What To Do If You’ve Lied On Your Resume

Popular What To Do If You’ve Lied On Your Resume Danni MacDonaldJenna ArcandMarch 15, 2023 Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

When you land an interview with a company, the deciding factor was probably your resume—specifically, the types of skills and experiences you included on it. But, what if you lied on your resume?

Lying on your resume can come back to bite you in the hiring process. It can hinder your job search and cause more problems down the line if you do get hired. If you're considering lying on your resume, here's why you should think twice.

Why Do People Lie On Resumes?

Bigstock

Most job seekers lie on their job applications and resumes because they are worried that they can't get hired based on the facts.

You can get hired with your current qualifications. Have faith! There is a job somewhere out there for you. However, it may not be as grand a role as you'd like if you haven't earned your stripes in the trenches yet.

It's important to know your genuine strengths and to leverage them accordingly. It's your job to sell yourself to potential employers in your resume and in your job interview. You're a business-of-one, after all. Lying about qualifications to get ahead faster, though, will only put you in harm's way.

Employers won't always know if you've lied on your resume or are faking your way through a new job. But if they figure it out, you are back to square one. And you've been fired.

One TV broadcaster in Toronto, Canada, for example, was fired over 10 years after he was hired purely for lying about completing his education. Marilee Jones was an ambitious academic administrator who attained the position of Dean of Admissions at MIT on the false claim of an undergraduate degree that had never been completed. She was promptly fired after the information was discovered. Some companies will go ahead with verifying your employment, find out you've lied, and never tell you. They just won't hire you—and they'll flag you as "Do Not Hire"...ever. Let's avoid that.

What To Do If You've Lied On Your Resume

Bigstock

So, what can you do if you've lied on your job application or your resume?

Do you try to bluff your way through for 10 years or more? On the job application form, did you tell them about your misdemeanor felony conviction—if not, then when? How can you handle this without losing out on the job?

1. Withdraw Your Application

Bigstock

This is your safest option. Simply call and say you are "withdrawing your application at this time." If asked for a reason, tell them you've "reconsidered your application."

That's the truth.

They may assume the timing, title, or money isn't right or that you have another job offer or you heard something that makes you think it's not the right company for you. That's all okay.

2. Revise Your Resume & Ask The Hiring Manager To Refer The New Copy

Bigstock

In this case, you can tell them you "noticed some errors" and "want to correct them." Note that this won't work if you've created jobs or performance claims that were exaggerated. However, you can truthfully state that you want to be "more exact," if you wish. They may assume you had someone else write your resume and the errors were theirs.

That said, this isn't always going to work.

3. Come Clean

Bigstock

This may mean you lose out on the job opportunity, but sometimes people have big hearts. There's a good chance they are going to find out about the lie(s) anyway through reference checks or your own social media presence (like LinkedIn).

Provide a corrected resume or job application and tell them the truth. In life, we need to own up to our mistakes and learn from them. Tell them that, too—that you made a mistake and you want to make it right. It's a sign of good character to do that. People make mistakes, especially under pressure (and needing a job is a lot of pressure).

It's best not to end up in this position, but if the deed is done, these are the top three ways of fixing the problem...

How To Avoid The Problem

You can explain job gaps and sudden departures from school or a former job in the interview. If you have a criminal record, and that would include any DUIs, be upfront about it or call immediately to tell them you neglected to mention it and would like to "set the record straight."

Some things are not automatic barriers to employment—but lying about them may be.

Now is the time to change your resume and social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, so you never have to worry about this again. Do it today so if your dream job opens up tomorrow, you are polished and ready to stand out to employers on your own merit.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

From Your Site Articles

• 6 Common Resume Mistakes You Must Avoid ›
• How To Create An Effective Resume Even If You Were Fired ›
• 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Any Interview ›
• How To Explain An Employment Gap On Your Resume - Work It ... ›
• How To Get Hired With A Criminal Record - Work It Daily | Where Careers Go To Grow ›
• 3 Reasons Why Recruiters Aren't Considering Your Application ›
• 5 Red Flags Employers Watch Out For In Job Interviews - Work It Daily ›
• 3 Easy Ways To Spring Clean Your Resume - Work It Daily ›
• 10 Things Recruiters Won't Tell You - Work It Daily ›

Related Articles Around the Web

• What Happens If You Lie on Your Resume? | Indeed.com ›
• The Biggest Resume Lies to Avoid ›
• Lying on Your Resume? Here's How You'll Get Caught | Glassdoor ... ›

lied on resume {"customDimensions": {"1":"Danni MacDonald, Jenna Arcand","3":"career, career advice, job search, job seekers, lied on job application, lied on resume, resume, resume mistakes, what to do if you've lied on your job application, what to do if you've lied on your resume, what to do when you've lied on your resume, lying on resume, lie on resume, career tips, career help, unemployed, job search tips, job search advice, resume advice, resume tips, job search help, resume help, job search mistakes","2":"popular","4":"03/15/2023"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376490053, 404327439, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548915, 19836096]} } 8 Ways You're Being SHUT OUT Of The Hiring Process1-hour workshop to help job seekers figure out what's getting them tossed from the hiring processCover Letter 3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS Jenna ArcandSeptember 28, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]} Are you terrified of screwing up a job interview? Does the thought of writing a cover letter horrify you? Are you scared to network with others? What do you even say, anyway? If you're struggling to overcome your job search fears, this live event is for you.

We get it. Looking for work can be scary, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time and haven’t gotten any results.

Understanding which fears are getting in the way and how to overcome them will make all the difference. Sometimes you might not be aware of which obstacle is getting in the way of your goals. If you want to overcome these fears once and for all, we invite you to join us!

In this training, you’ll learn how to:

• Utilize strategies for coping with your job search fears
• Be confident in your job search—from writing your resume to networking
• Face your fears and move forward

Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, October 5th at 12 pm ET.

CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!

Read moreShow lessjob search fears {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Jenna Arcand","3":"live events, career events, j.t. o'donnell, jt o'donnell, christina burgio, career advice, career, career growth, professionals, job search, job seekers, job interview, job search tips, job search advice, interview, job interview tips, interview tips, job search fears, overcome job search fears, networking, cover letter, resume, writing a cover letter, job search strategy, job search help, looking for a job, unemployed","2":"cover-letter","4":"09/28/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 376490081, 562457120, 370480899, 376490053, 376489574, 376491143, 376489962, 404327439, 376489624, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19836096]} } Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollowFeatured What To Do If You’ve Lied On Your Resume {"customDimensions": {"1":"Danni MacDonald, Jenna Arcand","3":"career, career advice, job search, job seekers, lied on job application, lied on resume, resume, resume mistakes, what to do if you've lied on your job application, what to do if you've lied on your resume, what to do when you've lied on your resume, lying on resume, lie on resume, career tips, career help, unemployed, job search tips, job search advice, resume advice, resume tips, job search help, resume help, job search mistakes","2":"popular","4":"03/15/2023"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376490053, 404327439, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548915, 19836096]} } Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer {"customDimensions": {"1":"Work It Daily, Kinsta \u00ae","3":"kinsta, hiring, remote jobs, remote work, remote workforce, remote companies hiring, remote companies 2021, sysops engineer, sysops engineer jobs","2":"popular","4":"05/18/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [370480899, 545998439, 545998440, 473310812, 376489962, 526353713, 545658354, 548352055, 548352058, 543270555, 473333499, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548593, 21891195]} } 3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth","2":"popular","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} } How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"2010, Barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, upload, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, \u0442\u0438\u043a \u0442\u043e\u043a, \u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30af\u30c8\u30c3\u30af, chris gronkowski","2":"popular","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }