Resume Truth or Dare

"Tell the truth!" It’s something we were taught since we could speak, yet in many stages of life truth seems to be something people change, stretch, or completely avoid. And what is that other popular saying? Oh yes: "It all comes back to bite you in the…"

When it comes to our careers, new positions, or new employees, it involves taking a chance. The employer does what she can to check a person’s background and references and the employee does his part to learn about the company and their new future. In the end, each party wants the same thing – the right fit. So why take a risk?

It is simple for an employer to investigate a candidate’s background. They have many resources including everything from a quick and easy Google search to the use of background investigation companies.

If you are interested in a new career, make sure that every detail of your resume is correct. This includes everything from the dates of employment to titles at each company. If you were a Risk Analyst for two years, do not write "Senior Risk Analyst for five years." If you were employed until the summer of 2005, resist the temptation to write "December of 2005." If you are not sure of the dates, call the company and ask them to look at your file. Did you actually graduate from a college or a university? If not, do not imply differently.

No one wants to hear, "Oops, I was off on that date." Or, "Oops, I wasn’t actually the Vice President." No one wants a dishonest employee or someone that was misleading from the very beginning.

This same idea of fair play holds true for the employer. If your company offers a commission plan, abide by your word. If a bonus is promised in an offer or hire, do not take it away or decrease it. Isn’t it in the best interest of everybody to have a member of the team for a long-term, solid, and trusting relationship? A happy employee is a productive employee!

A simple way to avoid a bump in the road, delaying an offer, or possibly losing the chance of a dream job and bright future is to believe in your abilities! Be confident of your talents, skills and capabilities. Always be upfront and explain extenuating circumstances or unique situations if necessary.

Would you choose to spend five days a week with someone you don’t feel comfortable with; a person you are not sure you can rely on? Or, would you choose someone you trusted and could count on from day one? If a player is not devoted, the team will most likely lose. Think of the people you work with as your other family and your office as your home away from home. In the end, everyone will win!

Dawn Warren is a Senior Account Manager with Executive Alliance. Executive Alliance an international recruitment firm, is the leading provider of human capital (recruiting) services to the Credit, Collections and Call Center Management industries. Our clients-major financial institutions, telecommunications companies, utilities and service organizations-have chosen to partner with Executive Alliance because of our proven ability to attract, identify and recruit exceptional talent. Additionally, clients and candidates alike can expect the highest level of industry knowledge, customer service and ethical conduct. Executive Alliance is the exclusive staffing partner of insideARM.