Here’s the list, and, as you’ll see, some of these aren’t really “white” lies at all. They’re much worse:
1. Bogus military service – Does anyone verify dates of military service? Well, yeah! Purple Heart? Are you for real?
2. Consulting gigs – Ha! I dare you to show me one paying client. And no, your Aunt Eleanor does not count.
3. Attending college does not mean you actually earned a degree!
4. Stop downgrading job titles to avoid looking “over-qualified.” It annoys the heck out of me.
5. Professional affiliations. Newsflash: showing up for one meeting does not make you a card-carrying, paying member of a professional organization.
6. No, you cannot fudge employment dates to cover up gaps in your work history.
7. You saved your company a billion-trillion dollars? Really??
8. You seem dumber than a stump. It is hard to believe you carried a 4.0 GPA.
9. Even if it is hard to admit that you live at the halfway house or with your grandmother, it is not OK to provide a fake address.
10. Inflating job titles and responsibilities is super-silly. I am going to confirm this when I verify your previous employment! Duh.
Just tell the truth, people. It does not pay to lie on your resume.
