Employers Say These Are the 4 Keys to a Winning Resume

Not only can embellishing your resume backfire, but it also may be unnecessary, according to a new survey from CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder’s survey of more than 2,500 hiring and human resources managers in the U.S. found that 42 percent of employers would consider applicants who have just three out of five key qualifications listed in a job posting.

Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer at CareerBuilder, says in a statement:

“Job seekers have the unenviable challenge of grabbing — and holding — a hiring manager’s attention long enough to make a strong impression. Embellishing your resume to achieve this, however, can ultimately backfire.

Most hiring managers are willing to consider candidates who do not meet 100 percent of the qualifications. Job seekers can increase their chances for consideration by proving past achievements that exemplify an ability to learn, enthusiasm and cultural fit.”

According to the survey, 56 percent of employers have caught a lie on a resume. The most common types of lies are embellished skill sets and exaggerated responsibilities, both of which were cited by more than half of employers.

Employers say they pay attention to a resume that (in order of most to least important):

• Is customized for their open position.
• Is accompanied by a cover letter.
• Is addressed to the hiring manager or recruiter by name.
• Includes links to the applicant’s online portfolio, blog or website.

If you need help improving your resume without embellishing it, check out:

• “12 Tips to Build a Resume That Will Get You Hired“
• “7 Tips for Writing a Winning Cover Letter“
• “6 Tips to Expertly Explain Gaps in Your Resume“

Have you ever stretched the truth on a resume? Did you get caught? Tell us about your resume experiences in our Forums. It’s the place where you can speak your mind, explore topics in-depth, and post questions and get answers.