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

BIZ Experiences Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at BIZ Experiences.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 BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Starting a Business

These Brothers Started a Business to Improve an Everyday Task. They Made Their First Products in the Garage — Now They've Raised Over $100 Million.

Coulter and Trent Lewis had an early research breakthrough that helped them solve for the right problem.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Franchise

How to Prepare Your Business — And Yourself — For a Smooth Exit

After decades of building your business, turning it over to someone else can be emotional. But with the right mindset and a strong plan, it can also be your proudest moment.

Franchise

10 No-Office-Required Businesses You Can Start for as Little as $5,000

With strong Franchise 500 rankings and investment levels starting under $5,000, these brands are ready for new owners to hit the ground running.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Jobs AI Is Most Likely to Automate, According to a Microsoft Study

These careers are most likely to be affected by generative AI, based on data from 200,000 conversations with Microsoft's Copilot chatbot.