON RESUMES TO GET THE JOB THAT PAYS MORE MONEY. LARGE COMPANIES LYING ABOUT PROFITS TO INCREASE THEIR MARKET VALVE. EMPLOYERS LYING ON THE JOB REQUIREMENTS TO TRY TO BRING IN THE 'BEST' EMPLOYEE.THERE WILL NOT BE A QUICK FIX TO THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THIS COUNTRY BREEDS LIARS BECAUSE THIS COUNTRY LIES TO ITS CITIZENS TO HAVE TO CONFORM TO IT'S PROFIT HUNGRY MENTALITY.A FAMILY NEEDING FOOD STAMPS ARE TURNED DOWN BECAUSE THEY TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THEIR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS AND IS GIVEN $170.00 A MONTH. TWO ADULTS LIVING IN A HOUSE WITH THREE OTHER WORKING ADULTS RECEIVE $400.00 EACH BECAUSE THE TWO ADULT CHOSE TO LIE ABOUT THEIR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS.

Posted by: TED | Jun 19, 2007 4:47:27 PM

You guys obviously don't get it... The BEST strategy ever to last the perfect job is to lie on your resume to get a first position in a competing firm of your dream job and then stay there for a MAXIMUM of 1 year. During the whole year, try to make friends with people working in the competing firm and look for openings. As soon as you can, get a job at the competitor firm by sending a true resume (no lie).

You may also do it by moving more frequently. For example, if you want to work for D with a real resume (no lie), the lie to A big time and work there for 1 year. Then move to B and lie a little less to get in. Then move to C after another year by lying just a little less. Finally, after 3 years of lying, don't lie to D and get the job.

YOU NEED A PLAN!

Posted by: Jim | Jun 21, 2007 6:45:20 AM

I have been looking for a job in accounting for many months I have a degree in it. However I don't have work experience. I will work doing somethin totally diffance if I have to before I lie. It is very obvious that you people have no conscience. Remember you will have to answer to all of your sins. There is no little or big all sins is sin. Also there is no white lies all lies are lies.

Posted by: lord remember me | Jun 22, 2007 10:46:02 AM

My education was in one field (Genetics and Molecular Biology), however due to my homeland being in crisis for a while, my jobs had ranged from translator to webmaster. For the first job I had, I honestly wrote the resume, mentioning both my education and skills (and the year spent on exchange program in another country, plus test certificate, but education went first). I received a miserable salary, my working day started at 10 am and ended at 3 am. I was "awarded" additional duties as if they were some medals at a dog show. I started as a translator, but was asked to learn graphics software - bingo, here's more work for you to do. And on and on it went. Next job - next honest resume. Again, tons of responsibilities, and when I dared to mention that I wasn't told a single thing about these new responsibilities when I was hired, I was simply told that I could go and look for another job if I don't want them. My certificate from specific test on the language of translation was disregarded, despite the score. I had the degree in Genetics - and that was it. PERIOD.

Smarter employers usually have some test assignment. I spent four years after college working freelance, or working for one third of normal salary, and looking for a job, until a smarter employer simply gave me a test assignment (which I had no problem with despite my education being wrong one). If I simply kept my education record as just mentioning my university and master's degree without speciality, I would not have wasted these years.

Now, when I wrote my current resume, I put educational background waaay down the page. First of all my employers see what I've done, and for whom I have worked (ridiculously true). I got 5 interviews the very first week I started looking. Now I can pick from several job offers, just because my degree doesn't showoff.

Mention everything that can benefit you, hide anything that would harm. HYPOCRITES, QUIT TEACHING AND PREACHING. FAST FOR A WHILE, and you will see how long your well-fed hypocritic crap lasts.

Posted by: Da_Evil | Jun 28, 2007 2:30:30 AM

I am very happy to please .I will go out of my way to keep a customer and to make sure they are satisfied with my service. enjoy people and working with the public, in person and on the telephon.

Posted by: kris ann delloiacono | Jun 28, 2007 5:42:19 PM

Lieing is not good,I learnd the hard way,but now Iam back on top of my,!!But remmember don't lie on anything if you can!!!

