lying on job applications
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Lying On Job Applications – Is This A Good Idea?
No, it isn’t. Lying on job applications will cost you dearly, and I will tell you why.
After you are done reading this, you will be able to look the truth in the eyes with much more courage.
Be honest and direct – this will impress the right people
This article is useful for…
- People looking for a real job
- Virtual Assistants that have trouble finding a position
Don’t only think of job applications and even job interviews as “exams” that you must “pass”. Think the other way round: if this place does not accept you, it’s probably not your dream job, anyway.
With this thought in mind: boldly say the truth.
Of course, don’t be stupid either. If you took a year off, don’t say you were goofing around and doing drugs. Say where you traveled, and how the experiences you made changed you into a better person.
“Getting experiences” is always a good thing to say.
Why should you even listen to me?
I have been looking for a job for half a year before I was successful. Even with a plan of outsourcing my job hunt, it was still essential to stay true to myself.
Every time I am asked about the “gap” in my CV, I can easily brush off the question.
How? With the honest answer!
Did you lose a year in your CV because of some love drama? Then tell them straight, that you needed to “sort out personal issues” in order to work effectively.
Whatever you did in the past, turn it around to express you learned something and that this made you better suited for this position than the “past you”.
What lying on job applications actually can cost you
Think about the scary amount of personal information that is already out there on the internet. Did you ever google your name?
Try it. I’ll be waiting.
What about the information you share on Facebook. Do you honestly think that if one looked carefully enough, they would not be able to dig up some dirt about you?
Now, what will happen if you blatantly lie about something crucial on your job application?
You will get fired. That is what will happen.
What if you have something in your past to hide?
We are all human. Even the HR employee is a human with weaknesses and flaws.
So, what to do if you have something serious to hide.
- Don’t bring it up until you are asked directly about it.
- Try to brush it off as it being something private and personal.
- Convince the HR employee that you have overcome this past burden and that it won’t interfere with your ability to work.
Turning the negative into an opportunity
It takes a certain skill of presenting yourself in the best light possible – in your application letters as well as in the actual job interview.
- Being optimistic, positive and seing the silver lining in every challenge is a skill and a virtue.
- Lying on job applications or pretending something that is not true is a bad idea.
Think hard about each flaw in your CV and past – before you get into the job interview.
Better idea: do what works!
I have shared my top tips about how to get a job. Make use of every resource you have. Then, you won’t be needing lies to find the job you dream of.
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