Ask a Resume Writer: Is It Okay to Lie on Your Resume?

Tailoring your resume to a job before you apply greatly increases your chances of getting an interview. But what if you don’t have all the qualifications listed in the job ad? To get past applicant tracking systems, can you adjust your job titles, add skills you don’t necessarily have, or include degrees you started but didn’t finish?

A recent survey by ResumeLab showed that 70% of workers said they have lied on their resumes, with embellishing responsibilities (52%), job title (52%), and the number of people they managed (45%) as the most common lies.

So, can you lie on your resume… considering so many job seekers do it? Is lying on a resume worth the risk? We asked Freddie Rohner, Certified Master Resume Writer at iHire, for his take on this controversial topic.

Why Lying on Your Resume Is a Bad Idea

“When you send in your resume, you’re taking the first step in establishing a relationship with a potential employer,” said Rohner. “Lying on your resume creates a first impression based on falsehoods. If you’re excited about the position and can envision yourself with the company for years to come, you should want to build that relationship on mutual trust and respect.”

Depending on what you lie about, the chances that you’ll get caught are also very high.

“Fact-checking a candidate’s resume is easy these days, with background checks, Google, LinkedIn, and references at an employer’s fingertips,” Rohner added. “Maybe you’ll get past an applicant tracking system and score an interview with an embellished resume, but the truth will come out eventually. And when it does, you’ll more than likely be immediately disqualified, have your offer rescinded, or be terminated from the position.”

What about resume lies that can’t necessarily be caught by a background check, like your skills and knowledge areas?

“When you lie about your skills, you set unrealistic expectations for yourself,” cautioned Rohner. “For example, if you claim to be bilingual but aren’t, or say you’re an expert in a certain software program you’ve never used, it’ll be clear that you lied and used a fake resume once you’re on the job. Savvy employers will also use skills tests or assessments as part of their hiring process.”

In work and in life, one lie often leads to another, and lying on your resume could follow you throughout your career. “Avoid that stressful spiral by simply being authentic and truthful when applying for jobs,” Rohner added.

Is It Illegal to Lie on a Resume?

While it may seem extreme, in some cases, lying on a resume can lead to legal consequences. Depending on the job and/or the state you live in – Texas, New Jersey, or California, for example – falsifying your background or providing fraudulent credentials can result in legal action.

“Even if you don’t face legal consequences for lying on your resume, the damage to your reputation is irreversible,” said Rohner.

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What to Do Instead of Lying on Your Resume

If you’re applying for a job you’re not 100% qualified for, there are ways to make a great impression without being dishonest or using a fake resume.

“If the position requires a bachelor’s degree and you haven’t graduated yet, you can still include that degree on your resume. Just make sure you label it as ‘In Progress’ or something similar,” said Rohner. “You could also create an ‘Interests’ section to highlight skills you’re working toward but aren’t yet proficient in. There are creative and honest ways to address gaps in your career history as well instead of falsifying your dates of employment to cover them up.”

And as always, focus on your unique strengths and accomplishments and how they relate to the position.

“Lying on your resume is a high-risk, low-reward gamble. Instead, truthfully showcase what you have to offer that others don’t and emphasize your desire to learn and grow. Sincerity, hard work, and dedication will pay off, no matter what stage of your career you’re in,” added Rohner.

Ready to write a winning (and truthful) resume? Explore our library of expert resume tips and templates, use our Resume Builder, or let our team of professional resume writers help you put your best foot forward.