What is Resume Fraud

Article on frequently asked resume question "What is Resume Fraud"

We all know how competitive the job market can be-especially in a somewhat challenged economy as we are in today. With big companies laying off tons of workers and a general downsizing of economic strength; many people are desperate for employment-but how far will they go to get a job? A type of conduct that is more present today than one would think is what is called resume fraud. The surprising thing about resume fraud is that even in times when the economy is easier to find work in; it is still committed by all types of applicants-experienced and entry level-just to get the job of their dreams, that perhaps, they aren’t altogether qualified for.

Now, most all human resources departments and hiring managers for job positions can usually catch the very verbose, completely made up qualifications and experience right off the bat; as the candidate is obviously unaware of things that they should be for someone with so great a career background. This said, it is those job candidates who take the polishing aspect of talking themselves to new heights and actually exaggerate their skills, education, and qualifications close to what they can offer-and this fraud is not only just as dangerous; but more common than the more verbose. Below, we discuss the top places where applicants can take resume polishing too far-to illegal degrees; to help you ensure that you aren’t unknowingly committing it yourself in your quest for a competitive market job.

1. Education: Many people make up the fact that they went to a certain college or university, as well as the field of study or accreditation. So, perhaps, you went to the University of South Dakota, but you didn’t finish. Or perhaps, you studied art instead of business. Moreover, maybe you got an Associate’s Degree, and not a doctorate; but you say that you received a Doctorate. This is resume fraud, and your employers will most probably check.

2. G.P.A.: Many applications and job postings ask for a person’s college or university grade point average while they were in school. Other times, many people just include it as a part of their education section. Maybe you can’t remember the actual number or maybe you add a few points to it, to make it look better; for a resume or job application. This is also resume fraud, and very common. Moreover, though it may seem harmless, employers take any stretching of the truth seriously, and consider that you lied if their research does not match your word.

3. Military Time: Some people not only bolster what rank they were in the military or their term; but actually, make up service that they never served just to make their resume look better to a prospective employer. Though it is one of the more time-consuming of verifiable information available to employers, it is still available if they go searching.

4. Credentials: Another common route some people desperate to get a job in a particular field or salary range is to actually say that they are accredited with a certain license or credential to be considered for an open position. So, for example, any one practicing medicine should be board certified as well as have the proper licenses and credentials. Especially in the area of medicine, but even in less serious positions; this is probably the first part of your resume that an employer will double check; so don’t consider saying you have a license or the like if you don’t.

5. Job Titles and Responsibilities: This can be a toughie, as perhaps, you have considered beefing up your resume to a more official sounding job title; or having had more responsibilities than you actually did. Though it is ok to add what is true, and make it more potent with better