Expert in Mia Khalifa, vodka shots: Man lands 29 interviews by crafting unique CV | WATCH

A former Google employee has gone viral for crafting an unconventional experiment that sheds light on how far having a prestigious company on your resume can come to the aid of a job applicant, even when sprinkled with absurd claims. Jerry Lee, a New York-based professional, decided to test how thoroughly recruiters review resumes, conducting a social experiment with his own CV to see if his past employment at Google would overshadow red flags.

In his mostly standard resume, Lee inserted outrageous achievements, including being an "expert in Mia Khalifa" and boasting about breaking a fraternity record for "most vodka shots in one night." He then submitted the resume to various recruiters to observe their responses.

The outcome

Lee, who had worked at Google for three years as a Strategy and Operations Manager, was shocked by the results. Over a span of six weeks, despite the inclusion of outlandish and inappropriate ‘achievements,’ he received 29 interview invitations from recruiters. Among the companies interested in interviewing him were well-known firms such as MongoDB and Robinhood, according to a video Lee shared on Instagram documenting the experiment.

Key insights from the experiment

In his Instagram post, Lee shared three critical takeaways from the experience. As the founder of Wonsulting, a career consulting company, Lee emphasized the value of a clear and concise resume. "Focus on strong bullet points, clear job titles, and the impact you've made," he advised job seekers. He also noted that while details like font size and periods are important, it’s the major elements that stand out.

Another key lesson was the importance of highlighting tangible achievements. While having a recognizable company name on your CV can catch attention, Lee stressed that applicants shouldn't be discouraged if they lack a big-name employer. "Ensure your accomplishments are quantifiable and demonstrate the value you bring," he wrote.

Lastly, he urged job applicants to use simple and structured CV templates that make it easy for recruiters to quickly locate essential information, which he revealed is something hiring managers appreciate.