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Did You Lie on Your Application?


Did You Lie on Your Application?
  • AuthorBonnie Johnson
  • DateFebruary 28, 2018
  • MediumNewsletter Article
If you lied on your application, you better hope you don't get called for an interview! If that is the case, what's the purpose? Learn how to make the most of your resume, without exaggerating.

 

 

 

Did You Lie On Your Application?

 

Had better hope you don’t get called for an interview – that’s if you lied on your application! Lying could include listing education, skills, or experience that you don’t have, filling in gaps in your work history with “fake” jobs, or exaggerating your credentials.

Dishonesty in the application process doesn’t just impact you and the potential employer. Not only are you lying, but your references are forced into a rather sticky situation if they are put on the spot and become part of the deception.

Not surprising, one survey found that 93% of hiring managers who caught a lie didn’t hire the candidate. Dishonesty will come back to haunt you, if not in the hiring process, it will soon become evident after you start the job. If you’re hired based on inaccurate information, this could lead to being fired. Lying on your resume can have long-lasting negative effects on your reputation and career.

But you may be thinking “I really NEED or WANT this job!” If you are out of work or trying to secure your dream job, it may be tempting to embellish your resume. It may seem that all job descriptions list qualifications that you just don’t possess. However, it’s important to recognize that preferred qualifications are just that – preferred, NOT required.

So, what do you do if you are missing required qualifications?

If you are missing some of the required qualifications stated in the job description, develop a plan for how you could work towards obtaining them. Be prepared to discuss the qualifications with your potential employer in an interview, or even mention it in your cover letter.

Plus, there is good news if you are missing credentials! Now more than ever, employers understand and appreciate the value of soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, flexibility and leadership. Employers often hire a person with these employability skills and will train for technical knowledge.

How will you get the training you need?

Agricultural employers value training and development for staff and use it as one of their top methods to motivate employees. Nearly half of ag employers offer formalized mentoring or coaching programs. Forty-four percent offer certificate courses, approximately 22% have accredited training, while the majority offer to cross-train for staff development. Ag employers may also offer traineeship or apprenticeships as career advancement initiatives. Almost 60% of ag employers offer financial assistance for external study or tuition reimbursement. Up to 15% of employers offer scholarships or study leave.

If you’ve fibbed on your application, it may be time for a do-over. If you’re called for an interview, ask if you can re-submit your resume, or politely decline the invitation. Start fresh with your future applications by telling the truth and finding your best career fit. Begin by uploading your revised reality-based resume to the AgCareers.com database!

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