Sales professionals lie on their resume. The truth is that most people do. This creates a particular challenge for sales recruiters and companies looking to hire.

How do you know if a candidate is legitimate? How do you know what they are saying on their sales resume is true? Are they worth one of your limited job interview spots? These are all questions that sales recruiters consider on a regular basis.

Here are some the most common lies people tell on their sales resume:

1. Sales performance

There is no question you want to hire a top performer. Sales job candidates know this. They also know you want people who meet their quota, and you are looking for candidates with great sales numbers. So, candidates inflate those numbers to look more impressive.

2. Job title

Many sales candidates misrepresent job titles and duties that may not have been part of their previous role. They do this to look more qualified for a position.

3. Specific sales skills

Most sales companies are seeking candidates with a specific skill set. Some of these skills may be specialized or require experience with certain sales programs or systems. Many candidates simply include the skills outlined in job ads to ensure they get considered for an interview.

4. Employment dates

This is common among most job candidates. They will adjust employment dates and history to ensure there are no gaps.

How Do You Catch Sales Resume Liars?

There are two main ways to catch people who lie on their sales resume:

1. Take background checks seriously: Too many companies skip calling references and place little emphasis on background checks as part of the hiring process. Don’t overlook it, or you could hire a sales professional based on false pretences.
2. Ask good interview questions: If you suspect someone may be lying about something stated in their resume, make sure to follow up on it during the interview. Ask them questions related to the issue in question to get a further explanation and ensure things check out.

Lying about any of the above on your resume puts you at risk of being exposed. You are better off being honest and have a company call you for a job interview because you are actually qualified for the role. It will work out better for you and for the hiring company.

Sales Resume Tips and Advice From Sales Recruiters:

The 3 Best Ways to Make Your Sales Accomplishments Stand Out on Your Resume

4 Resume Optimization Tips to Get Noticed by Sales Headhunters

5 Common Issues Found in Sales Cover Letters

SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.