What mistakes do people make that hurt their professional credibility? originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights.
Answer by Suretta Williams on Quora:
How many months do we have to answer this question?
Let's talk about the resume:
- I learned (through research, not experience) that some companies will immediately throw out your application if there are things scratched out or written over, whether it is relevant or not.
- Lying (or exaggerating) on your resume, whether or not it is discovered at the interview or ten years later, is grounds for dismissal.
- Omitting: There are some things which people with extensive resumes will choose not to include, but if (for instance) you list as a skill, "Worked for Boy Scouts of America," but you leave out that you were fired for some reason, you are automatically suspect. They don't know what else you've said is true or false.
- Harrassment: Some people feel no remorse in harassing customers, callers, and/or coworkers. If you are (or have ever been) written up or fired (or it is just noticed), you can be asked to leave.
- References: Many people don't realize that it's wrong to list a reference without asking their permission first. Most people will give "blanket" acceptance, which means no matter who calls them, they are going to give you a (hopefully) good reference. However, some people prefer to know each time you use them, so they can be prepared for a call. Using someone as a reference who acts surprised (as if they didn't know you were doing it), can be an instant denial of employment.
I could write so much more, but I'll leave you with a warning that current, past, and present employers (and law enforcement) will look you up and find posts, statuses and pictures that can cost you your job.
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