Stupid Resume Mistakes: “Creative Writing”
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
What do you think you’ll accomplish anyway?
In the world of job hunting, it can be tempting to embellish your resume in an effort to stand out from the competition. However, as Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, warns, this practice of “creative resume writing” can have serious consequences. Politely referred to as “exaggerating,” this approach involves inflating your qualifications, responsibilities, and achievements to make yourself appear more impressive than you truly are.
The Perils of Exaggeration
The primary issue with exaggerating on your resume is that it is easily detectable. Experienced recruiters and hiring managers can quickly identify when a candidate is “blowing smoke” and attempting to misrepresent their capabilities. As Altman explains, this can immediately disqualify you from consideration, even if you manage to get past the initial screening process.
The consequences of being hired under false pretenses can be even more severe. If you are able to land a job by exaggerating your skills, you may find yourself in a position where you are unable to deliver on the job requirements. This can lead to being fired, which can be a devastating outcome that requires explaining to friends, family, and future employers.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Rather than engaging in creative resume writing, Altman advises job seekers to present themselves honestly and authentically. This means being upfront about your qualifications, responsibilities, and achievements, even if they don’t seem as impressive as you would like. Clients, he says, are looking for individuals who can do the job, not those who can merely talk a good game.
Altman also cautions against attempts to hide your age or employment history, as these tactics are often easily uncovered and can further undermine your credibility. Instead, he encourages job seekers to embrace their experience and let it speak for itself, as there are many companies that value the knowledge and expertise that comes with a longer career path.
Building a Successful Job Search
Ultimately, the key to a successful job search lies in presenting yourself authentically and focusing on the value you can bring to an organization. By avoiding the temptation of creative resume writing and instead highlighting your genuine qualifications and accomplishments, you increase your chances of finding a role that is truly a good fit.
Altman offers a range of resources to support job seekers in their search, including resume and LinkedIn profile critiques, interview preparation, and comprehensive coaching programs. He encourages individuals to visit his website, The Big Game Hunter, to explore these services and connect with him on LinkedIn to discuss their specific needs.
Remember, the goal of a job search is to find a position that aligns with your skills and experience, not to deceive employers. By embracing honesty and authenticity, you can position yourself for long-term success and avoid the pitfalls of creative resume writing.
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier.
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He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2900 episodes over 13+ years.
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