<h1>Meet the Guest</h1><h2>Back on the mic with Astro’s Syok Podcast, Joselyn Lau—Hiredly’s VP of People &amp; Culture—shares the resume lies recruiters catch&nbsp;way more often than you'd think. With 10+ years of recruitment experience under her belt, Joselyn has seen it all. From exaggerated job titles to made-up certifications, she joins Tako and Wei Wen to talk about the consequences of resume fraud—and how to stand out&nbsp;without faking it.</h2><hr><h2>1. Faking Work Experience</h2><h3><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_21_140051501_c0ae1a8f4e.png"></h3>Yep, some candidates straight-up invent roles they never had or bump themselves up to titles like “Senior Manager” when they were actually interns.❌ Bad Example: Claimed you were Head of Marketing… when you were actually assisting with social media posts.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;✅ What to Do Instead: Be honest about your role, but highlight what you&nbsp;actually accomplished.💡&nbsp;Tip: Even junior roles can impress if you focus on your impact. Think:&nbsp;&nbsp; “I supported campaign A and helped boost engagement by 30%” — that’s way more valuable than a fake title.📖&nbsp;Related Read:<a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-work-experience-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=on_air_with_astro_syok:_4_resume_lies_that_can_cost_you_the_job_—_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture_shares_insights&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;How to Write Work Experience on Your Resume</a><hr><h2>2. Exaggerating Skills</h2><h2><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_21_140139909_f38c877f12.png"></h2>Ever claimed you're fluent in a language you barely speak? One candidate did—and froze during a Japanese interview greeting. Awkward.❌ Bad Example: “Fluent in Japanese” when you can only say “Arigato.”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;✅ What to Do Instead: If you're still learning, say so. Mention what stage you're at and how you’re building your skills.💡&nbsp;Tip: Honesty wins. Recruiters respect self-awareness and effort more than fake confidence.📖&nbsp;Related Read:<a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/stop-rating-your-skills-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=on_air_with_astro_syok:_4_resume_lies_that_can_cost_you_the_job_—_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture_shares_insights&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Stop Rating Your Skills on Your Resume—Here’s What to Do Instead</a><hr><h2>3. Lying About Education or Certifications</h2>Saying you have a degree when you don’t? Big red flag. Employers&nbsp;do verify your education.❌ Bad Example: “MBA from [insert fancy uni]” when you actually did a 2-week online course.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;✅ What to Do Instead: If you’re currently studying, be transparent and list your expected graduation date.💡&nbsp;Tip: Don’t have a degree in the field? Show your knowledge with side projects, work experience, or online certifications.📖&nbsp;Related Read:<a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-switch-careers-with-no-experience?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=on_air_with_astro_syok:_4_resume_lies_that_can_cost_you_the_job_—_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture_shares_insights&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;How to Build a Successful Career Without a Degree</a><hr><h2>4. Hiding Employment Gaps<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_21_140302525_6d4c315411.png"></h2>Gaps happen—and that’s okay. But faking jobs to “fill in the blanks”? Not a good move.✅ What to Do Instead: Be upfront. Whether you were freelancing, caregiving, or taking time to upskill, just say it. It shows maturity.💡&nbsp;Tip: You don’t need a perfect job history—just a&nbsp;real one.📖&nbsp;Related Read:<a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/addressing-employment-gap?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=on_air_with_astro_syok:_4_resume_lies_that_can_cost_you_the_job_—_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture_shares_insights&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Addressing Employment Gaps on Your Resume</a><hr><h3>A small lie might seem harmless, but it can ruin your credibility&nbsp;and cost you the job. Employers want people who are capable, not perfect. So instead of faking your way in, focus on showing your progress, honesty, and potential.</h3><h3>Want more career advice? Browse job opportunities on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=on_air_with_astro_syok:_4_resume_lies_that_can_cost_you_the_job_—_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture_shares_insights&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>, <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=on_air_with_astro_syok:_4_resume_lies_that_can_cost_you_the_job_—_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture_shares_insights&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">join the Young Talent Community</a>, and take the<a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=on_air_with_astro_syok:_4_resume_lies_that_can_cost_you_the_job_—_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture_shares_insights&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Hiredly Work Personality Test</a> to discover jobs that match your strengths!</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3>🎧&nbsp;Listen to the full episode here:&nbsp;<a href="https://cn.syok.my/podcast/episode/103047" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Astro Syok Podcast</a>

Lying on your resume? Think again. On Astro Syok, Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture reveals the most common resume lies and why they can ruin your job prospects.