Honesty Can’t be Faked
By: Janice Arenofsky
Tags: Integrity, Payments, Honesty, Trust, Beyourself

As a freelance writer, I sometimes get assignments to write or edit someone’s resume. Last month I was commissioned to write two resumes for two women who coincidentally were named Traci.

I charge a per hour rate and rarely does the fee exceed $150. Most people have at least a rudimentary resume to start with. I use this as a launching pad and add onto it their most current skills and accomplishments.

I did the first “Traci” resume hurriedly but competently. She was in a rush to apply to a specifically advertised position. So I gave her resume priority. After I sent out a rough draft, I expected to hear from her quickly because she was in a hurry. She even asked me to draw up a cover letter to accompany her application.

Almost a week passed before I heard from her again and this was after I sent her a reminder. Finally she sent me an email telling me her circumstances had changed and she didn’t have need for this resume any more. Of course she’d send payment for what I had already done. I said fine, I would keep her resume on file in case she ever needed it.

I waited and waited and never received payment, which was minimal since I tend to bill too low anyway.

Meanwhile the other “Traci” and I constructed an updated resume from the one she originally submitted to me. I also wrote a cover letter. She was happy with what the rough draft I sent her to look over and when I mailed her the bill, she paid it quickly and thanked me.

Two Tracis and two different takes on honesty. The second woman’s attitude was what I assumed would take precedence: I did services; I was remunerated for them. The other Traci did not follow through with her promise to pay, and at this point and without any explanation from her, I doubt her honesty and would be shocked if she ever pays me.

My husband asked me if I would follow up on the negligent Traci’s resume nonpayment. I replied no, it wasn’t worth it to me.

I do tend to devalue myself, but in this case I get the feeling that she is not only being dishonest with me, but also being dishonest with herself.

How bad did she really need the $50 I billed her? It’s true that the pandemic has constricted budgets everywhere, but why did she commission a new resume if she was that tight for funds?She probably could have gotten by with something copied from the Internet.

I don’t know the answer to these questions, and I probably will never know. The bigger question is how honest has she been with herself and me?

Judging by her email and phone call, I assumed that she was a trustworthy individual. After all she had held responsible health-related positions. Of course her resume could have been all or partially falsified.

I don’t feel it’s my job to verify a person’s resume since that person has the final say in how it looks and the information it contains. If the resume is false, I have not been the liar but merely the instrument for Traci’s lies.

Honesty to me is the greater part of integrity. I feel that I am honest with other people up to the point where my honesty might cause them pain and serve no useful purpose. For instance, if someone asked me if I thought their job listings showed a certain knowledge or skill set, I might have to qualify my answer in some way to satisfy my client yet satisfy my need for honesty.

When I find that someone is not honest with me, I feel bad, not so much for myself, but for that person’s ability to take advantage of people. I figure if Traci didn’t pay my modest bill, I wonder who else she failed to pay. The dentist? The tradesman who repaired her roof? People like Traci often get away with their misdeeds because small businesses such as mine do not enjoy spending their day in court with a small collections case. I might win the case and still not get paid.

So I could conceivably be in a vicious circle.

Instead of wasting my time with Traci’s debt, I move on. Most people pay their bills. They have at least that much integrity. But the “Traci” folks lack integrity altogether, and I pity them for that and wonder where that character flaw will eventually take them in the job or career they aspire to.

Like what you’re reading? You’ll love Buibui — Have you tried reading from there lately? Click here to learn more