Acting out on job search myth #5 could be your biggest mistake of all!

We live in a job market culture that says I have to look very, very good to get ahead . . . to smack down the competition. So, who cares if I shade the truth a little? As long as I get ahead. As long as I get the job!

Back in the day that might have worked. But things have changed a lot since 911. The job market isn’t what it used to be. Neither is truthfulness in the face of stiff competition.

Think it won’t make a difference if you’re a little less than honest on your resume, or exaggerate the truth in your job search presentation? It’s a classic example of job search myth #5. And here’s why.

According to a very recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com, 57% of hiring managers say they’ve caught a lie on candidates’ applications. In short, employers these days are much savvier about checking out who they’re bringing onboard.

So, what do you think happens to your candidacy if you’re caught in a lie? You’re out!

And, job search myth #5 doesn’t apply just to resumes. It applies to every facet of your candidacy. In fact, here is a checklist of the 8 key parameters of your background that are now considered a standard part of many employers’ investigation into your worthiness to be part of team.

1. Reference checks.

2. Credit histories.

3. Education and professional backgrounds.

4. Psychometric testing.

5. Medical and fitness evaluation.

6. Police record review.

7. Drug and alcohol screening.

8. Immigration and terrorist screening.

So, how do you think you stack up? Use this checklist to go over your background details with a fine tooth comb. Now is the time to ferret out any untruthfulness. Because if your next employer has to do it, well, you’ve just lost.

The good news is that employers these days are hiring based on what you bring to the table that can make a contribution going forward. That’s why, if you have a shaky background, you don’t want to make the mistake of depending on your resume to find you a job.

Your emphasis should be put on finding exciting alternative ways to communicate directly with an employer without requiring him/her to make arm’s length decisions about you before they even have a chance to see what you can do in person.

When you bypass all the written resume and cover letter hoopla and focus on creative ways to present your case face-to-face, all the insecurities that you tried to bury in your shaky background won’t amount to anything. Because you’ll do an end run around job search myth 5. And you’ll knock the socks off an employer by demonstrating how you can make a big difference!

Image taken on 2009-04-16 09:05:49. Image Source. (Used with permission)