The Most Common Lies On Resumes

The Most Common Lies On Resumes

By Dan Fastenberg
Posted Apr 1st 2013 @ 8:01AM

It's the ultimate temptation of the job search -- lying on your resume. The tendency to embellish information on a resume is so widespread, nearly half (46 percent) of job applicants commit some form of resume fraud, according to ADP, the human capital management and research firm. Indeed, the topic is such a popular one that, as Business Insider points out, entering the phrase "lying on" into Google will lead to "lying on your resume" as the top hit.

Lying on a resume, of course, has a wide range, well beyond outright lies -- such as listing a fake degree. Marquet International, a security consulting firm, has compiled the 10 most common resume lies:

1. Stretching work dates.
2. Inflating past accomplishments and skills.
3. Enhancing job titles and responsibilities.
4. Exaggerating educational background.
5. Inventing periods of "self-employment" to cover up unemployment.
6. Omitting past employment.
7. Faking credentials.
8. Falsifying reasons for leaving prior employment.
9. Providing false references.
10. Misrepresenting a military record.


In a stubborn labor market, is it worth it? Can workers get away with it?

Some high-profile experiences suggest not. Before Marissa Mayer took over Yahoo, her predecessor, Scott Thompson, was forced last year to step down as CEO of the tech giant when it was revealed he never actually earned a degree in computer science from Stonehill College, as he had claimed. George O'Leary also was forced to step down as coach of Notre Dame, as was Dave Edmonson from the CEO position of Radio Shack, when it was revealed they lied about their education and qualifications.

Specialists note that digital advances have allowed for greater scrutiny of job applications, raising the risks for lying. "People are asking us to check more things than they have historically so it would suggest they're more concerned about it," Ben Allen, President and CEO of the security firm Kroll, told CBS.

In fact, the Society for Human Resource Management says employee background checks of all kinds are way up over the past decade, from about two-thirds of all employers conducting a check a decade ago to 96 percent.

AOL Jobs contributor and career coach expert Miriam Salpeter has referred to the "paradox" of resume lying -- the worst-case scenario is that you get the job. Eventually, you will be found out. And it's for that reason that career experts strongly discourage job seekers from trying to cut a corner to get ahead.

Writing for Forbes after the Scott Thompson scandal at Yahoo, Mark Radcliffe said that the "incremental gain" of landing the job "seems to pale in comparison to the potential loss in credibility."

For Thompson, the bad news initially extended beyond his name becoming synonymous with "liar." In March of last year, Thompson was reported as having been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. But by July, he was given a clean bill of health, according to the Wall Street Journal, and was appointed CEO of ShopRunner Inc., an online-shopping website based out of Philadelphia.

New Job Listings!

PART TIME BOOKKEEPER - ENTERTAINMENT (25 HOURS PER WEEK) Beverly Hills -      $35.00/HR

Entertainment executive is looking for a full charge bookkeeper part time (25 hours per week, 3 days per week). you must have previous bookkeeping experience, solid QuickBooks, worked with multiple charts of accounts, different businesses and residences. You can pick your days and times. This position will never go full-time and has no upward mobility. Perfect position for someone on the backside of their career.


REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT (COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE) Santa Monica -     $30.00/HR

This headquarter's office is looking for an Executive Assistant to work for in the "C" Suite for the Sen VP of Leasing. High energy and the ability to learn quickly a must. The position has the usual administrative duties, including heavy travel and meeting coordination A retail background would be a plus, and of course if you have worked in a support capacity to a sales/leasing executive that would be a plus as well. You needs to be able to travel occasionally if needed (for example, to our branch offices or other locales to facilitate leasing meetings or to Las Vegas for ICSC Convention (work at the exhibit with an internal team of assistants, coordinating the Reception, appointment schedules, other administrative support while on-site). MSW, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle and Outlook needed.


CREATIVE EXECUTIVE/PERSONAL ASSISTANT (ENTERTAINMENT) Studio City -          $45K-$55K DOE

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent college grad with 2+ years experience to get their feet in the door at a creative entertainment firm. You will work for the CEO and CFO. You will be the gate keeper for them, answer phones, emails and requests for appointments. you will deal with studios and advertising agencies to establish timelines, make sure deadlines have been met, attend meetings and take minutes. You will also book travel, schedule appointments, assist with special event planning, order breakfast, lunch and dinner for meetings, keep special supplies stocked, work on special projects as assigned and run personal errands when requested. You must be smart. you must be able to anticipate executives' needs and be extremely detail oriented and fast on your feet. It is a great job but not an easy one. Be prepared to learn and grow. MSW and Outlook required.


