A study by ResumeTemplates.com found that seven out of ten recent job applicants admitted to using dishonest tactics during the hiring process. This survey, conducted with 1,250 job seekers, highlights the extent of this issue.
Key Findings:
- Resume Lies: 22% of respondents confessed to lying on their resumes.
- False References: 50% admitted to providing fake references.
- Cheating on Assessments: 22% said they cheated on assessments, while smaller percentages confessed to cheating during various types of interviews.
- Frequent Dishonesty: 15% of job seekers admitted to frequently lying or cheating, while 20% did so occasionally, and 35% rarely engaged in such behavior.
The study also found that 71% of those who cheated on assessments used unauthorized Google searches, 37% used AI tools like ChatGPT, and 33% sought help from others. Andrew Stoner, an executive resume writer and career coach, suggests that the high competition and increased use of virtual interviews contribute to this trend. He also points out that the perceived low risk of getting caught may embolden applicants.
Stoner further explains that the erosion of loyalty between employers and employees plays a significant role. Today's workers often see employment as a temporary arrangement, leading some to take unethical steps to secure a job.
Statistics on Cheating:
- Complete Assistance: 21% had someone else complete the entire assessment.
- Significant Help: 47% had another person fill out most of it.
- Partial Assistance: 26% received help for some parts, and 10% for a small portion.
- Sources of Help: Friends (66%), significant others (40%), mentors (40%), siblings (39%), and parents (28%).
Despite the high success rate of job seekers who cheat (80%), around 30% faced severe professional consequences, such as having offers rescinded or being fired. Stoner's advice to job seekers is clear: "Honesty is still the best policy."
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