Legal Definitions - Resume inflation

Resume inflation, also commonly referred to as resume fraud, describes the act of intentionally including false, exaggerated, or misleading information on a job application, resume, or curriculum vitae. The primary goal of this deception is to make an individual appear more qualified, experienced, or accomplished than they actually are, thereby increasing their chances of securing an interview, a job offer, or a promotion.

This practice involves misrepresenting one's background to gain an unfair advantage in the hiring process. While it often involves outright lies, it can also include significant embellishments or omissions that create a false impression of one's capabilities or history. Engaging in resume inflation can have serious consequences, including rescinded job offers, termination of employment, damage to professional reputation, and in some cases, legal liability.

• Example 1: Fabricating Project Leadership

  A software developer applies for a senior engineering position and states on their resume that they "led the development of a groundbreaking AI platform that increased company revenue by 20%." In reality, they were a contributing member of a large team on that project, and the platform's success was due to the collective effort of many individuals, not their sole leadership. This is resume inflation because the individual is falsely claiming a leadership role and attributing significant achievements primarily to themselves to appear more senior and impactful than their actual contribution.

• Example 2: Misrepresenting Educational Attainment

  An applicant for a financial analyst role lists a "Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a top-tier university" on their resume. However, they only completed a few introductory courses at that university and never actually earned the degree. This constitutes resume inflation because they are presenting a false academic credential to meet the educational requirements or prestige associated with the desired position.

• Example 3: Exaggerating Employment Dates to Hide Gaps

  A marketing professional was unemployed for a year between two jobs. To avoid questions about this employment gap, they extend the end date of their previous job and shorten the start date of their current job on their resume, making it appear as if they had continuous employment. This is an instance of resume inflation because they are providing misleading information about their employment history to conceal a period of unemployment, which might be viewed negatively by potential employers.