Honesty Is Still The Best Policy With Resumes

One-third of top executives tell blatant lies in their resumes, says recruiter Richard Taylor. Taylor, managing partner of Stamford, Conn.-based executive search firm Taylor/Rodgers & Associates, says candidates lie about previous jobs, degrees, responsibilities, and more. But in this year's post-impeachment atmosphere, employers will be ever-stricter about truthful resumes, he warns. "Executives who have situations they are not proud of, or would like to hide, are better off listing them when necessary or leaving the information out if they have the option." Taylor's advice: Employers: Adequately check resumes. While employers must avoid potential lawsuits, recruitment professionals can help by catching lies through access to credit ratings, educational information, criminal records, and other sources. Recruiters also can uncover factors such as substance abuse and outstanding litigation. Candidates: If your former company has merged out of business or filed for bankruptcy, don't think your personnel records no longer exist. Information can be gleaned from the Internet, or by questioning co-workers and former bosses.