Suffering from Low T?
Not you, your résumé. Indicators of a résumé with “low T” include little white lies, half-truths, fudged dates, and exaggerations. The “T” is for truth. If you said “yes” to any of those indicators, your résumé is a little light on the truth. The only cure is honesty. Of course, you want to present yourself in the best light to gain the attention of potential employers. However, positioning yourself as a match for a job opportunity should never involve crossing the line and letting your truth quotient drop. Here are examples and cures.
False Degree
Scenario:
You completed 90% of the coursework for your MBA, but then you had to quit when your spouse was transferred to Chicago. You never got the chance to complete it. You saw online that five years of 
real-world experience is the same as an MBA so you show the MBA on your résumé.
Recommendation:
Showing that degree as completed is a lie. This type of lie is very easy for a company to uncover. Instead show the coursework that you completed. Feature the courses most relevant to your current career goal.
Incorrect Dates
Scenario:
You cover a one-year gap by changing one of the dates.
Recommendation:
At the first interview, you will complete an application that you will sign certifying it to be truthful. Lies told on the application are enough to cost you the job. Instead take care of gaps honestly. Temporary work, charity work, and continuing education are just a few examples of gap fillers that may apply in your case.
Overstatement of Job Title or Responsibility
Scenario:
So, you fudged a bit about your job title. At your company you were officially a manager, but any other company would classify you as a director. You list director on your résumé because that seems fair.
Recommendation:
This is another fib that is easily uncovered. If you are concerned that you title does not represent your level of responsibility, demonstrate your responsibility in your job description. Include things such as staff count, budget size, number of locations, VIP clients, and other things that showcase your true position.
Bumping Up the Numbers
Scenario:
It’s been years since your first employer went out of business. Who will know if you change your sales figures from $140,000 to $210,000? It would have been $210,000 if the product was better.
Recommendation:
Don’t risk the lie. Stick with the truth. You never know when you will cross paths with someone who was at the company. It’s not worth it. Find another way to prove how you excelled in that role. For example, maybe you opened new revenue streams or increased the client retention rate. Brainstorm to identify something positive and truthful to share.
Grossly-exaggerated Self Employment
Scenario:
You were out of work for eight months and you helped your neighbor install his network one Saturday. Based on that, you state that you were a self-employed networking consultant.
Recommendation:
If you did not truly operate a business or work as a consultant, don’t put it on your résumé. Instead 
accurately represent the positive things you did during your gap. Volunteer work, professional development, and a travel hiatus are just a few examples of positive items you can include.
As you can see, there is a cure for “low T” on your résumé. Simply dig a little deeper to find genuine accomplishments and skills that you can feature on your résumé. Don’t be tempted to pad the résumé. It’s not worth the risk of getting caught in “low T” lie.