70% Workers Admit Lying On Their Resumes, Cover Letters, Finds Study

Applying for a new job can be a difficult and stressful experience, particularly in a competitive market. Many job seekers may be tempted to exaggerate their qualifications or skills in order to stand out. But how common is this practice, and what are the consequences of lying on a resume?

A recent survey by ResumeLab, a resume advice resource, polled 1,914 U.S. workers about their job application behaviour and discovered that lying is prevalent throughout the process. According to the survey, 70% of workers admit to lying on their resumes at some point, with 37% admitting to lying frequently. The most common resume lies are exaggerating general responsibilities (52%), inflating the number of people managed (45%), and overstating the length of employment (37%).

According to the survey, 76% of workers lied in their cover letters, and 80% lied during a job interview, often by exaggerating skills, job responsibilities, and previous job titles. It further revealed that the lying rates rise in cover letters and peak during job interviews.

The survey also discovered that lying rates differ depending on education level and industry. Workers with master's or doctoral degrees were more likely to lie on resumes (85% total) than those without a college degree (71% total), with bachelor's or associate degrees lying the least (63% total). Workers in education, law, and finance reported the highest rates of lying on resumes (over 80% each), while workers in construction, manufacturing, and retail reported the lowest rates (under 60% each).

According to a ResumeLab survey, lying on resumes, cover letters, and job interviews is a common and widespread practice among American workers. While some job seekers believe that lying will give them an advantage over the competition, it can also harm their reputation, credibility, and career prospects.

Employers can use background checks, reference checks, online searches, and skill tests to verify the information provided by candidates. As a result, when applying for a job, job seekers should be truthful and accurate, emphasising their relevant achievements, skills, and experiences.

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