Career Inspirations Podcast
Operate with integrity and get a first-rate 6-figure job 

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Let’s face it. Any respectable six-figure job seeker would want to work for a trustworthy company that treats them well. If you are looking for this kind of job, then your integrity is everything. Your prospective employer will want to find a professional who passionately shares their vision. And so, it’s critical that you display the personal characteristics and insight to be a strong fit for their corporate culture.

Let’s start with your resume and cover letter. As an ethical professional, you offer a personal brand that is unique and rich in offerings. You have everything it takes to represent yourself well. So, if you want to sell yourself, there’s no need to copy your colleague’s resume or plagiarize content from a website. Copying the content from a job posting or job description won’t work either. You’ll be sending a message that you don’t have any ideas of your own. And, most recruiters will think that you’re just saying what they want to hear.

Focus on your achievements and successes, but don’t exaggerate them. From the perspective of your next employer, there is little difference between a “misstatement” and a lie. You have many good ways to represent yourself truthfully. For example, if you have delivered 102% against target, don’t say that you have attained 110%. Instead, state truthfully that your results surpassed the target. And, if you did not attain the target, don’t pretend you did. Just discuss other successes instead.

“Fudging” your dates of employment won’t work either. Recruiters often check dates with your previous employers. If you have lied or omitted something important, you will be found out. There are honest ways to minimize gaps and issues with age. When listing dates, consider including the year only, instead of month and year. If possible, only go back ten years in your career chronology. Both these techniques are readily understood and acceptable for most recruiters.

Dishonest candidates may falsify their job title, responsibilities, academic credentials, and even their grade point average. So, the good organizations do check transcripts, call references, and google candidates to weed out the deceitful ones. The higher the position, the more rigorous the screening process is. Only when you’ve passed the background check, will you be considered for an interview.

I’ve noticed that some six-figure job seekers come to interviews with an air of arrogance. They seem to think that they need to appear important in order to be taken seriously. Don’t make this mistake. Every single person that you meet will be judging you based on the impression you make. Don’t discount the receptionist or assistant. If you treat every person with the utmost respect, you can be assured that you’ll get a good review when your hiring manager asks their opinion.

During your interview, focus on cultivating a personal connection with your interviewers, regardless of what level that person holds. Build chemistry by interacting in a pleasant and relaxed style. To demonstrate cultural fit, discuss how you would model truthfulness and transparency in everything you do. And, mean it.

If you are asked a “sticky” question that points out a weakness such as inexperience, your best bet is to answer truthfully and then move on to talk about your strengths. And, don’t name-drop, unless you have a valid business reason for bringing up that person. If you encounter a question that seems to be pointing out a perceived obstacle such as your age, don’t be tempted to fib, rather focus on the value you bring. Of course, if you are asked a blatantly offensive or discriminatory question, you have the absolute right to decline to answer or even to walk out of the interview. Who would want to work in such an environment anyway?

It’s alarming how many people “creatively embellish” their career history. It’s no wonder that the good and respectable companies put a lot of effort in finding and retaining honest and trustworthy professionals. Your integrity is of primary importance in your job search.

Remember this: one white lie can destroy your career. When you live a lie, even if you are not caught, you are forever looking over your shoulder. It’s a small world and you will eventually get found out.

Always be completely ethical and honest in all your dealings, written and verbal. You will earn genuine credibility, respect from your colleagues, and long-term career opportunities with like-minded professionals. What a great way to start your next job!

 

Graham Management Group is known for excellence and innovation in resume, interview, and career strategy. We are the leading national firm specializing in progressive solutions for executives, managers, and senior-level professionals.