Dear Joanna,
After three interviews for a job at the bank, the recruiter checked my references, education, resume, credit and did a criminal reference check. I didn’t get the job. I was informed that the dates on my resume were inaccurate and therefore the bank could not move forward with a job offer.
Are they allowed to withhold a job offer from me because of this minor mistake?
Signed: Mega Mistake (MM)
Dear MM
Lying on your resume is a big huge mistake. Misrepresenting yourself regarding your dates and any other information can block your success. This is especially true in the financial field, which requires employees to have an extra attention to detail and superior honesty.
It’s a shame that after all that work applying for jobs and going through the interviews, you lose the job offer because you made up the dates (or any other information for that matter) and possibly ruined any other chances of getting a job with that employer.
Take it from me: it’s just not worth it.
Moving forward with your job search, consider the following advice from both myself and blogger Liz Ryan at Forbes :
On the resume, state it clearly, if dates are approximated:
If you don’t remember the dates of your work history, then I would put an asterix sign (*) next those dates of which you are unsure and write a footnote at the bottom of the resume mentioning that the dates are approximate.
Be proud of your accomplishments on your resume.
Be specific. Be honest. Follow the 3 step method as taught in the job search workshops, when describing your accomplishments: Situation, Action and Results. Don’t spend too much time on the tasks and duties; anybody in the job would have done that stuff. Employers want to know how you performed your duties, what your part was in the project and your contribution to the team and company.
Don’t exaggerate or under-play your work, education and qualifications.
Don’t make up stories on your resume. You will be called on to explain your experiences in the interview. Lying will only get you so far. And even if you get hired, chances are you will be found out eventually and your reputation will be marred.
Don’t be afraid of your boss.
Don’t be too shy or modest — claim your accomplishments and “triumphs”, that you made in front of or behind your boss’s back, says Ryan. Perhaps your boss didn’t want you working on these projects but you believed they were good for your career and professional network. Add this to your resume. No employer or boss can take away your achievements and education. It’s yours, as long as it’s true.
All the best,
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