Over the years I've warned readers about the consequences of lying on their resumes. Those who lie on their resumes usually do so to make it seems as if they have experience or education they don't really have. Even though lying on your resume is a terrible idea, it isn't too hard to see why someone may be tempted to do it. I had never thought about the reverse of lying to make oneself look more experienced or educated in order to get a better job. Then a reader sent me the following question:

"I was reading about lying on a resume and all the articles talked about adding to the resume. I want to remove experience and maybe education from mine! I've been looking for a job for quite a while and in the last few interviews the person that was going to be my boss came from the same school and had less experience and education than I do and I believe that's what caused me to not get the jobs. It appears that where I'm looking they need either new graduates with no experience or experts with over 10-15 years experience; I don't fit into either of those groups. So should I make up a less experienced and less educated resume and then after I land a job start moving up from the inside?"

I can see why this reader is thinking about omitting information from his resume, but I don't think it's any better an idea than padding your resume with false information. It is still dishonest, and if the employer finds out, he or she will still resent being lied to. I think it is a better idea to use your cover letter to explain why you are applying for the job and how your qualifications make you the best candidate for it.

I watched the premiere episode of Sesame Street in 1969 when I was just 3 ½ years old. That's why I found this week's celebration of the show's 40th birthday particularly special. My earliest memories are of sitting in front of the television learning my ABCs, 123s and so much more. This was, in effect, my pre-school education. Like most of my contemporaries, I didn't go to daycare, nursery or pre-school. There was no Head Start back then. In addition to my parents, Sesame Street taught me how to interact with the world around me. The lessons I learned from Susan, Gordon, Mr. Hooper, Maria, Bob, Big Bird, Ernie and Bert, Cookie and even Oscar the Grouch were invaluable and stay with me to this day. Here are some that can help you with your career:

• Respect Everyone
• Always Be Willing to Learn New Skills
• Nobody Likes a Bully
• Lying Is Bad
• We Can All Get Along
• Don't Spread Germs
• Good Manners Are Important

For reasons I won't share here, I have engaged in a personal boycott of Walmart for the last several years. My feelings toward the company turned a bit more positive last year when I learned store employees received holiday bonuses. Today, though, my negative feelings toward Walmart have returned. A story on Friday's Good Morning America revealed that Walmart makes it difficult for it's workers to call in sick when either they or their children are ill (Walmart Defends Sick Leave Policy Despite H1N1 Fears).

Walmart's sick leave policy was the subject of a report issued by the National Labor Committee. The report says that Walmart penalizes store employees who call in sick by giving them demerits and making them pay for their first day out sick with either a personal or vacation day. They are also given a third option of not getting paid. For someone who might barely be scraping by, that is hardly a real option. In response to the story, Walmart sent a memo to human resource managers that states no one will be fired for getting H1N1 (swine flu). I don't think that offers enough reassurance to employees.

Are you dissatisfied with your career? Maybe it's time for a career change. But how do you know for sure whether you need a career change or if a new job will do the trick. A career change takes time, energy, and money since there is a good chance you will need training in order to pursue your new occupation. Before you begin this endeavor take the Career Change Quiz. Find out if it's time for you to change your career.

More Career Change Advice:
How to Make a Successful Career Change