Is your resume making you sound desperate?

"Creating a standout résumé or cover letter is your first (and sometimes only) chance to make a strong impression with prospective employers-to really sell yourself. But there's a caveat, HR experts say: don't sound desperate. While we're taught to tailor résumés for the job and really showcase accomplishments, experts argue there's such a thing as going overboard. Employers could find it off-putting. Or worse, they could think you're overrepresenting your credentials."

"Unfortunately, HR decision-makers can see through the fake hype, even if you have the most honest of intentions. "When a résumé feels too polished or too perfect, it can raise red flags for recruiters, leading them to question authenticity rather than recognize potential," says Jill Chapman, who leads the strategy and execution of companywide talent initiatives at HR services company Insperity. "The best résumés balance impact with honesty.""

Job applicants should balance showcasing measurable accomplishments with honesty to avoid appearing desperate or misrepresenting credentials. About one in three professionals admit to lying on résumés or cover letters to seem like a perfect fit, increasing the risk of detection by HR. Overly polished or perfect résumés often trigger recruiter suspicion and can undermine perceived authenticity and potential. Effective applications use confident, credible language that demonstrates self-awareness, clarity, and purpose rather than excessive self-promotion. Highlight contributions without claiming sole credit and present quantifiable impact with honest context. A winning application prioritizes honesty, authenticity, and clear evidence of results.

Read at Fast Company