October 23rd 2023.
In August 2023, Resume Lab conducted a survey of 1,900 U.S.-based workers to gain insight into the prevalence of lying on résumés. Results revealed that, while it is tempting to embellish a résumé in a highly competitive job market, the consequences of doing so can be dire.
70% of respondents admitted to having lied on their résumés. Of these, 37% confessed to doing it frequently. Even more surprisingly, only 15% consistently reported being truthful. Additionally, 85% of individuals with master’s or doctoral degrees have been guilty of résumé falsehoods, as compared to 63% of those with bachelor’s or associate degrees.
Interestingly, lying on résumés appears to have transcended demographic boundaries, regardless of gender, age, political affiliation, religion, or work industry. This behavior also extended to cover letters and job interviews. 76% of respondents owned up to lying on their cover letters, with 50% doing it frequently. Additionally, 80% acknowledged bending the truth during job interviews, with 44% confessing to frequent dishonesty.
The repercussions of lying on a résumé are immense and can include rejected job applications, missed opportunities, and damaged reputations. In extreme cases, legal action such as fines and imprisonment may also arise.
Rather than resorting to embellishments, job seekers should focus on highlighting related experiences and transferable skills while remaining honest about their abilities. Honesty should always be prioritized during job applications and interviews, as minor exaggerations can have significant long-term repercussions.
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