Elevate: It’s Your Move

Oh, Really?

Have you ever lied on a resume or in the hiring process? If you have, you wouldn’t be the first. A recent ResumeLab survey noted 70% of people lie on their resume.

Employers are on guard for that – and they should be. We are, too. We have a saying in our office when it comes to a candidate’s resume, “Trust, but verify.” We’re not fans of liars!

When it comes to interviewing, most job seekers likely believe the opportunity they are interviewing for is being represented honestly and fairly. My guess is we all believe the hiring managers and company leaders we talk with are speaking the truth in the hiring process. Sadly, we’ve learned this is not the case.

A recent ResumeBuilder survey conducted from an experienced leadership sample group showed that 4 in 10 hiring managers admit they lie to candidates in the hiring process.
What’s even more disturbing:

• 36% of hiring managers say they lied about the role of the company. Additionally, of this group, 75% of them lie in the interview process.
• Half of this group intentionally lie in a job description; and 24% of this group even lie in an offer letter!
• They indicate they most commonly lie about job responsibilities, growth and career development opportunities, and company culture.
• They also lie about benefits, commitment to social issues, the company’s financial health, and compensation.

And do their lies work? They do. Nine in ten hiring managers have reported a candidate they lied to was hired. Sadly, 55% also reported they have had an employee quit after being hired on false pretenses, with most gone in less than three months.

So, what are the takeaways?

• If and when you interview, know who you’re talking with and be certain you are hearing the truth. Trust, but verify.
• Help define your company culture with regard to truth telling. The truth must be told in the interview process in order to be a part of a loyal and successful team. You would NEVER want to work with someone who you discovered had lied in the interview process. Why would you tolerate lying from your colleagues?
• Is lying a thing at your organization? Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps you should find out. It might be time to pay more attention to how job descriptions are written, participate in more interviews, and review the details outlined in a job offer. Again, trust, but verify.

In the hiring process, whether as an interviewer or as a job seeker, we recommend your practices always remain truthful. This will lay the foundation for a strong, solid relationship between you and your employer.