I write these career articles to prevent good people from making silly career mistakes. Millions are in the RIF (reduction in force – layoffs) this year, and many have not looked for a job in years. One casino company is laying off senior level executives with 20 to 35 years tenure with the company. Hopefully these tips help a few people out.

Last year I met my friend Rob Bone at Starbucks to catch up. When he arrived, Rob looked me in the eye and asked, “What is the one thing in Executive Recruiting that changed during the Pandemic?” Without hesitating, I responded, “I lost my faith in humanity.” Candidates lie about everything. Their education, experience, title and compensation. The Pandemic changed people, and not for the better. When a candidate sends me a resume, I ask a few simple qualifying questions:

Compliance – Is there ANYTHING in your background (criminal record, tax lien, DUI, bankruptcy, foreclosure) that will show up on a background check or gaming license investigation? I always start with compliance, since many background issues are deal breakers.

Compensation – Acceptable compensation? Because anybody that tells you money doesn’t matter…doesn’t have any. No reason to waste your valuable time if the job pays $200,000 and you want $300,000.

Can You Relocate? – If the job requires relocation, you must be 100% committed to moving. No, you can’t work remotely.

Do you have a non-compete? – Don’t see these on the casino side much these days, however they are rampant on the gaming supplier side.

Why are You in Transition (Unemployed)? – If you are gainfully employed, WHY do you want to change jobs?

Which Companies and Executive Recruiters Have You Submitted Your Resume to in the Last 12 Months? – I can’t represent you to any company you have submitted to, and if you spammed your resume to five Executive Recruiters, I wish you all the best.

Don’t want to answer the questions? Bye Felicia! These are easy, elementary questions that tell me if you are a strong fit for the job. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time: You, me, or my client.

During the Pandemic, there was a tsunami of bad behavior. As stated previously, candidates lied about everything! They took counter-offers and ghosted (didn’t show up) on start date. Hear are the four things a hiring company will confirm during the background check. If you get caught lying about any of these, the job offer will be rescinded.

• Title – The title on your resume must match what comes back from your former employer during the background check. EXACTLY. If your resume says Executive Director and your actual title was Director, your new title will be, “Unemployed.”
• Tenure – The dates on your resume must exactly match what comes back from your former employer. Start date. Termination date.
• Compensation – The salary you provide on the employment application must match what comes back from your former employer. This is a big one. Don’t lie about your base salary in an effort get a better offer. Once had a candidate tell me he was making $200,000. Background check said $160,000. When confronted he said, “Oh, I thought you meant W2, not base salary.” You…are…fired! Being dishonest goes to character.
• Compliance – Disclose, disclose, disclose! If you have a five year old DUI, most likely it won’t be an issue…provided you disclose it on the background check. Once had a VP, Human Resources candidate with a minor 20 year old issue. Unfortunately, he did not disclose, and the hiring company rescinded the job offer.

Two Bonus Items – Many companies will validate your college degree. You would be shocked how many people lie about having a college degree. Don’t care if you “attended college.” You have a four year college degree or you don’t. Unless you received a four year degree from the university, don’t list it on your resume. Last item: Companies may also ask your employer about the dreaded “rehire flag.” Most companies have a box labeled, “Eligible for Rehire?” If the answer is NO, that is pretty sure sign your story did not end well, so be honest about why you left. Honesty is the best policy.