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What Do Job Applicants Lie About on Their Résumés? (and How to Protect Your Business)


It is a sad reality of the hiring process that many job applicants choose to lie on their resumes about their background and credentials. Studies show resume lying is rampant, with some estimates saying that up to 85% of applicants 'misrepresent' their work history, college degree, or qualifications in some way. For a prospective new employer, this statistic highlights the level of research and verification that must be conducted to get a genuine understanding of an applicant’s true background.

When companies bring in a candidate who lacks the necessary skills or presents false documents, the consequences can ripple far beyond poor performance. Imagine uncovering a fake credential after onboarding or realizing too late that the new hire can’t meet the demands of the position. It’s not just frustrating—it’s costly! Beyond these practical risks, dishonest hires can erode workplace trust and integrity. That’s why every hiring process should focus on honesty and accountability. With a thorough screening process, you can ensure every candidate is exactly who they claim to be—with the ability to contribute to your team’s success.


The Scope of Resume Fraud

How Common Are Resume Lies?

Research reveals that resume lying is alarmingly common:

  1. 64.2% of surveyed individuals admitted to lying on a resume at least once.

  2. Younger applicants (18–25 years old) are especially prone to dishonesty, with 80.4% admitting to falsifications.

  3. Arts and creative industries see the highest rates of resume fraud, at nearly 80%.

  4. Studies show that men are slightly more likely than women to misrepresent themselves on their resumes, with 65.6% of men admitting to lying compared to 63.3% of women.

Common Resume Lies

The top areas where job applicants lie include:

  1. Job responsibilities: 52% of applicants exaggerate their role or tasks (Forbes).

  2. Education credentials: 29.6% of resumes list degrees or certifications the applicant never earned (HRO Today).

  3. Employment dates: Candidates often stretch the duration of previous roles to cover gaps (Forbes).

  4. Salary history: 32.8% falsify their previous earnings to negotiate better offers (HRO Today).

  5. Skills: Over 30% claim expertise in tools or software they’ve never used (HRO Today).


Why Do People Lie on Resumes?

In most cases, candidates feel pressure to meet unrealistic job requirements or gain a competitive advantage. The job market is more competitive than ever, and the pressure to stand out can feel overwhelming for many candidates. For example, many embellish their skills or job titles to align with the necessary qualifications for a role. While the ethics of lying on a resume may be somewhat gray, the reality is that it can have serious consequences.


The Consequences of Resume Fraud

For Employers

Without proper verification, hiring a dishonest candidate can result in:

  1. Decreased team productivity due to unqualified employees.

  2. Damage to the company's reputation.

  3. Potential legal consequences if fraud leads to compliance issues.

For Applicants

  1. Caught Before Hiring: 41% of job offers are rescinded when lies are discovered during employment verification (Resume Builder).

  2. After Hiring: 18% of candidates are fired once their lie is uncovered, while only 29% face no repercussions (Resume Builder).

  3. Legal Consequences: Misrepresentation can lead to criminal charges, especially in regulated industries requiring licenses or certifications (Education Week).


How Employers Can Detect Resume Lies

Employers use various strategies to spot dishonest claims:

  1. Behavioral interviews: Probing questions reveal inconsistencies in an applicant’s narrative.

  2. Background screening: Services like KRESS verify employment dates, education, and licensing credentials.

  3. Reference checks: Directly contacting former employers or colleagues uncovers false information provided by fake references.

  4. AI-driven tools: Detect patterns in resumes generated or edited by AI to identify potential embellishments.


Is It Illegal to Lie on a Resume?

Lying on a resume or cover letter is not inherently illegal, but it can lead to serious legal consequences if the deception rises to the level of fraud. Fraud, which is defined as the intentional misrepresentation of material facts for personal gain, can result in criminal charges when lies on a resume or job application meet this threshold. For instance, falsely claiming a bachelor’s degree or misrepresenting relevant skills for a position sometimes constitutes lying under the law, particularly for positions in regulated industries where such credentials are required.

In extreme cases, resume fraud can lead to charges like obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception. Some states enforce specific laws targeting the falsification of academic or professional credentials. For example, Texas prohibits using fake college degrees to obtain employment. Penalties vary depending on the severity of the misrepresentation but may include hefty fines or even jail time.

Beyond criminal charges, there are civil liabilities to consider. Employers harmed by misrepresentation may pursue lawsuits to recover damages caused by hiring an unqualified individual. Even when legal action isn’t taken, the consequences can still be severe. Resume fraud often results in immediate termination, harm to one’s professional reputation, and potential challenges in securing future employment.

These risks underline the importance of honesty in the hiring process and the need for thorough (and fair) employment screening. At KRESS, we verify critical details such as education, work history, and professional licenses to make sure the information presented is accurate. This means you can make confident hiring decisions while mitigating the costly consequences of resume fraud.


How KRESS Inc. Protects Employers

KRESS Employment Screening specializes in safeguarding businesses from the risks of resume fraud. Through rigorous verification processes, KRESS ensures that every hire is thoroughly vetted, reducing the chances of an employer ever hiring unqualified or dishonest candidates.

Our Services Include:

  1. Education and college degree verification.

  2. Work history checks, including job titles and employment dates.

  3. License and certification validation.

  4. Reference checks to uncover fake references and fabricated details.

  5. Global ID biometrically verifies the candidate to ensure the identity of the person you are interviewing.

  6. ResumeMatch verifies the information on the resume actually matches their employment application, and all details are verified.

See our background check packages for full information.


Best Practices for Employers

To mitigate the risks of hiring unqualified candidates, employers can:

  1. Partner with professional background screening services (like KRESS).

  2. Train your team to identify red flags, both in resumes and while interviewing candidates.

  3. Review your job postings to check the requirements are clear and tailored to the role.

  4. Leverage AI tools to cross-check the accuracy of applicant information.


Answering Common Questions

What happens if you get caught lying on a resume?

In most cases, candidates face immediate disqualification or termination. Legal consequences may follow in regulated industries.

How do you handle someone who lied on their resume?

Employers should assess the severity of the lie and decide whether it warrants termination. Minor discrepancies may be addressed with corrective action.

Is it okay to stretch the truth on a resume?

No. Even small exaggerations can have significant consequences for both candidates and employers.


Conclusion

Resume lying remains a pervasive issue in the hiring process, but employers don’t have to face it alone. By partnering with KRESS, businesses can ensure they hire candidates who meet their qualifications with honesty and integrity. It would be a mistake to convince yourself that you can spot every lie on a resume. Save yourself from even getting close to hiring a deceitful candidate by getting started with KRESS today. Schedule a consultation to learn how we can streamline your hiring process.

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