Jobseekers are getting more wary of lying about qualifications and experience on their Resumes, but when it comes to hobbies and interests they develop a rich fantasy life.
Jobseekers today are becoming more adventurous – or so their Resumes would suggest. Extreme sports such as skydiving and bungee jumping are now some of the most popular recreations listed on the “Interests” section of Resumes, but surely they can’t all be telling the truth?
Since employers have started rigorously checking that employees actually have the experience and qualifications they claim to have, candidates are nervous about making false claims about work experience or academic qualifications. So instead they are turning to the “Interests” section of their Resumes to make an impression and stand out from the crowd.
New research has found that job applicants are twice as likely to exaggerate their personal hobbies and interests as their work experience on a Resume. Figures show 80% of jobseekers are prepared to lie about their hobbies, while only 40% would be prepared to fake details about work experience. The study says 75% of employers agreed that candidates’ hobbies and interests could make the difference in getting an interview.
However, anyone considering creating a sophisticated fantasy life on their Resume should think first about the possible negative reactions.
Jobseekers should exercise a degree of caution about the interests they list, as they may not always create the desired impression, reports Office Angels, the recruitment consultancy behind the research.
The researchers have compiled a list of the top Resume interests, along with how employers viewed those hobbies.
Extreme sports: Are they trying too hard to appear daring and dynamic? Could this person be too much of a risk-taker?
Arts (reading, opera, dance, theatre): May be creative and sociable, but could just be trying to appear intellectual.
Cinema: Depends, a laddish Tarantino fan, or an arty European cinema obsessive?
Traveller: Life and culture knowledge, or idling in the sun?
Socialising: A people person, or out on the lash all-night and fit for nothing in the mornings?
Paul Jacobs, from Office Angels, said: “A Resume should always accurately reflect your relevant work experience and the type of person you are. Honesty is always the best policy.”
Debbie O’Halloran
