Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

[elcheapo]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

nope I am a true believer that your sins will find you out

[Tightwad Kitty]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

I just left off the first five years that I worked at 10 different jobs, just put that I work casual if I need experience in that field. All the places that I worked for do not exist any longer, even my last job just the company with a different name too! Also the HS school that I had on resume no longer exist. Everywhere I worked or went to school had not existed for last 20 years before they closed the last store that I worked for. It's only in the last 10 years that I needed a resume to apply for jobs anyway and now I am retired but I still can apply for work. For myself, my last job would be enough to apply for a job here but at my age, I would not get very far in an interview!

Does anyone else have this problem what your work and school records no longer exist for them to check anything?

[tomkat]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

No, I haven't...potential employers do background checks, and they do sometimes call your former employer, so it's always better to be truthful on the resume, or else your fib will find you out!

[Tightwad Kitty]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

No, I haven't...potential employers do background checks, and they do sometimes call your former employer, so it's always better to be truthful on the resume, or else your fib will find you out!

Except for the last company that I worked for who have records that I worked for them.

My last two jobs were over 30 years between them. All the buildings and the companies no longer exist. All other former employers have died and they records no longer exist but for the ATO's archive. I started working in 1959.

[shelbylovesmelby]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

Shelby, why would you mention your termination at all on your resume. Just the dates and let it go. If they ask for more clarification in an interview, then be prepared, but the resume is only good things.

I know that won't go on a resume. But it does go on a handwritten applications & that's what worries me. Not that I'm planning on looking again for the time being, but what to say when it comes up @ an interview or even on the app.

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

I interviewed alot of potentials...and believe me, the truth usually 'comes out' during the interview. If not, then it will during the background and reference checks. Better to be honest and up front, than to try to undo something once it's bit you in the....

I always appreciated an honest answer, over a sidestep or untruth.

I have 'coached' my kids and DIL for job interviews and we talk about those not so flattering issues...I tell them to look the interviewer in the eye and lay it on the table...so far, it's worked for them everytime!

[shelbylovesmelby]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

RAY - I know an honest answer is the way to go. I'm not saying I would lie. But how to explain somethings that dragged out for a year and a half & made my work life full of uncertainty, perplexed & eventually miserable that lead to my "attitude" wich was in their eyes a final straw. I'd love to hear your opinion on what to say when I do look for work again, if you really want to hear my tale.

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: Have you ever fibbed on your resume?

You bring up a great point. and let me clarify...

There are two documents in play in an interview...the resume' and the job application.

The resume' is your first impression to a perspective employer...this is your opportunity to "shine" over all of the other resume's in the pile. Your resume should include a brief job history, yours skills and qualifications and a brief summary as to why you are the right person for the job. DO NOT go into detail on anything negative. You want an opportunity to interview.

The job application is a little more indepth...usually there is more information requested (as in why you left your last job)- specific dates of employment, etc.
Again, be honest- but brief on the application. You want to do any explaining in the interview.

A certain amount of job hopping is expected for many entry level positions. Times have changed from the days that people worked for the same company for 30 years then retire.

Bottom line...the interviewer is looking for the 'right fit' in a perspective employee. Skills can be trained, character can't (in most cases).

And yes, if you want to share more- Id be more than happy to listen.