2 PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTANTS (INVESTMENT BANKING) West LA - $75K-$95K+ DOE

Expanding west side investment bank is looking for two Portfolio Accountants. You will prepare valuations, statements of cash flows and IRR returns for all Funds, review financial statements, plan and execute capital calls and distributions, weekly updates for Portfolio team on cash balances, manage audit and tax engagements, K-1s for auditors, prepare IPRC materials, and work on special projects as requested. You should have a minimum of 3-5+ years of related experience in asset management/ fund accounting,
· a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, strong MS Office skills, detail-oriented with the ability to synthesize multiple sources of information, strong analysis and decision-making skills, strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, strong ability to prioritize, organize, and managing time, ability to manage multiple projects and work well under pressure, independent, self-starter with strong organizational skills, ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management

New Job Search Trends

Four New Job-Search Trends
by Brigitte Yuille

Traditional resumes just aren't cutting it these days. Find out the new methods available to job seekers.

Job seekers may have noticed that job boards and the traditional résumé just aren't cutting it these days. Recruiters and employers are choosing to post jobs online at sites such as LinkedIn and Craigslist. The online option has become a cheaper alternative to the job boards because they are free.

Recruiters and employers have also become more tech-savvy and whizzes at social networking. The traditional résumé is no longer the first impression. By the time a recruiter or employer sees it they may have already Googled the job seeker's name and/or looked them up on LinkedIn and Facebook in search of their online profile.

Social-Networking Sites Most likely, this impromptu background check occurred on their mobile phone. Welcome to the digital age. Here's a look at four of the latest job searching trends and ways you can leverage your search.

If you don't have a profile on a social-networking site, you will need one. The sites have been the new hunting ground for job candidates.

Job seekers can use social-networking sites to showcase their skills. For instance, LinkedIn, a professional networking site, allows users to build an online profile that includes resumes, a recommendation and references. It also provides applications. Facebook has "Professional Profile" which allows you to upload your résumé or import your LinkedIn profile and recommendations. Job seekers on Facebook can also set up an advertising page to sell their skills.

The sites can help you learn about a company and stay current with its activities by following updates on Twitter and Facebook. They also enhance your ability to make connections. Since employers and recruiters are slowly moving away from job boards, the boards can be used as a resource. Author Dan Schawbel of "Personal Branding Blog" advises job seekers to find the job of interest on the board and then go to the social-networking site to locate a hiring manager or a person who may work at the company.

Smart Phones
No longer do you have to sit behind a computer scouring job boards. The job search has now become mobile. Smart phones, such as Palm Pre, Google ( GOOG - news - people ) Nexus One, the iPhone and the BlackBerry have made it easier to access the Web while running errands and receive e-mails from job prospects, and either conduct a search or follow your company of interest on a social-networking site. Most importantly, these phones provide apps. Apps, such as CareerBuilder.com and Craigster on the iPhone, streamline your job search by helping to track job listings and they create or enhance networking opportunities.

Podcasts
No time for an Internet search? Another option is podcasts. The audio file can be downloaded to your computer or onto your mobile. Recruiters are using these for audio presentations on topics such as preparing a résumé and interviewing tips. Employers are "jobcasting." They are using podcasts to advertise positions at the company and are offering interviews from current employees.

Job seekers can use podcast to help build their personal brand. They can include their 30-second elevator pitch. They can also further expand upon their accomplishments and skills by describing projects that they would like to work on and what they can add to the project, projects they are currently working on and projects that have been successfully completed.

Employment Update in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California's jobless rate remained at 9.8 percent in December, the same rate as in November, the state Employment Development Department said Friday, holding steady after dropping below 10 percent in November for the first time since the beginning of the recession.

The department said construction, information, and educational and health services fields showed the biggest job gains between November and December. EDD said 1.8 million Californians were unemployed in December, slightly below the previous month but down by 255,000 since December of 2011. The unemployment rate then was 11.2 percent.

Still, the department's surveys showed that nonfarm payroll jobs decreased by 17,500 during December, demonstrating the continued volatility in the labor market, said economist Steven Levy of the Center for the Continuing Study of the California Economy.

