When attempting to boost your odds of getting an interview for that job you want, it can be all too tempting to exaggerate the facts. But is it ever worth the risk of lying on your cv to get ahead?
A 2022 survey about how many employees lied on their CVs found that 32% of respondents had swindled the truth on their CVs, implying that competition for the best jobs has become too stressful and that they need to do what is necessary to stay ahead of the competition.
Hiring managers are becoming more aware that not everything stated on a CV is necessarily true, thanks to the introduction of screening checks and advanced technology. However, this does not prevent some candidates from embellishing their CVs with frequent lies.
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How can the recruitment process be enhanced?
The HR department may use various new procedures during the hiring process. Performance-based testing can help confirm that applicants have the skills they claim to have.
Companies may not have always been skilled at detecting deception. However, there are many additional resources available to help identify liars. Potential and current hires can be screened using tools such as a performance management system. Potential skill gaps can be identified, and the right person can be matched with the position within a company.
Reference checks ensure candidates are not lying about their previous employment and compensation. Companies only need to use the many tools at their disposal. Unfortunately, many of them do, too.
Ramifications of Lying on a CV
Because a cv is not an official, legal document, lying on a cv is not technically illegal. This, however, depends on the degree to which the lie is approved. For example, if an educational diploma, passport, or other legal documents are falsified, this could cause prosecution for document falsification.
Getting caught is a monumental betrayal of trust. The employer has the authority to end an employee’s employment contract if it is discovered that they lied on their cv. The employee-employer relationship is based on trust.
This trust is violated when it is discovered that the job was granted based on false information. For example, it may appear to be a white lie when someone conceals why they left a previous job or claims to have graduated from college when they are still a semester away.
However, from an employer’s perspective, this lie is considered a serious character flaw. Even if a recruiter decides not to fire an employee who lied on their cv (or cannot do so for other reasons), their future advancement in the company will be hampered.
Inability to Carry Out Job Responsibilities
If someone makes a false statement on their cv about their job duties or skills in previous positions, they will struggle to meet the expectations set in the new position. Employers have sought additional information and dug deeper into their employees’ job histories when suspicions arise because of an inability to complete job duties.
38% of the survey participants declared they lied during the recruitment process because of their skills. People might deem it necessary to lie so that they can appear competent and have the knowledge and experience in the job role that they were applying for
Conclusion – Lying on your CV
Many people will continue to take the risk of lying during the recruitment process, hoping they will secure the job they want and potentially climb up the career ladder. However, employees must be aware of the enormous risks of doing so. The better choice is tell the truth listing your work silks within your CV
Once they are caught, there is no going back. Not only will it hamper their reputation and potentially be blacklisted for other future roles, but they could also have to face legal consequences of imprisonment in some circumstances and pay hefty fines.