Posted by: kiran | Jul 4, 2007 5:45:29 AM

Sure, the high-and-mighty tell everyone to tell the truth. All the way to the Unemployment Office! And to the Food Stamp Office. Unless you can live permanently or for many years at a time on Public Assistance, you can't afford to be this high-and-mighty about telling the truth in a world that was built on lies, after all. Or keep lying to our children, telling us that if we stay in school and go to college we will qualify for the better jobs and won't have to live off Public Assistance all our lives ANYWAY. Why do people have to lie to keep their heads above water in a lying man's world? You can't just take the world the way it has become, say "don't lie" to everyone, and expect those who take that advice and don't lie, to be anywhere but on the streets or in the Homeless Shelters. Can you keep your housing or rent payments up with no job when you start to take years and years to find anything because your resume is the gosh-darn awful TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH.
The saying is "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God." He will have to help you, because no employer will hire you and you will lose your home and everything else you own!

Posted by: ChoctawIndian | Jul 11, 2007 9:45:31 AM

FOR THE RECORD, EVERYONE SHOULD DO THEIR BEST ON THEIR RESUMES!
UNFORTUNATELY, IT DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN YOU WILL BE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED AND THAT'S THE REAL KICK'R ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE SUPPORTING A FAMILY.
I JUST HAPPENED TO SPEND 10 YEARS OF MY LIFE DEFENDING THE FREEDOM OF THIS COUNTRY DURING THE 80s' AND EARLY TO MID 90s'.
THAT PART I WOULDN'T CHANGE FOR ANYTHING, AND AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE DONE SO, AND YOU ARE ALL WELCOME.
THIS COUNTRY NEEDS TO DEFEND MORE THAN IT'S BORDERS, AIRPORTS, AND ANY OTHER MEANS THAT THE ENEMY COULD INFILTRATE, LIKE THE JOB MARKET. TOO MANY FOREIGNERS HERE TAKING OUR JOBS!!!!!!!!!

SEEMS TO ME THAT INSTEAD OF SENDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO OTHER COUNTRIES, WE SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN, RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW!
SURE OTHER COUNTRIES NEED THE HELP, FROM WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE THE ULTIMATE AND GREATEST NATION, THE UNITED STATES.
WE ARE NOT A WELFARE LINE FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD TO STAND IN!

THIS COUNTRY NEEDS TO HELP THOSE SO THAT THEY CAN HELP OTHERS, AND THAT'S HOW IT SHOULD BE AND NEEDS TO BE!

AS FOR THOSE EMPLOYERS, JUST SUCK IT UP, HIRE PEOPLE AND TRAIN THEM TO BE AN ASSET TO THE COMPANY.
INSTEAD OF FIRING THEM AND WASTING MORE OF THE COMPANY'S MONEY, THEY SHOULD FIRST NEED TO BE ON A PROBATION PERIOD.
IF THEY ARE FOUND OUT TO BE LYING, AND THAT DEPENDS WHAT THE LIE IS ABOUT, IT COULD BE GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL, ESPECIALLY THE EDUCATION PORTION.
A LIE IS A LIE, NO REFUTING THAT, BUT IF IT'S ONLY ABOUT PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE, SOMEONE NEEDS TO GIVE OTHERS A CHANCE TO GET THE EXPERIENCE.
DURING THE FIRST GULF WAR, I WAS WORKING AS A JOURNEYMAN CARPENTER, WORKED SLOWED, I WAS LAID OFF. I LOOKED EVERYWHERE FOR MORE CONSTRUCTION WORK, BUT TO NO PREVAIL.

I FILLED OUT APPLICATIONS AT FAST FOOD PLACES LIKE BURGER KING, MC'DONALDS, ECT... WHEN MY APPLICATIONS WHERE REVIEWED, AND THE MANAGERS SEEN MY PAY HISTORY, I WAS TOLD I WAS OVER QUALIFIED. I NEVER REALLY WANTED TO WORK IN THOSE TYPE OF PLACES, BUT I WAS DESPERATE.
I TOLD THE MANAGERS THAT I WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING PERMANENT AND A CAREER CHANGE. I WAS REFUSED, BUT MY RESPONSE TO THEM WAS, "I'M NOT OVER QUALIFIED TO EAT"! WHICH IS WHY I WENT THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
SOME EMPLOYERS ARE REAL IDIOTS AND CAN'T SEE PAST THEIR HYPOCRITICAL SELF RIGHTEOUS ATTITUDES! THEY CAN REACH AROUND WITH BOTH HANDS AND STILL CAN'T FIND THEIR A--ES, THAT'S BECAUSE THEIR HEAD IS IN IT!
SUCK IT UP EMPLOYERS, HOW DO YOU THINK YOU GOT WHERE YOU ARE! SOMEONE GAVE YOU A CHANCE. DO THE RIGHT THING AND GIVE SOMEONE ELSE A CHANCE! HELP THIS COUNTRY, DON'T CRIPPLE IT!~

