Why it is never ok to lie on your C.V.

Why it is never ok to lie on your C.V.

It's not a surprise to see that many people attempt to lie on their CV 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 would you lie on 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 a vacancy Sliding Sash Windows Surrey.

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 you should never 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.

The 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 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.

A conclusion on 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.




Drs. Christiaan Janssens MBA
Executive Coach CJ Coaching
CRO Akwa Wellness

8 Useful Tips to Improve your CV

8 Useful Tips to Improve your CV 

A CV serves as an advertisement to market yourself in the job market. So, it needs to be developed in a very careful and professional way. A small mistake in this regard can get you in a lot of trouble. Here are some useful tips that can be used to make your CV an ideal one:

Consider a Broader Perspective

You should always remember that a potential employer who takes your CV at face value would merely be a fool. Make sure to keep your digital presence accurate, up to date and consistent with your CV. If you have a blog or website that you are actually proud of, mention it on the CV. If you have uploaded anything on a social media website that you would never want your potential employer to see, check and double check. Keep your privacy settings updated in order to avoid such risks. Google yourself and check what comes up.

Keep it Precise

Most of the potential employers only spend a few moments glancing over your CV, so it is better not to include too many things in it. It is ideal make it as precise as possible; one page is considered to be ideal in this regard.

Get All the Basics Right

Always list your experience in reverse order. Provide explanation for any gaps. Put all the dates in the same format. At a higher career level, you may not need to include all the beginning stuff like GCSE etc. Keep all the contact details accurate – employers often ask for references if they require them. Check your grammar and spellings and if you are not good at that, ask someone else to do it for you.

Prioritize the Achievements over Responsibilities

Don’t list a role unless it is likely to be very unfamiliar, there is no point in including something that relates to a job description in your CV. Instead, mention the things that you have achieved in terms of work quality, profitability and professional relationship. Mention your personal contribution instead of listing what the organization or team delivered.

Write a Personal Profile

Although, it is quite difficult to write a personal profile, but is also very effective at the same time. In order to make it work for you, avoid the clichés like “a team player who can work independently.” Also avoid the use of third person because it often sounds forced. If it is too uncomfortable for you, then just let your qualification and experience speak for themselves.

Try to Make Your Interests Interesting

If they don’t sound interesting, it’s better not to mention them. They would be interesting if they say something really important about your personality, are relevant to your potential employer, or are particularly memorable. Most people like going to cinema, eating out and travelling – not many people make their own clothes or play violin or trumpet.

 Think About its Appearance

Take some time to find the right typeface for your CV. Structure all the headings and sub headings in a well organized way. If you like any CV design, borrow it, or get a qualified designer to have a look at it – it’s a great investment. When you are done with all that save it as PDF in order to make sure that no one can change it in any way.

Seek Feedback

You should go through your CV with a critical eye (as a potential employer would), then ask some else to do the same for you.

Good Luck with your job hunting!


Drs. Christiaan Janssens MBA
Executive Coach CJ Coaching
CRO Akwa Wellness