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.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

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

Business News

United Airlines Says It Is Adding Extra Flights in Case Spirit 'Suddenly Goes Out of Business'

Rival airlines, including United and Frontier, are adding new routes as Spirit cuts 12 cities from its schedule.

Business News

American Eagle Stock Sees a 25% Surge Following Sydney Sweeney's Controversial 'Great Jeans' Ad Campaign

American Eagle saw its stock jump 25% after its earnings call on Wednesday.

Leadership

Can Startup Founders Become Great CEOs? Here's What It Takes.

Startup founders CAN evolve into outstanding CEOs — rather than being replaced by them. Here's how.

Business News

Gold Prices Are Higher Than Ever. Here's How Much a Costco Gold Bar Purchased in 2024 Is Worth Today.

A one-ounce Costco bar is worth $870 more now than it was a year ago.