Do you truthfully describe yourself in your resume? Did you really possess all those experience or education you say you do? Have you back up the statements with proof from a former employer or school/university you attended if requested? 

Are you really who you say you are in your resume? Do you honestly possess all the experience or education you say you do? Can you back up the statements with proof from a former employer or school/university you attended quickly if requested? If your job prospects decide to perform a background check what will they discover?

Hopefully they will discover a person of high integrity. If not, you are placing yourself and your career at the top of a slippery slope. It would only take one time for someone to perform a thorough check of your credentials and history to send you and your career careening down that slippery slope if you aren't honest. Let's not forget how business networks can have far reaching effects on your career be it positive or negative.

Here are five things to keep in mind as you prepare to write your resume and cover letter.

1. Clearly and precisely communicate to the writer of your resume the details of your career. Clear communication is very important to make sure details are truthfully conveyed in your resume. Don't hesitate to point out any perceived or real miscommunication to the writer. A good resume writer will make certain they clearly understand you as well.

2. List previous employment and volunteer work as such in its own section. If you gained experience as a volunteer, place it in its own section for volunteer work. It shouldn't be placed with your compensated employment history. However, it's ok to highlight what you accomplished while volunteering in your profile or summary.

3. Be sure you can substantiate any measurement of your accomplishments. You want your previous employers to be able to agree without hesitation that you have measurable accomplishments. If someone called your previous employers to verify your claims, a questionable response about your accomplishments could be perceived as dishonesty on your resume.

4. Do not use a functional format resume without good reason. Some circumstances justify the use of a functional format resume; for example, a change in career paths or gaps in employment history. The purpose of a functional format is to highlight in the forefront of your resume your ability to fulfill the needs and requirements of the position. Situations that warrant the use of a functional format can be addressed briefly and honestly toward the end of your resume and in your cover letter.

5. After the first draft has been written, carefully proofread your resume. One wrong word or phrase can change the context and mislead the reader. Proof not only the spelling and grammar, but also the definitions and meanings of every word, phrase, or term used to describe you, your education, and your career history. If you aren't certain of the definition of a word, look it up in the dictionary.
Don't risk your career with a resume that lacks integrity. Remember, you will be expected to perform as well as your resume has led your new employer to believe you can.

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