Why Honesty is the Best Policy When Job Searching

Why Honesty is the Best Policy When Job Searching

By Marc Belaiche, CPA, CA

There are many examples of high profile people over the years who have been unceremoniously fired for lying on their resumes. Statistics in a recent study by ADP posted by Statistic Brain indicate that 78% of resumes were found to be misleading. 

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many less publicized stories when it comes to searching for a new position.

During the course of my recruiting career, I have uncovered many falsehoods that job seekers had given me such as:

·         Indicating they were still employed with their company even though they were no longer working there (probably the most common falsehood);

·         Extending the dates of employment with their employer(s) to fill in gaps on their resume;

·         Omitting positions/work experience from their resume to remove short-term employment;

·         Providing misleading information about their work experience or title(s);

·         Explaining they quit previous positions when they were actually terminated;

·         Advising that their credit and/or criminal check would be clean when it wasn’t;

·         Exaggerating their compensation (salary, bonus and/or benefits) in order to receive a better offer; and

·         Indicating their education was in the later stages or had been complete when that wasn’t the case.

Many times it was incredibly easy to find out someone wasn’t telling the truth by way of questioning the person thoroughly, reference checking, and speaking to previous co-workers or managers who raised red flags which suggested further investigation of the person was required.

It is extremely important to be honest when it comes to job searching. Lack of honesty may lead to a whole host of problems such as cancelled interviews, withdrawal of job offers, lost career advancement opportunities, dismissal, embarrassment for you/your family, mistrust between you, the interviewer, and your current or former employer.

Conclusion

Be honest up front in your job search. If you get caught in an inconsistency come out right away about it. You’ll only be digging your own hole further by not disclosing something as soon as it becomes known.

Note: This article is not intended to provide legal advice and readers are encouraged to consult with a lawyer for any legal advice pertaining to the points raised in this article.

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Marc Belaiche is a CPA, CA and is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an Internet recruitment business and recruiting firm located in the Greater Toronto Area. Marc is also the author of the book “Tales from the Recruiter”. Marc has been in the recruitment industry since 1995. TorontoJobs.ca allows companies to post their positions online, search a resume database to find candidates, provides outplacement services and full temporary and permanent recruitment services. TorontoJobs.ca also allows candidates to search and apply to positions directly online and get career, interviewing and resume tips all at no charge. Marc is also President of TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca, an organization geared towards business owners (www.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca) and has the annual Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference (www.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca/conference). You can reach Marc at marc.belaiche@torontojobs.ca and check out TorontoJobs.ca at www.TorontoJobs.ca.

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