AVOIDING THE
"EMBELLISHMENT TRAP”
You’ve
read about so many famous people who didn’t tell the whole
truth in their biographies.
Maybe they weren’t REALLY the CEO of their company, or
the
“All-American” sports player. We’ve all heard of
the doctors who really weren’t or the specialists who
“bought” their degrees.”
Maybe it has all just snowballed because here in America,
we don’t believe that “embellishing” our expertise is
lying.
We believe that it’s “putting our best foot
forward.”
So
how do you determine what is just the right amount of “tooting
your own horn” without crossing the line?
Here are some ways to avoid the “embellishment trap”.
- If
you are currently pursuing a program at a college or
university, don't state that you already have the degree or
diploma. Tell the truth – pursuing a degree is a fine
endeavor and shows that you are a lifelong learner. If an
employer discovers that you lied about a degree – and they
DO check – you will not be hired if you have falsified the
information.
- If
you worked on a project as part of a team, be clear about
it. Don't give the employer the impression you did it all
alone. But DO take specific credit for your part in the
project.
- Definitely
mention all your achievements, but don’t claim any that
aren’t the truth.
- Be
cautious when quantifying your results – don’t
exaggerate the percentage of increase in profits you brought
to a company, but don’t hold back the truth.
You
resume is the only place where you get to brag about your
accomplishments.
As long as you tell the truth, why shouldn’t you brag?
It’s what will set you apart from your competitors.
At
EXPERT RESUMES, we take great care to capitalize on every
strength you offer, but we don’t cross the line – and YOU
are the final decision maker on every item that is put onto your
resume.
We are here to support your job search, not hamper it.
Call today and let’s talk about how we can help you
shine.
Call:
916-253-7431.
Stefanie Spikell, owner of two
companies,
Expert Resumes and
Clear Communications Business Consulting
(www.ExpertResumeWriter.com),
is a noted business/careers coach, management consultant and
resume writer. In her 20-year career, she has managed marketing
communications departments for major engineering firms, taught
at the university level, published hundreds of business-related
reports and articles, and written thousands of winning resumes.
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