So, you’ve just spotted an ad for your dream job, something you’d love to do and know you could handle competently. The only problem is, you don’t meet all the criteria exactly and you’re a little under qualified for the position.
A few minor tweaks to your CV would certainly help and wouldn’t do any harm, right? Wrong! Network Recruitment MD, Niteske Marshall says providing fictitious, exaggerated or otherwise misleading information on a CV is not only dishonest but, if found out, could result in that offer you so desperately want being retracted or once in the position, your immediate dismissal.
“Lying on your CV isn’t a criminal offence, but receiving money under the false pretences created by the deceptive CV amounts to CV fraud. People need to be aware that the end result of a misleading CV could well be legal action or even imprisonment,” says Marshall.
The most common CV elements that job-hunters change include stretching the dates of previous employment; inflating past accomplishments and skills; enhancing job titles and responsibilities; providing false information related to education and degrees; faking credentials; fabricating reasons for leaving a previous job; and providing fraudulent references.
No matter how tempting it is to want to fine-tune your CV for an advertised post, don’t. Potential employers will check and verify your credentials, qualifications and references.
"If there’s an issue you’re concerned about, take control of the situation honestly and be upfront about it. It’s unlikely the employer will automatically dismiss you as a candidate because of it. In fact, being upfront could just demonstrate your ability to manage potentially difficult or uncomfortable situations,” Marshall adds.
Lying on your CV poses immediate risks to getting that job you want but also, to your reputation and long-term employability. Rather be honest when applying for a job, even those you’re not 100% qualified for, because the alternative is simply not worth it.
