Is it okay to lie on your CV?

Some people will do anything to get the job that they really want. Even to the point where they will fabricate experience or skills that they do not possess. But it is it worth the risk to lie on your CV in order to make yourself sound more qualified?

How are people lying on their CV?

There is a difference between exaggerating the truth and telling an outright lie - you may perhaps want to make your tasks from previous employment sound more impressive, and one of the most common things that people lie about on their CV is how much of an impact they had on that company, for example, increasing numbers and percentages, e.g. my success on the sales team increased revenue by 25%, when actually it was 19%. Another common lie is that people will either exaggerate or just fabricate education that they do not have, from changing grades to saying they got a degree at a university they never went to. Whatever the scenario, it is estimated that 40% of people lie on their CVs, but then 75% of employers have caught a lie on someone's CV.

What are the downsides to lying on your CV?

Now this may not seem like a big deal, everyone exaggerates, right? Well, when you're asked to provide evidence of your claims, you will face the consequences of what you may think was not a big deal, but all of a sudden, people will see you as untrustworthy - what else might this person have lied about? The consequences could vary between simply not getting that job, being fired from the job later down the line, ruining your reputation, and even facing potential legal action depending on the severity of the lies on your CV. Whilst it's probably unlikely that you will end up in court over a couple of exaggerated figures, the risk is there and it's simply not worth taking it.

How can you improve your CV without lying?

Usually, you will be given a job description for the job you're applying for - it is always a good idea to make alterations to your CV that show off the skills (that you actually have), such as teamwork skills being shown through group work you did at university. Also, you can put a lot of emphasis onto your hobbies, it is a well known fact that culture plays a huge part in the recruitment process for most companies, so try and do some research and show off how your hobbies and interests would make you a great fit for the company!

In conclusion, we strongly suggest that you should avoid lying on your CV - you're likely to get caught out, so instead, focus your energy on showing off your best side. If you need help with this, we can help at RevolvedCV! Book your free consultation today here.

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