The Worst Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders

Dennis McCafferty Avatar

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The Worst Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders

The Worst Jaw-Dropping Resume BlundersThe Worst Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders

Exaggerated skill sets and academic backgrounds are only the beginning of these resume no-nos that some job candidates have the gall to include on their resumes.

Tight TimeframeTight Timeframe

70% of surveyed employers spend less than five minutes reviewing a resume, and 48% devote less than two minutes to this.

Flexible PositionFlexible Position

42% would consider hiring a candidate who only met three of five key qualifications for a specific role.

Augmented RealityAugmented Reality

56% have found a lie on a resume.

Most Common Resume LiesMost Common Resume Lies

Embellished skill sets: 62%, Inflated responsibilities: 54%, Inaccurate dates of employment: 39%, False job titles: 31%, Made-up academic degrees: 28%

Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Lofty StandingJaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Lofty Standing

An applicant claimed to be a former CEO of the company to which he was applying.

Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Casual AsideJaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Casual Aside

A prospect introduced himself in the cover letter by writing, “Hey you.”

Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Distinguished ExperienceJaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Distinguished Experience

A job-seeker claimed to be a Nobel Prize winner. He wasn’t.

Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Stuff Happens …Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Stuff Happens …

An applicant claimed to have gotten fired “on accident.”

Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Higher EdJaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Higher Ed

A prospect claimed to have attended a college that didn’t exist.

Jaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Frequent FlyerJaw-Dropping Resume Blunders: Frequent Flyer

An applicant’s stated job history listed him with three different companies—in three different cities—at once.

Dennis McCafferty Avatar