Lying on LinkedIn about Other People's Skills

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Is it appropriate?

People do that so often that no one expects LinkedIn information to be accurate.

My husband and one of his co-workers stumbled upon some of their other co-workers' LinkedIn profiles and they were laughably inaccurate. The people had put down things that my HUSBAND did, that he knew for a fact they didn't know how to do.

They would never in their wildest dreams put down my husband for a reference, so I guess they figured they could get away with it. But generally no, those things are exaggerated.

But if you have a bored or sharp HR person or hiring manager, they will compare the LinkedIn to the resume and ask why skills disappeared or appeared, and ask specifics about the skills to make sure you really have them. They could also have an extra person in the interview to ask you skill-based questions. It's best to stick close to the truth.

It is not appropriate. That is why people (should) take proper references. Not being able to perform a specific task you say you can - that will show itself quickly.

If you lie, you will be found out.

lying is never appropriate, LinkedIn is no exception.

Now, there is a difference between "beautifying" your profile and lying about your skills (or those of others), but the line is thin and blurry, best not to go there