If you tell the truth, you won’t forget what you said.
I admit it. I live right in the heart of Patriot Land. So while, I might be biased about what did or didn’t happen, I do see how it relates to a job search. I bet you are scratching your head wondering where I’m going. It is said that the Patriots were using whatever they could to get an advantage. Job searchers do the same thing. They look for and use anything they can to get an advantage over the competition.
Using every advantage is expected in a job search. However, where does one draw the line? I recommend conducting a job search that the local newscast would find boring. Some typical dishonest actions by job searchers
- Lying about your education to show you have better qualifications than you do.
- Taking credit for things you didn’t do in group projects to embellish your accomplishments
- Inflating dollar and percentage amounts to make your figures look more impressive.
- Making up stories to answer the “tell me about time when…” question.
- Exaggerating your previous salaries in order to bargain for a higher salary.
- Expanding dates on your work to hide or close gaps in your résumé.
- Falsifying your job titles so you can obtain a higher level job than you are qualified for.
- Dropping the names of people you do not know.
Doing any of the above things is dishonest. You may think you will get away with it, but it will only be for a while. Your résumé is a marketing document whose the sole purpose of getting you an interview. The job application is a legal document signed by you attesting to the fact the information you provided is correct. Any variation between what you said or presented in your résumé is grounds for ending your candidacy or being fired should you get hired.
There are other ways companies can discover your dishonesty. Some companies perform a background check on potential employees. These checks reveal the truth not what you hope is the truth. Your references want to be credible and will strive to tell the truth. It’s their reputation at stake if they get caught in a lie.
Some interviewers are adept at discovering the truth. You may have practiced your story, but they can see a falsehood. They are watching your every move and evaluating what you say. A lie can be quickly uncovered inconsistencies in your résumé, job application and your answers. Don’t challenge them, because they have more practice than you do. You have more at stake—you want the job. Be honest. You will stand a better chance of getting and keeping the job.
Whether the footballs were deflated or not and by whom is to be determined. There are consequences for them if they did.
How can I help you in your job search?
Image: freedigitalphotos.net Stuart Miles
