Stretching the truth on a resume

This might sound like common sense, but when you go to write your resume, make sure that each sentence you write is true.

True means accurate and defendable. If you spoke the sentence out loud, you could do so confidently, without wavering.

If you try to stretch the truth on a resume, it's likely that a hiring decision-maker will spot the stretch, especially if they've been working in the industry for a long time.

If you get caught stretching the truth during a job interview, it could cost you the job.



I'm sure this isn't a fun post to read, especially if you're a job seeker.

I've worked with many job seekers who have felt pressured to stretch the truth on their resumes.

And I fully understand why they felt the need to do so, without judgment. This is a tough job market, and the pressure to stand out is tremendous.

But as you read this post, I want my message to sink in as deeply as possible:

If you stretch the truth, and if the reader of your resume suspects that you're stretching the truth, you won't be granted an interview.

If you can't speak about your resume's content confidently and unwaveringly during the interview, you won't land the job.

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I wrote today's post with the full blessing of one of my newest clients. I'm genuinely thankful that she feels comfortable with me writing about this topic, because it's not an easy thing to dig into.

My client has been stretching the truth on her resumes and applications, and she's been doing it for a long time. Last week, she got caught during a panel interview. The interviewers' feedback was so strong that she finally felt compelled to reach out for help.

This week, we're going to work together on fully rewriting her resume. Every line will be accurate and defendable.

If you're in a similar situation to my client's, and if you need help rewriting your resume, send me a message today.

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