He said the state has made important gains since a year ago as its economy continues to rebound.

"Looking at the past 12 months California has slightly outpaced the nation in job growth, which is expected to continue in 2013," he said. "While the state benefits from a surge in technology jobs, a rebound in tourism and rising construction levels, California's growth is still tied to the uncertainties in the national economy around fiscal challenges and the slower world economy growth."

Mining and logging, manufacturing, government and other services have continued to see falling job numbers over the last year, losing more than 51,000 jobs, the state report said. Government lost the highest number of jobs, about 31,500 in the last year.

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Unemployment rates fell in less than half of U.S. states last month, as steady but slow hiring is making only gradual improvement in the job market.

The Labor Department said Friday that rates fell in 22 states in December and rose in 16. They were unchanged in 12.

The department's monthly report also shows that steady hiring nationwide in the past two years has lowered the unemployment rate in many parts of the country. The rate is now below 7 percent in 25 states. And some of the states hardest hit in the recession have seen solid gains.

Nevada's unemployment rate, the highest in the nation, plummeted 0.6 percentage points last month to 10.2 percent. Rhode Island's rate, also 10.2 percent, fell from 10.4 percent in November.

A year ago, Nevada reported an unemployment rate of 13 percent. Its 2.8 percentage point drop in 2012 was the biggest in the nation.

Much of that decline stems from a smaller labor force. Many of those in Nevada who were out of work have given up looking for jobs or have left the state. People are only counted as unemployed if they are actively looking for work. Nevada's workforce fell nearly 2 percent last year.

But some of the unemployed have found jobs. In the past year, the state has gained nearly 20,000 jobs.

Nationwide, the rate remained at 7.8 percent in December. Employers added 155,000 jobs last month, nearly matching the average of 153,000 in 2012 and 2011. That's just enough to slowly reduce the unemployment rate, which declined 0.7 percentage points nationwide last year.

Employers added jobs in 27 states, the department said, while they cut jobs in 23 states. The job totals come from a survey of employers, while the unemployment rate is calculated from a separate survey of households.

New York and New Jersey reported the biggest job gains last month, likely reflecting a bounce back from Superstorm Sandy, which caused job losses in both states in November. New York gained nearly 9,000 construction jobs, while New Jersey added 4,200.That's nearly half the 30,000 construction jobs created last month nationwide, the biggest increase in 15 months.

Still, New Jersey now has the nation's fourth-highest unemployment rate, at 9.6 percent. That's down slightly from the previous month but a half-point higher than a year ago.

North Dakota reported the nation's lowest unemployment rate, at 3.2 percent. Nebraska had the second-lowest rate, at 3.7 percent, followed by South Dakota at 4.4 percent.

WE HAVE MOVED!

Blaine and Associates, Inc. has a new home!!!!

1901 Avenue of the Stars, 2nd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Our phone and fax numbers remain the same. Please update your records!

NEW JOB LISTINGS!!!!!

RECEPTIONIST (Investment Banking) - $45K+

This is a great opportunity to enter the world of investment banking. If you love greeting people, assisting with special projects, answering heavy phones, overseeing inventory and ordering of specialty food and beverages for several kitchens and break rooms, booking and setting up conference rooms for meetings, handling messenger and courier services, and lots of event planning, this will be an ideal position for you.

College degree preferred, 1+ year reception experience, MS Office, great phone voice, excellent client service skills and a real "can do" attitude will land you this position.

Excellent benefits and bonuses.


TAX SUPERVISORS (2) - $65K - $85K DOE

Valley CPA firm is on the hunt for two solid Tax Supervisors. They have just obtained three huge clients and need to find to strong tax managers, hopefully with Big 4 accounting experience and 4 - 6 years work history. If you have more background requiring higher compensation, we want to hear from you too.


ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - $45K - $50K

Our client wants an enthusiastic, energetic, assistant that can work for a loud and successful group of sales people. You will assist them with proposals, correspondence, internet research  phones, expense reporting, data entry and special projects as assigned.

Prefer a college degree. MSW, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Excellent opportunity to grow and great benefits.


