"Resume: a written exaggeration of only the good things a person has done in the past, as well as a wish list of the qualities a person would like to have"

A resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of a candidate. Bo Bennett’s observation humorously highlights the tendency for resumes to showcase only the most favorable aspects of a person’s professional life. Individuals, striving to present themselves in the best possible light, selectively highlight their strengths and accomplishments. They may embellish responsibilities, polish achievements, and occasionally present tasks as more significant or impactful than they might have been in reality. Frequent use of confident, action-oriented language, words like “spearheaded,” “orchestrated,” or “achieved”, suggests initiative and results even if the reality was more collaborative or routine.

Beyond this, the resume often reflects aspirations rather than strict fact. People include qualities or experiences they aspire to embody, anticipating what employers want to see. Skills are sometimes listed based on light experience or familiarity, rather than real mastery. For example, someone who has briefly used a software program once in a group project might list it among their skills, suggesting they are proficient. Likewise, phrases such as “excellent communicator” or “strong leader” may be included based more on personal desire or minor example, rather than a consistent history of successfully demonstrating these traits.

This dynamic arises from the competitive job market and the high stakes associated with securing employment. Candidates are under pressure to stand out among dozens or hundreds of applicants. Thus, the resume becomes a sales document, a curated narrative designed to attract attention, spark interest, and open doors to opportunities. The result is a blend of fact, optimism, and strategic omission. While not outright dishonesty, the process walks a fine line between showcasing capability and exaggerating. This approach also exposes the limitations of resumes: they rarely offer a full, balanced picture and are best supplemented by interviews, references, and real-world demonstrations of skill.