Lately we have been getting a number of resumes where the resumes states, “2019, or 2017 or 2020 to Present.” When we call the candidate we then find out that they have not been with the company for six, eight, ten months, and in one case- two years! So the strategy worked- they got us to call them. So will H/R people. So will hiring managers. Here’s the problem: the minute we or the hiring managers find out that they are not employed, the element of trust is broken. I have seen interviews end prematurely, and I have seen job offers recalled because the candidate misled everyone on the background. And if candidates think they can skate to a job offer while misrepresenting themselves, they need to think again. Companies will do background checks, and believe me, if they uncover inconsistencies on dates of employment, or maybe uncover another hidden job or two that were not mentioned, they have grounds to fire that person immediately.
Look, it’s okay to be unemployed. Many people were laid off due to COVID. Many career paths were disrupted. It’s okay to admit that it has been difficult to find a position. But don’t lie. You will gain more respect if you indicate on your resume that you are no longer with your company. Trust is a powerful consideration when decisions are made, so don’t violate that trust by misrepresenting yourself.
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