[DanaC]

I honestly thought everybody lied - at least a little bit, on their resume*. Often it's just a little massaging of the truth. So - you have a three month gap in employment and you count on them not checking so far back and extend your previous emplyoment to cover the gap. Or, you add in a couple of duties - maybe you helped a little in meetings a couple of times, so you put that down as attending and contributing to company strategy meetings.

You don't want to misrepresent yourself - there's no point in claiming skills you don't have. It's more about - knowing that some stuff will cripple you before you get to interview. Gaps in employment are a biggie - there might be a thousand and one reasons for an extended period of unemployment but employers don't want someone who needs explaining. And it's about knowing your own capabilities - which may not be adequately illustrated by your stated experience.





If my CV was completely honest it would include a Personal Statement to this effect:

My interests include doing nothing very much of a weekend and watching trashy sci-fi. I am looking for a position that will allow me to work the minimum number of hours required to not have to claim state benefits, preferably with no travel or additional responsiblities involved. I relish neither the opportunity to work in a team nor on my own initiative, nor do I thrive in a fast-paced environment.





*over here we call them CVs