Why lying on your job application is disaster in making?

A dream job has just been posted on a leading career portal. However your profile does not fit the bill. You know that the potential employers are going to do a background & reference check to delve into your employment history. You are confident that they will not be able to figure out how you inflated your salary or deliberately decorated your skills. Welcome to the reality 2.0! Potential employers have creative & innovative ways to ratify & double check with references & data you have provided in your job application. Here are some of the ways that can be used to give your a terminal slip:

• Professional references

At some point in time during your employment screening & evaluation process, potential employers may ask for references who can be contacted to do a background check on you, your employment history & your skill sets. So you already have a list of references (along with contact details) ready. However you missed to call up these references to tell them what lies-exceeded your targets, led the entire division, improved productivity etc., you have mentioned in your employment application. To avoid such a huge disaster, always check in with your references & share your updated resume with them. Employer’s call should not comes make your references off guard. Refresh their memories about the projects you worked together so that can communicate clearly the value you bring to the table. However, do not create a situation where your reference has to exaggerate your experience. They should not be short of words/explanation if they are asked to elaborate.

• Background checks 

Lot of potential employers do pre-employment screening which includes checking your criminal history, driving record, credit, education & licenses.It is almost impossible to manipulate your criminal records. Employers with  creative bent of mind can easily figure out any false information provided related to education & salary details. You should not be surprised if you are asked to share your tax documents & original degrees & certificates. Some employers may also be interested to know how you manage your finances. So they may ask about your credit score as well. Please note that your credit report can also provide information about where you lived & worked.

• Previous coworkers

So you have got the job you always dreamed of. Potential employer is keen to have you on board thanks to various accomplishments you have achieved, various high performance teams you have led. However, when you start your dream job, you could find Stephen Thomas, one of your ex coworker as sitting 2 cubicles away from you. The two of you clashed & he is ready to disclose that you never led a team or a project. In fact you were just a member of the group. He is ready to announce that you were terminated due your sub par performance.

The Takeaway

Lying on your resume can cost you since you do not know you cross paths with someone who can expose your lie & fabricated information. Present an authentic picture & try to enhance skills you do have rather than fabricating it. Be honest to land with your preferred job with salary you deserve.

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