BERNIE
USMC

Posted by: Bernie | Jul 13, 2007 12:22:45 AM

I'm not a "Holier-than-thou" or a "high & mighty." I, like many responders, am a woman on her own, in the back side of her 50's, looking at her potential future and scared ----less. I've worked my way up in the medical profession through a variety of positions starting at the bottom, to a directorship in nursing.
I too, have lost a "dream" position(mgmt) with a company (national) I wanted to work for because of "stretching" the truth earlier in my nursing career. A "friend", whose background was in the business world, advised me to never let them know your not currently working when looking for a new job. I had said I was still with my current employer (on my resume) & was checking out my professional options during the interview. I got the job. I told them I had made arrangemets, months prior, to fly out of state on a short trip to visit family. That was no problem, and I was to call them at the end of that week before returning to find out what time to come in the following Monday. When I made that call from out of town, I was told the offer was recinded. It turns out my former supervisor had gone to visit a relative residing at the facility and run into the administrator. She had mentioned to him she just hired one of his staff. He told her that I was not working there any longer. The assumption was, he gave her information other than verifying dates of employment(against the law, but couldn't prove it.) I met with the adminstrator upon my return. She told me they recinded their offer because I had said I was still working for my previous employer and they found out that was not true. I was devistated, but moved on and took my career forward into a different specialty area.
I have also been on the receiving end of employers' lack of truth. My resume reflects my professional history as accurate as my memory can possibly be after 38 yrs. in the medical field. I recently left a Dir. of Nursing(DON) position at one facility for another at a smaller facility, part of a large health system. I stressed with the headhunter I was using that any potential employer be very aware that I had not been a DON for very long and was relatively new in the position.(I had been in this specailty area for 6-7 yrs, but in lower levels of mgmt.)This information was clearly stated in both my resume and during both my interviews.I had clearly made it known why I was leaving my current position also. It was not a problem. I let them know where I felt the facility needed tweeking in preparation for state inspection and suggested solutions. I also suggested areas to contain costs and possibly increase revenues. I was hired. Several weeks into the new job, the same situations that prompted me to make a change started to arise. My focus was to work on their weak areas for the entire faciity in preparation for their state inspection during the next three months, and theirs was for me to "oversee" one of the two units. I expressed this to the administrator as a poor state inspection would reflect on me. Two days ago, after less than six weeks, I was called to the administrators office and told she didn't feel things were working, they wanted to go in a different direction, and this would be my last day. Maybe I missed something, but I feel I was extremely honest, didn't withhold anything, but they were not honest and truthful in their wants and expectations.
It hurts and my confidence has taken a hit. But I will continue to try to be as honest and forthcoming as possible in the future and move forward personally and professioanlly where ever that path leads me. I can only be who and what I am, I'm too old to change now. Lying, embellishing, and being less than truthful are not a change I want to make.(There are consequences for our actions during our lives, we have to take responsibility and answer for at the end of our lives. I, for one, don't do well in excessive heat.) :-)

Posted by: Accept the Cosequences | Jul 13, 2007 2:11:45 PM

Hiring Manager Perspective:
I currently have a position on my team (I work in a corporate environment) and thought I found the perfect person for the job. Her resume was great, and she said all the right things in the interview. I found out yesterday, that she fabricated education on her resume. The position I am hiring for does not require a degree, however, this person decided it was best to state she had an AS degree and was working on a BS. Come to find out neither were even remotely true. Today I will be rescinding the offer and continuing my search. My HR rep tried to persuede me that is was not important as the job did not require a degree-but it's not the lack of a degree that bothers me, it was the outright lie.

