Bruce’s Careers

CV lies are apparently quite widespread. Some surveys suggest that as many as two thirds of all CVs and resumes contain CV lies because getting a new job can be highly stressful and some people feel the need to enhance their achievements and so present themselves in the most favourable, albeit dishonest, light.

In my experience as a Career Coach and Recruiter, I have seen people pushed into the deception of CV lies and fake Resumes in the mistaken belief that because everyone else seems to be doing it, it is OK.

It is not OK. You may get away with CV lies temporarily, but in a short while it becomes more than just CV lies, you end up living a lie and will probably get found out anyway. You may think it is worthwhile, as one inexperienced draughtsman told me, because you gain some extra experience before you are found out. Repeat often enough and you suddenly become qualified. I don’t think so!!

Every job-seeker must face the challenge of presenting their CV with qualifications and past experience as positively as possible. But where do harmless exaggerations end and CV lies begin? It is a difficult question to answer and the best answer is to be honest at all times. If you consult a professional CV writer or career coach, you will find that their skilled use of relevant vocabulary to describe your real attributes, is far better than telling CV lies. And it’s something you CAN live with.

Before you prepare your CV you should undertake a full skills audit by considering every aspect of your job; what you actually do to complete your tasks and how you manage yourself and maybe others while you do your job.

By analysing your skills fully you equip yourself and avoid any need to tell CV lies; remember if you have done it - “it ain’t bragging”.  All the better still if you can use well chosen words to clearly describe the actions and results of your involvement.

So the best advice is not to lie to future employers with the potential embarrassment of being found out. At worst, it can cost you the job. Under the terms of your contract of employment, prospective employees are required to tell the truth. Many application forms require you to sign as a testament of having told the truth.

When you submit your CV, and a job offer is made on the basis of information contained in it, which the employer believes to be correct, then the employer is legally entitled to withdraw the job offer if they discover subsequently that your CV contains false information. CV lies are just not worth it.

Peter Fisher is an expert Author and Publisher of Your CV Coach  Check here to see how you can avoid CV Lies and Fake Resumes