Resume Writing: Accuracy & Honesty

With unemployment levels in the United States at their highest levels in more than a quarter of a century the job market is more competitive than ever. There seems to be countless numbers of college graduates and laid-off experienced professionals competing for a limited number of jobs that grow ever smaller with increases in corporate bankruptcies and foreclosures. Each individual who is in need of a job or hoping to change careers must have a resume that lists the prospective employee’s objectives, qualifications,skills, previous employment experiences, education/certifications, and club/civic memberships. These resumes provide the interview of an overview of the applicant’s background, education, and abilities. These pieces of paper can mean the difference between landing a great job and being removed from consideration, or for termination shortly thereafter if inconsistencies or unverifiable information surfaces. Therefore, writing a resume is one of the most important tasks a job seeker tackles. All resumes should included criteria that are accurate and honest. Both of these attributes reflect the thoroughness and integrity of the applicant. Talent development company WJM Associates’ Chief Executive Officer Bill Morinstates that during the hiring process, the listing of correct or indirect dates can help determine whether the resume is accurate (Durett 9). The validity of various association memberships and the status of such memberships are also a strong indicator of accuracy (Durett 9). A resume’s collegiate or university records information can also reveal how honest or dishonest the job seeker is. If there are discrepancies involving the dates an individual attended a particular learning institution or if the listed degree was actually received, this suggests the individual is misrepresenting his or her background. A single misrepresentation can be enough to eliminate an individual from job contention (Lee 6). However, there is admittedly a fine line

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