We have all heard it, “be authentic” it will go a long way to allowing you to achieve success. Be yourself and don’t try to be somebody you are not. Honesty is the best policy. Be courageous-be authentic-do the right thing.
How can you not agree w/those strategies – those recommendations – will help you achieve what you want in your career and w/relationships in business.
And yet… why is it that so many who consider themselves authentic – straight shooters – tell it like it is – no nonsense business leaders will do just some of the following:
- Will not put dates that they attended college on their resume because “if I did that-they will know how old I am” and then will not consider me?
- Will list a degree on their resume when they did not truly graduate or even attended. Their justification is “I need to have a degree or a master’s degree to get the job I want and most companies just don’t check anymore.
- Fill out an online application and list a salary of $6-$10k more than what they were truly making. The reasoning behind doing it sounds something like this, “I know this company will pay up to X so if I tell them the truth-I won’t be considered or I will be offered a salary slightly above what I am currently making.
Authentic-Be yourself-Be honest-c’mon are you kidding me?
Age isn’t the issue that a lot of people think it is. While I get the concern that a lot of people think age is a factor in hiring-I can honestly say that it isn’t the concern that older candidates think it is. Compensation is generally the driving factor plus the belief that some candidates might not want to get their hands dirty. But age isn’t a primary concern. Within last few months-I have seen leaders and professionals hired in their late 60’s and even early 70’s!
Politically, the 2 leading candidates for The President of the United States are both in their 70’s.
Be authentic and put your dates out there. Be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished.
Education
Do not fudge dates attended, degrees or more. You are what you are. If you don’t have a degree or an advanced degree-don’t worry about it. A couple of guys-maybe you have heard of them-Steve Jobs and Bill Gates-seemed to do OK without a degree. You can too! Be real-be authentic!
Compensation
Don’t lie! Can’t tell you how many times I have seen companies ask for proof of earnings and if you fibbed-offers are pulled! If you think you are worth more-Stand behind your request for more money by backing up why you believe you should be making more than what you currently are. Reasonable business people can work it out…but be transparent -be honest-sleep better at night that your lies won’t catch up to you.
Being authentic is the way to success but make sure your own audit of your actions allow you to claim on your resume that you are authentic and teammates and customers appreciate that about you!
