70% Lie On Their CVs and 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be One Of Them
As a professional CV writer, I’ve seen thousands of CVs and can spot a great CV a mile away. Employers can do the same, too. Guess what? There’s no hiding in a transparent world either, and thankfully, with technology, employers can tell who’s worth speaking to and who isn’t.
Lying Sucks
Lying 🤥 isn’t attractive anytime, but a staggering 70% (from a survey by Job Application Behaviour consisting of 1914 participants) have lied on their CVs or Resumes, as they’re called in the USA. The figure is around 32% in the UK. That’s a lot of people not telling the whole truth.
Red Flags
These are the five red flags that I look out for when I’m rewriting a client’s CV or if I’m interviewing candidates on behalf of my clients:
- Unexplained Gaps on the CV — While there can be legitimate reasons for employment gaps, such as education, travel, or personal matters, unexplained or frequent gaps can be a concern. They might indicate a pattern of job-hopping, difficulty in maintaining employment, or other personal/professional issues. Rest assured, you will be asked about these gaps.
- Inconsistencies in Information: Discrepancies between the CV and other sources like LinkedIn profiles, references, or cover letters can be a red flag. Inconsistencies in job titles, employment dates, or qualifications may suggest that the candidate is not truthful or careless with details.
- Overuse of Buzzwords or Vague Descriptions: CVs filled with industry jargon or buzzwords but lacking specific examples of achievements or responsibilities can be a sign that the candidate is trying to mask a lack of experience or skills. I look for CVs that provide evident, quantifiable accomplishments.
- Poor Formatting and Errors: A poorly formatted CV with spelling or grammatical errors or is overly long can indicate a lack of attention to detail. It may also suggest poor communication skills, which are critical in almost every job.
- Frequent Job Changes Without Progression: A history of frequent job changes, especially without any clear career progression, can be a warning sign. It may indicate a lack of commitment, inability to grow in a role, or dissatisfaction with past positions. It’s important to tell your story well. Otherwise, you’ll be asked about the reasons behind these changes during the interview.
Imagine the following:
Ben had a couple of gaps in his CV because he’d been unwell. Instead of stating it on the CV or in his application form, he chose to omit this vital information. He thought he could fudge’ the truth by saying he’d worked at a mid-sized company in London. He deliberately chose an unknown company because he wanted to ‘play it safe’. He thought nothing of it until he went for an interview.
The interview started well, but as soon as the interviewer asked about the company Ben had said he supposedly worked at, it all started going downhill.
It turned out the interviewer knew the company Director as they’d both attended the same university. The interviewer didn’t let on that he’d been in touch with his contact.
Instead, he taught Ben a lesson about the virtues of honesty and integrity. He told him explicitly that it would ruin future career opportunities and said he shouldn’t be ashamed of having time out.
Ben couldn’t have been more embarrassed and vowed he would never tell a lie ever again. The interview was terminated immediately, and Ben learnt an invaluable lesson.
10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Lie On Your CV — my list
❎It’s unprofessional
❎It’s unethical
❎Trust is broken
❎It says a lot about you
❎You can’t walk the talk when it matters
❎You’ll ruin your chances of getting the job
❎You’ll get caught out in the interview
❎There’s nowhere to hide in a transparent world, especially with AI.
❎You could be legally liable
❎Employers are much smarter than you think
Let me expand on the last three points
- Exposing the Lies with Technology: In today’s digital age, hiding the truth is increasingly difficult. Advanced technologies, especially AI, are often used by employers to verify the authenticity of information on resumes. Any fabrication can be easily detected, making the lie unethical and impractical.
- Legal Repercussions: Lying on your CV is not just a matter of professional ethics; it can have legal consequences, too. Under laws like the Fraud Act 2006 in the UK, misrepresentation on your CV could be classified as ‘Fraud by Representation’. This means you could face serious legal challenges, fines, or even imprisonment for what you thought was a harmless embellishment.
- Underestimating Employers: Never underestimate the acumen of your potential employers. They have likely seen thousands of CVs and are experts at spotting inconsistencies and falsehoods. By lying, you risk immediate rejection and tarnish your reputation in the industry. Remember, the professional world is smaller than you think; word gets around.
Parting Comments
Lying on your CV might seem like a shortcut to landing your dream job, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. Not only does it put your professional reputation at stake, but it also speaks volumes about your values.
The world of work thrives on trust, professionalism, and authenticity. By presenting an honest and accurate representation of your skills and experiences, you align yourself with these values, setting the stage for a career built on integrity and respect.
Remember, your CV is more than just a document; it reflects who you are.
Make sure it tells your true story.
Thank you for your attention.
Follow me for more valuable tips.
Pervin
linktr.ee/AimHighLtd
