Do you need "fact-checking" on your resume?

We have all had those moments in life where we "mis-remember" something or a memory is fuzzy because it is so long ago.  I just caught up with a former colleague from a job that was 17 years ago and our re-collection of events was similar, but not exactly the same.  So I'm certainly not here to judge anyone.  But the recent events surrounding Brian Williams' account of something in his past have stirred quite a nationwide controversy and discussion.  How can this relate to your job search?

This can serve as a good reminder for any candidate who is looking to polish up a resume or is preparing for a search for a new role or career challenge.  One of the first things I see on resumes that is a gray area is dates of service.  There are two ways this can be misleading if you're not careful.  The first is when you list through "present" on a resume when you really left that employer.  The reason is irrelevant.  If you are no longer with a company, you should indicate that on your resume.  The second way that can be meant to mislead is if you don't explain gaps in time on your resume.  This is often done by not including the months as well.  Let's say, for example, that you have a couple of 6-8 month gaps during the last 4-5 years.  I have seen candidates simply put in years, leave out the months, and then have to explain themselves later.  It is much easier to just have all of the information accurate from the start.

Another common problem I see with resumes is regarding education.  If you are working on a professional designation, but don't have it yet, don't list it on your resume as something that you have.  I know this seems like common sense, but I have seen it many times where someone is only one credit or one class short of something, they are in process, and they go ahead and put it on the resume.  It may never be checked, but that is a slippery slope toward lying about something.  Or if you have not received your Bachelor's degree but list your dates in such a way that makes it look like you do, that is a problem.  We were close to offer stage on a candidate recently who made it appear as though a college degree was received, and the employer required that for the position.  At the end of the day there were a few classes shy, and the employer pulled the offer.

Finally, I see numbers being stretched and manipulated to make things look more attractive.  In the world of insurance one statistic that is often transposed is premium instead of revenue.  If you are working on accounts that represent $100,000 in premium that is entirely different from an account that generates $100,000 in revenue to a retail agency.  That is a pretty easy one to ferret out, but I am surprised by how many times people try to inflate that number.  We also see it with number of accounts assigned, number of direct or indirect reports, annual goals, and much more.  Don't ever guess on that or you might be held accountable later.

What else have you seen in the past when "fact-checking a resume?  Happy to hear your stories as always!