Get All Access for $5/mo

More Than 55% of People Aren't Honest on Their Resumes — Here Are the 8 Most Popular Lies Many applicants are determined to make their first impression count — even if it's fake.

By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas

Orbon Alija | Getty Images

Many people want an edge during the job-search process, and some applicants give themselves one on their resume — whether it's true or not.

According to a recent survey from StandOutCV, which surveyed 1,785 Americans 18 or older who were employed between October 12-26, more than 55% of Americans have lied on their resumes at least once, CNBC reported.

Related: This 'Triangle Method' Will Help You Catch and Confront a Liar

What's more, the number of Google searches about how to fake a resume is up 48%, with those tied to faking a job reference up 52%, per the report.

Additionally, StandOutCV found that men are more likely to lie (59.9%) than women (50.6%).

Despite some claims that traditional resumes are becoming obsolete in today's LinkedIn-driven world, clearly applicants are determined to make them count, even if that means folding in one of these eight most common falsehoods:

1. Previous work experience: 55.4%

2. Skills: 43.1%

3. College degree (or equivalent): 41%

4. Personal details, such as age, location or name: 39.5%

5. High school details: 39.2%

6. Salary information: 33.6%

7. Job-specific software and/or equipment skills: 33.5%

8. Employer references: 21%
Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Business News

'Jaw-Dropping Performance in 2024,' Says a Senior Analyst as Nvidia Reports Earnings

Nvidia reported its highly-anticipated third-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Business News

Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

Employers are looking for interpersonal skills like teamwork as well as specific coding skills.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.