In a world where today’s technology is obsolete tomorrow, job seekers continue to add notches to bio-datas, addressing intense competition. Now, more and more cases of fibbing on resumes is seeing a rise.

It is always a bonzer of an idea to jazz up your curriculum vitae and add an upgrade with certifications you’ve amassed. But, how far would you go in the pursuit of fine-tuning that resume in order to grab the attention of a potential recruiter or better yet, create an edge over bagging that ‘dream job’? What demarcates blatant and treacherous deceit from a white lie? The recent news of India’s women’s T20 cricket skipper Harmanpreet Kaur being divested of her deputy superintendent of police rank for submitting an alleged fake degree raised eyebrows, with social media going into a tizzy about the lengths that some are compelled to go to in order to give their resumes an instant facelift.

While a probe into Harmanpreet’s controversy is still underway, the sportswoman came on record to say that her degree was not fake. There were also reports earlier of an e-commerce biggie who was under fire for fibbing on his resume.

She has since denied that the certificate was fake and explained that she was unable to take exams. And we all know of Friends’ star Joey Tribbiani getting into trouble for boasting about knowing how to dance, and speak French.

One thing is clear — seeing isn’t believing, in the era of superfluous self marketing, which often spills into official documents as well. HR professionals  give us insider details.

Harmanpreet Kaur

“A harmless lie shouldn’t hurt, especially if it helps in giving your resume a facelift. I remember changing the round figure on my previous payslip to demand for a huge leap in my hike. I don’t think I sabotaged anyone else’s career through that as this was done only after the initial screening and selection,” reveals *Sruthi Sharma (name changed), a catalogue e-commerce manager.

Partho Ganguly, Director and founder of  Global HR Forum, adds, “There are varied reasons why a person thinks it is okay to fib on their resume. The predominant reason is people feel inadequate and think that by faking; social prestige could come easily. A lot can be attributed to the lack of awareness — of the consequences of being found out. Sometimes a job could be yours if you can get away with a bit of doctoring.  And it isn’t about escaping an interview. but about surviving a career with integrity. There is a huge difference between enhancing one’s resume and fabricating a whole process. No wonder reference check companies are making  big bucks.”  

While it can leave a black mark professionally, the whole act can be attributed to low self-esteem believes psychologist Madhavi Anand. She adds, “People who lie on their resumes are scared, something pushes them to give in to their insecurities. While it may be perceived as shoddy behaviour externally, most people who lie on their resumes do so out of  acute self-doubt and a belief that they are not good enough. The feeling spills over their resume, and hence, the act is just a reflection of their doubts in their self worth and skill sets. Adopting a positive self image and trusting your capabilities is the only answer to combat such tendencies.”