Despite the resume seeming something of an anachronism in the 21st century, it remains a staple of the recruitment process.  With it continuing to hold such power, the temptation is undoubtedly great to stretch the truth somewhat.

A recent study, published in the Academy of Management Journal, found that this temptation grows significantly the more we see our peers getting the jobs we so desire ourselves.

The research saw two distinct studies undertaken to try and measure job search envy at various points in our career.  Each participant was tracked as they searched for jobs over a two year period, during which time they undertook both internships and paid employment.

“Envy can be a destructive emotion that makes you cut corners to get the same outcomes that others have,” the authors say. “But it can also be a motivator that encourages you to make constructive efforts.”

Stretching the truth

The author suggests that better understanding of the circumstances under which we tend to stretch the truth can help both hiring managers and career advisors identify and prevent resume fraud.

“If you’re a hiring manager and applicants are coming from a very close cohort where they may feel very competitive to each other, be aware of the possibility that envy may impact what’s on their résumés,” they say. “Also, if you’re a career counselor and you know someone who is very competitive and may be experiencing envy, you can try to help them affirm their self worth to channel that envy into more constructive efforts in résumé and interview preparation.”