Is your resume boring? Techie includes Mia Khalifa, vodka shots in CV. Claims got calls from 29 top companies

In a bold and unconventional experiment, a former Google employee decided to test how far a prestigious job title could take him during a job search. Jerry Lee, based in New York, spiced up his resume with some bizarre and even eyebrow-raising claims, including listing "expert in Mia Khalifa" and boasting about a fraternity record for "most vodka shots in one night." The results of his experiment have stunned the internet.

A Social Experiment with a Twist

Jerry Lee, who previously worked as a Strategy and Operations Manager at Google for three years, wanted to challenge how closely recruiters scrutinize resumes. By blending absurd qualifications into an otherwise typical CV, he aimed to see if his Google credentials alone would be enough to get him noticed by top companies. His resume, which appeared straightforward on the surface, featured hidden, outlandish claims, including expertise in the controversial figure, former adult film star Mia Khalifa.

Lee then sent out his resume to various recruiters, awaiting their responses. To his surprise, the bizarre additions didn’t raise many red flags, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

The Surprising Outcome

Over the course of six weeks, Lee received 29 interview requests from well-known companies, including industry giants like MongoDB and Robinhood. Despite the outrageous claims, recruiters still reached out to him for interviews, highlighting the power of having a notable brand like Google on a resume.

Lee documented the entire experiment in an Instagram video, sharing his results and insights with his followers. His post quickly gained attention, sparking discussions about how much attention recruiters actually pay to the details in a resume.

Lessons Learned From The Experiment

In his Instagram post, Lee shared three key takeaways from his unconventional experiment. First, he emphasized the importance of a clean and concise resume, advising job-seekers to focus on presenting strong bullet points, clear job titles, and measurable achievements. "It's the big stuff that gets you noticed," he said, adding that while periods and font sizes may matter, they are minor compared to the overall impact of the content.

Second, he highlighted the significance of showcasing quantifiable accomplishments. "Big names catch eyes, but don’t worry if you haven’t worked at a major company—what really matters is that your achievements stand out," Lee advised. He encouraged job-seekers to focus on the skills they bring to the table, regardless of where they gained them.

Finally, Lee stressed the importance of keeping resumes simple and structured. "Recruiters love a clear, well-organized format because they can find the information they need at a glance," he explained.

A Lesson In Resume-Building

While the idea of adding such bizarre details to a resume may seem risky or even foolish to some, Lee's experiment serves as a reminder that standing out in the competitive job market often comes down to more than just flashy titles. His experience suggests that, at times, having a well-known company on your resume can overshadow other details—even those that seem like red flags.

Ultimately, Lee’s experiment may not encourage job-seekers to follow his exact steps, but it does offer valuable insights into how recruiters prioritize experience and skills over superficial details. The next time you’re revamping your resume, it might be worth considering how to make your achievements stand out—without the vodka shots or Mia Khalifa mentions.