Lying on Your Resume is Never Worth the Risk

5 min read. Updated on November 22, 2019

Marsha Hebert (TR)

Fudging the truth on your resume may seem like no biggie – but your future, your job, and your reputation are at stake.

Stretching the truth, adding a little white lie, or exaggerating accomplishments on your resume can snowball quickly! You know that most companies perform background checks but they also sometimes take to social media sleuthing to see what shakes loose.

Of course, they’re not trying to catch you in a lie but when they do, the consequences can range from lost opportunities to damaged credibility and even termination if you’re hired before they find out about any misrepresentations.

So, what happens when you lie on your resume? More importantly, what should you do instead?

What happens when you lie on your resume?

It is distressingly common how often people lie on their resumes and CVs. Recruiters, hiring managers, and HR professionals have very little problem spotting an untruth on a job seeker’s resume. When the only thing between you and your dream job is a job application, the temptation to do anything you can to make your application stand out is powerful – however, you shouldn't give in.

So, how do employers find out?

Background checks, reference calls, and even a simple LinkedIn search can reveal discrepancies. Some companies take it a step further, verifying degrees directly with universities or asking candidates to complete skill assessments. Even if you make it past the hiring process, a lie can resurface months – or even years – later, leading to termination and a tarnished professional reputation.

For job seekers, the real question is: Is it worth it? A small exaggeration today can lead to a career setback tomorrow.

Is lying on your resume illegal?

You tell grandma the pie she just made is great! It’s a lie. You hate the taste of that pie, but you don’t want to hurt her feelings. There’s nothing illegal about that. The same can’t always be said for lies on your resume.

Most of the time, lying on your resume isn’t technically illegal, but sometimes your little fib can bring out legal trouble. For example:

Fraud: if you falsify documents – like a degree – or lie about credentials for a job that requires licensing, you could face serious legal consequences, including fines or jail time.
Employment contracts: When you fill out a job application, there’s almost always a line for you to sign that indicates you’re certifying the information to be truthful. Putting your John Hancock on that line amounts to signing a contract. If you’re caught in a lie, you’re in breach of contract
Perjury and background checks: This mostly pertains to type: entry-hyperlink id: 2qzIHB8cwqMBhvDBObhC7b, but some companies require employees to have security clearances. Lying about having one could be considered perjury, which is a crime.
Civil lawsuits: If you’re hired for a role under false pretenses and the company suffers financial or reputation damage – like you couldn’t close some big account because you didn’t know what you were doing and the customer found out – they could sue you for misrepresentation.

Regardless of any legal action you could face, the real danger is career damage. And yes, this horse is being beaten to death, but you could be blacklisted, making it harder to get hired in the future.

Why do people lie on their resumes?

Competition for jobs is tough! Most employers receive upwards of 100+ applications for every single open position. When you sit at your computer to write your resume, your thoughts are probably not, “How can I lie to make my resume look better?” Rather, you’re most likely concerned with not being good enough for a new role or fear the ability to meet seemingly unrealistic job expectations.

Some of the most common reasons people stretch the truth on their resumes include:

Trying to meet job qualifications: If a listing requires a degree, certification, or specific skill, some candidates assume they won’t even be considered without it.
Filling in employment gaps: Unemployment, personal leave, or type: entry-hyperlink id: 56jydttXR2byoaPr1QoF59 can make a resume look unstable, so some applicants tweak dates to make their work history appear seamless.
Boosting past job titles or responsibilities: A small wording change (like “assistant manager” instead of “sales associate”) can make an applicant seem more qualified.
Exaggerating skills or achievements: Some people claim to be experts in software they’ve barely used or inflate sales numbers to appear more impressive.

But how often do hiring managers catch these lies? More often than you’d think.

Common resume lies employers catch

Recruiters and hiring managers review countless resumes, they’ve seen all the tricks, and they know what to look for. On top of that, they have dandy tools like background checks, reference calls, and LinkedIn searches, so spotting a lie has never been easier.

Here are some of the most frequent lies they uncover:

Embellished job titles: Listing “Senior Marketing Manager” instead of “Marketing Coordinator.”
Fake degrees or certifications: Claiming to have graduated from a university when they only took a few classes.
Made-up skills: Listing proficiency in coding languages or software with no real experience.
Fudged employment dates: Adjusting dates to hide gaps or short-term jobs.
False salary history: Claiming to have earned more at a previous job to negotiate a higher offer.

The bottom line? It’s not worth it. Instead of lying, focus on highlighting your real strengths and skills – or take the time to develop the ones you’re missing.

What to do instead of lying on your resume

You don't need to lie to be an type: entry-hyperlink id: 5bNUKPL5XJS2A5WqlaEQef for a job – even when you might not meet all the requirements. If you don’t meet every job requirement, don’t panic. Employers value skills, experience, and potential just as much as a perfect checklist.

There are some practical ways you can make your resume stand out – without stretching the truth.

Create a brag book

Keep a running list of your accomplishments, key projects, and quantifiable results. This type: entry-hyperlink id: 6KtyasqYeUvIQmuWXx7WtU will go a long way to helping you craft a stellar resume that showcases your value without you having to scramble for details or stretching the truth when you can’t remember something. An innocent mistake made on your resume that results in a half-truth or dishonesty is still a lie in a hiring manager’s eyes.

Work with what you have

Your resume is a marketing tool, not a life story. Its purpose is to position you in the most favorable way for your target position by highlighting your best selling points. If you lack direct experience, highlight transferable skills, relevant coursework, or side projects that demonstrate your abilities.

Invest in upskilling

If you see a job that you just have to have, but don’t have all the right skills, you can enroll to take type: entry-hyperlink id: 1sPc1XoWGE2vM6PeyDZ4QR that fill any skill gaps. Not only does doing so help you gain the skills you need, it proves you are proactive about professional growth.

Ask for help

The job search process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to type: entry-hyperlink id: 5xWSmu8Ztzb0qoyLaWXt2g for guidance, referrals, or even resume feedback. A fresh perspective can help you present yourself in the best light – truthfully.

Honesty is always the best policy

It's clear: Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to your resume and professional credentials. The advantages gained in the short term by misrepresenting yourself are far outweighed by the potential damages long term. Your career prospects and reputation may never recover if you get caught embellishing your credentials.

If you are tempted to tell a few white lies in order to make your resume look more attractive, know that lying isn't the only way to accomplish the goal. Work with a TopResume professional resume writer instead.

This article has been rewritten/updated by Marsha Hebert.