Dive Brief:

• Creating an attention-getting resume can be a tall order for job seekers in today’s fast-paced hiring environment. According to a new survey from CareerBuilder, the majority of employers (70%) spend less than five minutes reviewing a resume, and half (48%) spend less than two.
• Trying desperately to get noticed, some job seekers include some unnecessary, inappropriate or downright untrue information on their resumes. For its annual survey, CareerBuilder asked hiring managers to name the biggest blunders they have caught on resumes – from innocent gaffes to obvious lies.
• When it comes to impressing hiring managers, one of the biggest mistakes a job seeker can make is lying, which is more common than one might think. According to the survey, more than half of employers (56%) have caught a lie on a resume.

Dive Insight:

"Job seekers have the unenviable challenge of grabbing – and holding – a hiring manager’s attention long enough to make a strong impression," said Rosemary Haefner, chief HR officer at CareerBuilder. “Embellishing your resume to achieve this, however, can ultimately backfire. Most hiring managers are willing to consider candidates who do not meet 100 percent of the qualifications.”

The most outrageous exaggerations (or outright lies) on resumes? One applicant claimed to be a former CEO of the company to which they were applying. Another one seeking a customer service position gave “didn't like dealing with angry customers” as the reason for leaving her last job. Another applicant claimed to have worked in a jail when they were really there serving time.​ Finally, one applicant’s stated job history had him in three different companies and three different cities simultaneously.