is it common to lie on resume's to bridge unemployment gaps?

Question

i lied on a resume to bridge a few months of not working. i said i worked at a company for a few months more than i actually did. is there anyway the new company can check, besides asking an old manager directly?...should i just not list a phone number on the old job if i ever have to write down the reference, it was from 2 years ago.

i hate lying and i regret putting that on the resume, is it common for people to do?

Answer 1

It is very common. Most employers will never find out and if they do you could just tell them that you estimated because you were unsure of the exact date. The social security administration has the exact dates available but I doubt that any employer is going to contact them for the info.

Answer 2

As far as the unemployment gap goes, I would go honest instead of sneaky. If he was laid off, that's enough explanation. Young people are more valuable in energy, determination and motivation than experience. I must answer bluntly, and point out the fact that if your boyfriend has been unemployed after all this time, even with a college education, he is either procrastinating, or he is blatantly misguided about jobsearching and resume writing. What I would do if I were him: 1) Consider my standards. If I am applying for jobs I'm not qualified for, chances are I'm going to get turned down. 2) Try a different approach. Has he been haunting job-search sites, the classified ad section, or is he relying on word of mouth(also depends on industry)? I would suggest all of the above. Another great way to find something good is-make a list of favourite companies and their websites, then check each and every site in the "Careers" section. 3) TAKE ADVICE. You said he's got his mind set on certain issues. I say, check with an older, more experienced person, maybe an old teacher from college, especially in his field of work. Ideally, he should be able to find a mentor, a sort of Yoda-like figure to go to with questions. Sometimes, a career website or resume-writing column will do. Seems to me he could use some insight. 4) When all else fails, I find the last resort is: pick a job, any job, and mold yourself into the model of the job. My last two jobs were radically different from each other. And yet I succeeded at my interviews simply because I portrayed myself as the perfect candidate. Now, mind you, if he's not the "perfect" candidate, it's ok. Surely there is some soft skill, quality or trait of character you can build on - like reliability, precision, fast learning and others. How about your boyfriend go on a soul-searching couple of hours...then go back and hit the classified ad section.

Answer 3

It might be common, but it will probably get you into trouble. Prospective employers frequently call former employers to verify employment, including dates and titles. You'll either look silly because you messed up the dates or you'll be considered a liar to cover up the gap. Neither helps you get the job.

Just tell them the truth. A gap of a few months is not that bad.

Answer 4

Next time you need to cover a gap, just put the YEARS you were there, instead of the months. This "covers" the gap without telling lies.

Answer 5

If you lie on your resume and it is discovered, you could very well lose the job. Tell the truth. If you don't...It is fraud. (This is especially bad to do on a resume for a Government job). It could result in jail time and a fine.

Answer 6

It's not uncommon. That doesn't make it a good idea though.

Answer 7

everyones done that at least one time in there life.. its a dog eat dog world out there and u do what u got to do to survive..