Spotting Common Lies on Resumes: A Professional Recruiters Perspective

As a professional recruiter with years of experience in the field, I have seen it all when it comes to resumes and applications for open positions. While many job seekers present themselves in a positive light, I can always spot the common lies that are easy to check but still persistently show up in many of the resumes I receive. These exaggerations and inaccuracies not only misrepresent the candidate's abilities but also can reflect poorly on their integrity.

Some common lies and exaggerations include dates that don't match on social media and gaps on the resume, detailing degrees earned. These inconsistencies are easy to verify and yet still appear frequently in the applications I receive. Another common exaggeration is claiming achievements that could not have realistically occurred. For example, it is highly doubtful that a single person was responsible for rescuing an entire company from a crisis or that someone was the sole expert relied upon by a company's entire team.

My Favorite Resume Exaggeration

I often get resumes where candidates claim leadership or exceptional skills that, upon further investigation, turn out to be highly exaggerated. One of my favorite examples is when candidates claim to have been a hiring manager while only having experience as a receptionist. This claim typically surfaces when a candidate lists themselves as the "Chief Adviser to the President" while only having had a few coffee outings with the president. Such claims often lack credibility and instead convey a false sense of self-importance or arrogance, which may not be well-received during the hiring process.

Signs That a Candidate May Be Exaggerating Their Resume

Absurd claims and exaggerated achievements aside, I also look for red flags when candidates make dubious statements. For instance, if a candidate has an overly detailed and elaborate explanation for why they left their previous job, it may indicate that they are trying to cover up a negative situation. It is not uncommon for alarms to go off in my mind if a candidate's explanation for leaving or joining a company takes more than 1-2 minutes to convey. Such a response can be a sign that the candidate is fabricating a story or trying to avoid difficult questions about their past work experiences.

Red Flags in Candidate Responses

Another significant sign that a candidate may be exaggerating their resume lies in their explanations for why they left or wish to leave their current position. If the answer involves a complex narrative or seems to be filled with drama, it raises red flags. At this point, it is reasonable to assume that the candidate is being pushed out of their role, struggling with management or staff issues, or that the company is failing and the candidate is desperate to make a move while there are still options available to leverage their current position.

Conclusion

While it's natural for candidates to want to present themselves in the best possible light, it is essential to be truthful and accurate in their applications. Arrogance and dishonesty can do more harm than good in the eyes of a professional recruiter. In this competitive job market, transparency and honesty are increasingly valued, and candidates who cannot authentically represent their skills and achievements are likely to be overlooked. Remember, integrity and honesty can go a long way in establishing a positive relationship with a potential employer.