Ethics question (re- resume/CV)

[mkt]

I have a question for those ethical/HR types.

Obviously padding ones resume/CV with fake qualifications, fake experience is unethical and illegal depending on the circumstances.

However, what's the ethical view on withholding experience/qualifications, so as to not appear overqualified for a job?

This is strictly hypothetical btw... but with some factual basis behind it. For example, lets say I have 3 degrees (AA, BA, MA). I see a job that interests me, and it requires an AA + Experience or a BA. Should I leave out the MA out of fear of being overqualified, or leave it in there to further strengthen my qualifications over other candidates?

Or conversely, I previously held a director level job, and am now applying for a management job. Same scenario, do I withhold the job/experience, withold the word "director," or leave it all in?

What would you do in these scenarios?

Obviously with the job market as it is, a stronger resume is likely to be a better asset, unless employers won't hire you because they feel they can't afford you.

 

[H20Babie]

Personally, I would use all of my qualification on my CV/resume. However, in my covering letter, I would address the issue of being overqualified in a way as to appear that it is a sideways move or a new field that interests you and that salary, etc., are negotiable/in line with the firm's policy ...

Good luck!

 

[Uponastar]

I have a question for those ethical/HR types.

Obviously padding ones resume/CV with fake qualifications, fake experience is unethical and illegal depending on the circumstances.

However, what's the ethical view on withholding experience/qualifications, so as to not appear overqualified for a job?

This is strictly hypothetical btw... but with some factual basis behind it. For example, lets say I have 3 degrees (AA, BA, MA). I see a job that interests me, and it requires an AA + Experience or a BA. Should I leave out the MA out of fear of being overqualified, or leave it in there to further strengthen my qualifications over other candidates?

Or conversely, I previously held a director level job, and am now applying for a management job. Same scenario, do I withhold the job/experience, withold the word "director," or leave it all in?

What would you do in these scenarios?

Obviously with the job market as it is, a stronger resume is likely to be a better asset, unless employers won't hire you because they feel they can't afford you.

I don't think it's ever a good idea to leave things out. Such things have a way of coming back to bite.
Speaking hypothetically, suppose, at some point, a job requiring your level of qualification were to open within the same company and you found yourself interested in it? How would it look that you chose to leave those qualifications out the first time around?
JMO

 

[Computer Magic]

I would be completely honest and hold nothing back.

 

[figmentmom]

I would be completely honest and hold nothing back.

Absolutely. Say, weren't you going to have a position somewhere in the Obama administration? :shrug:

 

[mkt]

Absolutely. Say, weren't you going to have a position somewhere in the Obama administration? :shrug:

Wow... ok, going off topic. I had one with the campaign and the transition team. I'm still contracted by the party and sorted politicians for freelance work quite regularly, but to put it simply (and in a strictly non-political way), a lot of us didn't get what we wanted after the 20th of January. I got a blackberry (which I sold on ebay), a laptop (which I gave to my kid brother), and a bonus check (which I promptly deposited). Not a job and relo to DC like I was hoping to get.

Although the staggering amount of contacts I have in DC, and their actual positive job growth numbers (more jobs than applicants! Wow!) could probably help me land a job there. Maybe once I'm done feeling out my "new" digs.

 

[SeaBreeze]

I asked around regarding a similar hypothetical situation since I'll have a PhD and was told by many people that this will make me overqualified and therefore I won't get some jobs I might be interested in.

What I found is: Don't leave out the information but make it clear that you aren't expecting a higher salary. You can do this with a cover letter, or on the objective line of the resume or with a phone call to the HR rep. Companies are more than happy to have someone with a higher degree that is willing to be paid at a lower level.

 

[GenerationX]

I've interviewed and been in on the hiring decision for many, many job applicants throughout the years. If someone is qualified for a position, I've always advised them not to overstate their accomplishments in their resume and go into the interview with confidence and enthusiasm.

In your case, I would advise you not to over or understate your accomplishments, but to emphasize the experience that is directly applicable to the job you would be doing. If you highlight a bunch of responsibilities that are above the position, the hiring managers will fear that you will quit the next time a position at your level opens. Your willingness to accept a lower salary is great, but many hiring managers will still be wary of you (no one can guarantee you'll be given raises to get you back to your old level).

Another fear hiring managers will have is that the position may bore you. Not kidding. If you've had higher positions and come off as a sharp guy in the interview, hiring managers will fear the position won't be enough to keep you challenged, and you'll end up quitting.

Spend as much time as you can talking about directly relevant experience, be enthusiastic, and hope for the best. Good luck.