So just how important is a resume & is anyone telling 100% truth on them?

Question

In todays society it has all the appearance of "who can be the most deceptive" wins, is that what is happening?

Answer 1

I work in HR and I must say that I really hate reading resumes. It can be extremely tough on the eyes and sometimes boring. Sometimes I receive hundreds of applications and/or resumes for one help wanted ad. I believe writing a long cover letter is a waste of time for you. I don't read them, I don't have time. I want to know the facts. Keep the resume brief and don't lie. Explain gaps of employment. If I find out you lied about anything on your resume or application, you would not be hired. Reputable companies are going to try and verify the facts.

Answer 2

The resume isn't very important per se, the presentation of the resume is more important. The interviewer is a busy person, and messy, so putting page numbers for long ones and enclosure to notify last page and the like is important. A smart and nifty way of working is keeping it simple, putting in the essentials only (what is asked for, maybe a bit more) and that's it. The colors, font, additional details are good as eye openers. Catch the attention and he or she will at least read it.

Now, if you write a good cover letter to go with it, and show the company/hospital/firm... what YOU offer THEM (not the other way around), and keep it real simple and to the point, then you'll probably get interviewed.

Answer 3

In short, yes. It is happening.

The problem is, a resume is no longer a simple profile. It's a chance to market yourself. To get your name out into the job market. To sell your skills.

I don't think anyone today tells the whole truth. I think everyone lies or exaggerates their achievements just to get ahead.

That's why we have polygraph examinations, background checks and other procedures- to weed out the liars and the cheats.

Some firms actually use standard forms (like my firm), so we can compare things on a clear, level playing field for all applicants. That has its disadvantages too, because the forms may not emphasise or elaborate on the best achievements.

At the end of the day, its a shared responsibility between the employer and the applicant when matching jobs with people. Both have their roles to play.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

If I spot any that are not 100% truthful I will never interview that person, ever.

Answer 5

I don't think that I have seen one that is 100% truthful.But,yes they are important.

Answer 6

For resume templates and tips, and cover letter tips and samples click these links:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverletters/a/cuttingedge.htm
http://www.jobstar.org/tools/resume/cletters.php
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/empl/a/coverletter01_2.htm
http://www.careerlab.com/letters/
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/qt/microtemplate.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101043371033.aspx
http://www.jthomaswood.com/CareerTips_Resume.htm?scr=overture
http://www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html
http://resume.monster.com/
http://www.ausable.ca/resume.html
http://www.resumebuilders.net/tips.html
http://www.easyjob.net/resume/free-resume-tips.html