Considering the difficult economic climate at the moment, and competition for jobs, it will not be a surprise to see that many people attempt to lie on their CV (or resume) to net their dream job.
It would be fair to say that this practice has been in place for a number of years and while it might be tempting, we’ll now have a look at reasons why it’s probably not the most advisable course of action.
How to Lie to Boost Your C.V.?
Firstly, it’s worth investigating just how some people lie on their C.V.
Undoubtedly, the biggest lie comes from an educational viewpoint, with applicants pencilling in a degree that either doesn’t exist, or exists in the form of a much lower grade. This is turning out to be especially true for graduates, who generally always need to possess a 2:1 grade in order to even be considered for some careers.
On a similar note, a lot of people are starting to lie about their previous work experience. It’s no secret that many employers are looking for experience in a lot of positions and this means that some people are being rather creative in relation to their past.
Why is isn’t Advisable to Lie on Your C.V.
Even though it is very tempting to pad out your C.V. with several inaccurate facts, you should avoid this approach at any opportunity and merely state what is true.
Due to the competitive employment market, employers are turning more and more stringent in their checks and this means that many could check every detail on your C.V. to make sure that it is accurate. This is particularly common for highly-paid jobs, where companies are desperate to land the best candidate.
Of course, the main reason why you should tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth on your documents is just in case you are successful with your application. Even if you have secured a long-term contract with your employer, they may still have the right to terminate your employment should they find out that you lied during the application process.
This fear alone should be enough to deter you from telling any lies, as the last thing you want is to be constantly looking over your shoulder in your new occupation.
High-profile Cases
As with anything, there are many high-profile cases that suggest that lying on your C.V. is one of the worst things you can do.
Perhaps one the biggest in recent history surrounds the chief executive of Yahoo, Scott Thomson. It came to light that this individual exaggerated his degree and even though he had been employed in his new, $1m per year job for just four months, the company wasted no time in showing him his marching orders. Therefore, if there ever was a case of C.V. lies catching up with absolutely anyone, this is undoubtedly it.
However, it’s not only celebrities that have been dealt a hard hand in this regard, and even the most reputable professionals can suffer. Take Dr David Clark for example, a man who claimed he was the author of some several significant journals. Unfortunately for this individual, he didn’t just lose his job, but also the right to practice for one year.
So, Should You Risk Lying on Your C.V.?
In summary, it’s clear to see that lying on your C.V. is simply not the right way to go. In most cases, your employer will find out your indiscretions and this could even hamper your future career prospects. Bearing this in mind, tell the truth on your C.V., and avoid all the worrying that is associated with going down the immoral path.
If you are applying for jobs, check out our top tips for writing the perfect C.V..