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Exaggerating Qualifications |
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We all try to put the best gloss on our skills and background but taking that too far can have serious results. There have been numerous court cases in Canada addressing a candidate’s pre-hiring misrepresentations.
Frequently, the courts agree with the employer that a misrepresentation of educational background or work experience amounts to dishonesty, providing just cause for dismissal.
The just cause termination of an employee for misrepresentation has been upheld in a range of circumstances. In one, an applicant for the position of controller lied about having experience with a particular computer program. It turned out he barely knew how to turn the computer on and off.
Avoiding a later termination for misrepresentation is relatively simple. Some easy guidelines:
- always tell the truth about your educational background and work experience;
- don’t exaggerate the extent of your personal skill set; and
- be forthcoming and honest when answering a potential employer’s questions.
When a new job is at stake, it can be tempting to embellish your strengths or cover up your weaknesses. But the chances of getting away with half-truths during the hiring process are getting slimmer all the time. Many employers now routinely use professional background checkers to investigate your claims of greatness.
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