Posted by: Jen | Jul 17, 2007 6:43:12 AM

Employee Perspective:
I was hired 5 years ago by a great company in a not so great position. Did I think I qualified for a better role? Did I know the position offered would be a breeze? Was the salary unimpressive? YES to all 3, but I knew I couldn't start at the top.

Many friends thought I should embelish my resume a bit, add a degree (didn't have one at the time), beef up my former job titles, etc. I didn't, and as stated previously, I landed a job below my skillset.

I took this opportunity to master that position, and once I was comfortable, I asked for special projects and more duties. I learned as much as I could about my job and the jobs of others in my office. This was an HRIS environment with numerous departments.

An opportunity arose where a season employee left the company. The job was vacant, and noone wanted to touch it. I stepped up and said I would give it a try.

To make a long story short, in the last 5 years, I have gotten 5 promotions, and increased my salary by 120%. I did finish my AS degree...but nothing more. I did take alot of online course offered through my company.

You need to be truthful on your resume, but be unrelenting in the job search. Follow up, Follow up, Follow up. It took 3 months of calls to the hiring manager for me to get this job. I don't regret it, but I would have regretting misinformation on my resume which latter got me fired.

Posted by: Jen | Jul 17, 2007 6:54:14 AM

I have tried to be as honest as i can on my resume. I kind of over extended my skills .I ended up getting responses from jobs that were out of my league.I dont want to get hired for a job and dont know what I am suppose to do.

Posted by: Cybrian | Jul 18, 2007 11:43:22 AM

i have a felony conviction from 26 years ago, i was young and stupid and have had no issues since then. should i disclose this to a perspective employer?
thank you

Posted by: patty fraser | Jul 19, 2007 8:27:41 AM

I am completely repulsed that anyone in their right mind would even consider lying on their resume. Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy.

I graduated with my Associate's from a small Institute, not a University, and I am being considered for higher-up positions (out of state), and I live in Erie, PA - a small city! Perhaps none of you can find a decent job because of your shotty work ethics, not because no one wants to give you a chance. Have any of you considered that sometimes, if not most times, cridentials aren't the most important influence on an employer? An employer wants the ease of mind knowing that you are willing to learn (because none of us go into a new job knowing everything we will ever need to know to perform at work) and that you will work hard. Not only that, but personality and appearance also play a huge factor. If an employer finds out that your are dishonest, that shows that you can't be trusted and that you aren't loyal. Who wants to invest thousands of dollars in someone like that?

It's also rather pathetic that you would post such opinions on a recruiting website, where potential employers have access to some of your contact info. You can kiss any offer good-bye with the attitudes you're conveying. If you're having such a hard time finding a job being honest, maybe you should have a professional write your resume. There are a variety of websites, such as this, that offer services for a fee - which will be well spent.

On a closing note, if you can't be honest to someone else, you obviously can't be true to yourself. Perhaps you should reconsider your life. Take a look in the mirror; reevaluate your education. Don't expect to waltz into some fancy, $100,000/ yr job when you are entry-level. No one ever said working your way up the ladder was easy.

Posted by: Nicole | Jul 20, 2007 9:12:50 AM

Well, I'm actually not all that surprised by the number of people who believe lying on resumes is the way to go. I have been a resume writer since 2003 and have seen/heard it all. One of my former clients, a lawyer no less, told me that I should just go online, find a resume of a person who practiced the kind of law she did (since they all did basically the same thing), and just copy that person's information onto her resume. I had to tell her that I'll do just about anything to help her, but that crossed the line. I don't recommend lying. Or putting forth other people's resumes as your own either.

Actually, I read an article about that very subject not long ago. With resumes so easily viewed online these days, people are just copying other people's experience and putting their names at the top. In this article, a tech expert acted as a consultant for companies screening their applicants. One day he found a resume from an applicant that looked awfully familiar. It was his resume, complete with companies, dates, and specific projects and accomplishments. He ended up interviewing the applicant and asked him specific questions pertaining to those projects and accomplishments, which naturally, the person could not answer, since he had not done them. I can assure you that this applicant never tried that again.

I totally agree that nobody should lie on his/her resume, but I do understand why people think they have to. I don't think that anyone has considered that perhaps it's not what information is on the resume, but rather how you present your experience to each individual employer. What you need to do is individually tailor each resume and letter to each job, highlighting the information from your past that best suits the job.

