I was just asked to add something to my resume on most recent job by a recruiter that I have done 2 roles prior.

Anonymous

January 26,2024 at 7:28PM UTC

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I was just asked to add something to my resume on most recent job by a recruiter that I have done 2 roles prior. There was a particular app that I had not used in 3 years but was told the client wanted to see RECENT experience using it and that I should put it on my resume on my last roles experience. We didn’t use that app at that business but used something else. It doesn’t sit well with me as it is dishonest although I do know the software very well. I keep up to date with it online to make note of the changes. I just haven’t used it specifically at an actual work places. I explained that but was told either I show it as recent or I’ll be not considered for it.., I’m too honest of a person and declined. I’ve blocked this recruiter as who knows what other unethical thing they could be doing… lying is wrong as it can come back to bite you… was I in the right I think? Was I?

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AnonymousJanuary 26,2024 at 7:50PM UTC
I believe ones resume is nothing more than a marketing document to show employers what you can do. You're not writing it down on an application and swearing by it's truth. It's very competitive to get a job, but you should go with your own values.
AnonymousJanuary 27,2024 at 1:15PM UTC
FYI As a recruiter we do see your resume as a representation of you. At my company if you lie on it and its found out, no matter how long you've been with the company they will fire you. It's unethical to misrepresent yourself.
AnonymousJanuary 26,2024 at 10:46PM UTC
Just make sure that the software is in your list of skills on your resume, and if you received any certifications or CEUs related to the software in the last year or two, include those. Although job verifications don't generally check to this level of detail (software skills used during your hire), if your previous employer or any coworker at that company is on your list of references, it could come up if they call your references.
AnonymousJanuary 27,2024 at 4:42PM UTC
That was my thoughts too. I have it listed in skills and where I’ve used it most recently (at a large cloud SAAS company) and how it was applied. That apparently wasn’t enough for this agency’s hiring manager and made that demand I put it under my most recent job. I am still on very good terms with my last manager so I would hate to mess that up if they were contacted and questioned. It took me time to build that trusting relationship and although I am really needing a job, it’s not worth sacrificing that along with my integrity. I’m just flabbergasted that I’d be asked to do such a thing… it just makes everyone look bad.
AnonymousJanuary 27,2024 at 7:59PM UTC
If the hiring manager asks you to misrepresent your background, what does that say about the company? I misunderstood that it was a recruiter (depending on a commission if you were hired) asking for this. Are you trying to get in with a consulting company? I would do a hard pass if they are willing to misrepresent you to their potential clients.
AnonymousJanuary 27,2024 at 10:54PM UTC
Yes, 3rd party recruiter. I already added in specific use of software for where I worked that was honest and truthful. And you’re right and was my first thought about what it says about this company. I wish I could find out who their client was and let them know that these people do that to make sure they don’t use them again.
Kimberley Ferretti HammettJanuary 27,2024 at 4:07AM UTC
You went with your values and I think you did the right thing. I don't think we have to follow all the resume "rules" out there but I don't think it's ethical to misrepresent ourselves and our abilities. If you haven't worked in it in 3 years it shouldn't say that you have.
If you have kept up with it enough outside of the role that you feel you could easily jump back in it as if you have worked in it more recently then you could get creative and find a different way to showcase that. It could be a skills section where you specify that you've kept updated on it or maybe even under the recent role state that you kept up-to-date on industry changes such as this app. That was something you did to stay good at your job and it doesn't misrepresent that you used it for work, but showcases that you aren't out of the loop either.
Hope that helps and you get whatever role you are looking for! You have great integrity and I'm sure any employer worth working for will appreciate that!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 28,2024 at 5:22AM UTC
You were absolutely in the right. Good for you for sticking up for yourself and for doing the right thing. Also good for you for no longer working with an unethical recruiter.
Good luck in your job search.