Fibs. Fabrications. Falsehoods. No matter what you call them, they don't belong in a resume. It's simply not worth the risk. More often than not, applicants who fudge the facts are found out. Many organizations conduct reference or background checks, and just one exaggeration or half-truth can lead an employer to question your ethics and take you from consideration.

We didn't need to do much research to confirm the following recent graduate was trying to pull a fast one:

"HONORS: Finalist for the most recent Pulitzer Prize."

Nice try.

Even if a little white lie is initially overlooked, it can come back to haunt you. For instance, if you claim to have "advanced skills" with a software application you've rarely used, your lack of proficiency will not go unnoticed once on the job.

Some applicants pad their resumes by claiming to have earned degrees or certifications they do not possess. But academic achievements are fairly easy for hiring managers to verify, so stick to the facts when writing about your education.

"EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from accredited university. Master's degree from The School of Hard Knocks."

A tough curriculum.

This candidate didn't bother to conceal his dishonesty:

COVER LETTER: "I thought I'd tell you a few true and untrue things about myself so you can see it in your heart to let me work for you."

We have all the information we need.

While you don't want to omit key points from your work history, you don't need to tell a hiring manager everything about yourself.

"HOBBIES: Avid golfing and guitar playing."

He's the most distracting guy on the fairway.

COVER LETTER: "My voice cracked for six years. After years of being called High-Pitched, Crackety-Cracks and Big Poppa Squeaks, my skin is layers thick, and my spirit is rarely dampened."

Now you're talking!

"PERSONAL: Sorry, but what I do on my own time is nobody's business."

Yes, but why take up space on your resume to tell us?

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