I'm a writer by trade, and if you tech people think it's hard getting a job here, just try being a writer in America! Low pay and 1000 other applicants for each job who are all equal to or better than you are. For years I applied for jobs that I was perfectly qualified for in the Midwest, but got no responses. Looking out of state was even harder. I just couldn't understand why people didn't consider me. I had a very unique background with jobs in a wide variety of industries, which I considered to be an asset. But nothing.

I ended up getting a job as a resume writer on the West Coast, which lasted about 1.5 years before I was laid off. After helping so many people out of their job search problems, I finally figured out why MY resume and letters were not getting noticed. My background, while full of great experience, was so varied that people couldn't see what I was truly capable of doing. They couldn't see that the skills I possessed were actually applicable to their positions.

So, I started with the letters. Rather than just telling briefly what I had done over the course of my career, I started explaining what skills I had employed, why I had chosen to take some positions, and what I had taken away from each position (or the bulk of the positions) that would be applicable to the job I wanted. For instance, I said that I took on an additional part time job writing resumes to make myself a more versatile writer, which helps for every industry. If the position is for a technical/scientific company, I point out that my experience working with engineers and technical information has made me able to take complicated, scientific information and rework it into copy for the general public to understand. I've applied for several marketing positions as well, even though my titles have nothing to do with marketing. I point out that resume writing actually is marketing work...we just market people rather than products.

I also make sure to use a Profile or Summary of Qualifications section at the top to highlight the skills I DO have that will be applicable to the position for which I'm applying. That helps people see right away that I'm a possibility. Then I'm sure to weed out any information below in my experience section that doesn't pertain to the position and add in any experience that does. Again, none of the information is fabricated or embellished. I'm just making sure that the reader doesn't have to sift through tons of useless information to get to the experience he wants to know about.

As soon as I took this approach to my job search, I started getting calls for interviews. Also, by simply putting multiple versions of my resume with appropriate titles to them on Monster, I also started getting unsolicited calls from employers who saw my resume online. Just remember that these calls come in waves. It was 2 months of nothing before I started getting calls...4 in the first week. And since then, I've interviewed in my current location for three positions that I didnt' even apply for. PLUS, I've gotten requests for three interviews back in the Midwest for good companies. With the economy being so bad back there, I just applied on a lark, figuring that the market was flooded with qualified unemployed people. But now I'm being flown out for an interview with one of the companies. I never got this many interviews in that region when I LIVED there!!

So, my point is that you don't need to lie about or embellish your work history, but rather figure out how to present the information so that employers will understand why you ARE appropriate for the jobs they have.

One way you can do this is by using a resume writing service to help you present this information in the best possible way. Sure, it will probably cost you a couple hundred dollars, but it is honestly one of the best investments you'll ever make. Most companies will give you your marketing materials (resumes/cover letters) in MS Word format, and possibly even ASCII (text only) format, so you can then tweak each one to fit each job. Some companies will even provide some career counseling to make sure you're applying for the right kinds of positions. That's another downfall of many people. They are either applying for positions for which they are over- or underqualified. Or they don't have a real focus for thier job searches.

Anyway, these kinds of writing services have helped so many people, as I know I have, and I encourage you to look into them. I always say that writing your own resume/letter is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. You're too close to the information to be objective. I even have others look over my resume and letters just to be sure I didn't miss something.

Just be sure to research the service you decide to go with first. Some of them are kind of shady. My last service is slowly becoming one of those. I was laid off to save money, and my position was outsourced to...get this...India. Yup, I know it won't last long, but you need to be sure to Google the service and see if there are any comments/recommendations out there. Granted, the writers over there are incredibly intelligent, honorable, and excellent people, but I find that this practice won't be appreciated by most people in the U.S. Also, some companies use testimonials that are made up. I ensured that only real ones were used while I was in charge; it was that or nothing.

That's all I have. Feel free to ask me questions if you would like some recommendations of services that I know are legit. I'd even be happy to help you myself. There is nothing like the feeling of helping a person get a new start in his/her career! Best of luck to all of you, and keep it honest.

Posted by: ResumeWriter | Jul 21, 2007 1:09:22 PM

so many pathetic excuses! have any of you ever thought that maybe the resume has nothing to do with your failiure? the problem is probably YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

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