PURCHASING ASSISTANT - $50K - $55K

Purchasing Assistant for international consulting firm needed with 2+ years hardware and software procurement for a mid-sized to large company. Must have this background. You will order inventory, check shipments for accuracy, data entry, vendor contact and strong attention to detail. You will be ordering and assisting with the purchasing of hardware and software for over 40 locations worldwide.


TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES - $10 - $18/hour DOE

Blaine and Associates, Inc. is always in need strong receptionists, administrative assists, data entry clerks, accounting clerks and general office personnel, as well as temporary employees for conventions and special events.  Interviews being held immediately, so call or email today for an appointment!

New Job Listings!!!

RECEPTIONIST (Westside Investment Banking Firm) - $45K+

 

This premiere west side investment banking firm is looking for the new "voice" of their firm.  They believe that the first impression of their company starts at this reception desk and ends at this same desk.  They are willing and able to pay a premium to get the quality of receptionist they require.

Your job will consist of answering heavy phones, tracking down executives and staff, taking detailed messages, ordering breakfast and lunch for meetings, ordering supplies for several kitchens, stocking refrigerators and shelves with food and beverages, booking and making sure multiple conference rooms are ready for meetings, assisting CAO with special projects, receiving packages and calling Fed Ex, UPS and other messenger services as needed. 

We would like the following:

• 2 - 5 years experience as a front office receptionist in a corporate environment
• A college degree preferred but not required
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook
• Fed Ex and UPS online
• Excellent organizational skills
• Detail oriented and strong work ethic
• Work well in a team environment and independently
• Upbeat attitude and professional demeanor

A thorough background check will be conducted.  Please attach your resume, references and salary history and write "receptionist wla" in subject line.  The position needs to be filled immediately.  Interviews will start next week. 

HR Director - Generalist - Sherman Oaks, CA       $85 - 95,000+

 

The HR Generalist of this management firm will manage the day-to-day operations of the Human Resource division.  This person will manage the administration of the human resources policies, procedures and programs. Responsibilities include the following functional areas: departmental development, Human Resource Information Systems (ADP), employee relations, training and development, benefits, compensation, organizational development, and employment.

 

 Specific areas of responsibility include

• recruiting and staffing logistics
• organizational and space planning;
• performance management and improvement systems;
• organization development;
• employment and compliance to regulatory concerns and reporting;
• employee orientation, development, and training;
• policy development and documentation;
• employee relations;
• company employee communication
• compensation and benefits administration;
• employee safety, welfare, wellness and health; and
• employee services and counseling.

HR Director will assists and advises company Managing Partners about any and all HR issues.

 

Primary Objectives:

• Development of a superior workforce
• Development of an employee-oriented company culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Personal ongoing development.

 Skills Required:

• 10 + years HR Generalist background, preferably within the accounting field
• Bachelors degree required, preferably in Human Resources.
• MSW, Excel, ADP Employee tracking and payroll services on Windows
• Ability to work well under pressure in fast paced changing environments
• Expert knowledge of CA Labor Laws across payroll, benefits and employee relations
• Team Building/Morale Building

 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO MANAGING PARTNER (Westside Investment Banking Firm) -  $80K- $95K+

 

We are seeking an Executive Assistant for the Managing Partner of a west side Investment Banking Firm. This is a unique corporate environment that provides a great balanced work/life environment for its employees. This key position will be responsible for providing ongoing support within the office of the Managing Partner; managing all administrative responsibilities and acting as the main point of contact between staff, clients and the Managing partner. The ideal candidate will be polished, educated, sharp, and able to work independently. This is an amazing opportunity to play a critical support role and join a positive and dynamic team of professionals.

Responsibilities:

• Handle all international and domestic travel on private and commercial carriers, hotels, car services,  etc.
• Manage heavy calendars (Outlook) 
• Correspondence, proposals and presentations using MSW, Excel and PowerPoint
• Serve as "gatekeeper"

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5+ years of Executive Assistant experience in the finance field preferred
• Highly attuned to recognizing and understanding the needs of executive requests
• Proven ability to communicate with executive level employees
• Strong business communication skills (both oral and written)
• Detail oriented 
• Solid analytical, research, and critical thinking skills
• Superior follow-through skills
• Ability to protect confidential information, solve problems and meet deadlines, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficient with PC Windows (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Please submit resume, references and salary history as an attachment, including "Executive Assistant IB" in the subject heading, for immediate consideration. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.   A thorough background check will be conducted.