What Happens if I Lied on my CV?

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In a 2023 survey by ResumeLab, as cited by Forbes, 70% of workers confess they have lied on their resumes. Many times, job seekers lie on their CVs/resumes to stand out in a competitive job market, to appear more qualified than they are, or to conceal gaps or inconsistencies in their work history. Before you join the bandwagon to do this, ask yourself this important question, what if I lied on my CV?

In this article, we will discuss the types of lies people put in their CVs, the consequences of lying on a CV, and preventive measures to avoid lying on your CV.

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Table of Contents

Types of Lies on a CV

There are different types of lies job seekers add in their CVs, here are 5 of them.

1. Exaggerated Skills or Experience: Overstated proficiency in specific skills or inflated experience levels. Example: Claiming ‘expert’ proficiency in Python after only completing a beginner online course.

2. Fabricated Job Titles or Responsibilities: Invented job titles or responsibilities to create a more impressive work history. Example: Listing ‘Senior Project Manager’ when the actual role was ‘Project Coordinator.

3. False Educational Qualifications or Degrees: Claiming degrees or certifications that were never obtained. Example: Stating a Master’s degree in Business Administration when only a Bachelor’s degree was earned.

4. Inflated Dates of Employment: Altering employment dates to conceal gaps or create a longer tenure. Example: Extending a six-month contract to two years to appear more experienced.

5. Lies About Reasons for Leaving Previous Jobs: Misrepresenting the reasons for departure from previous employers. Example: Stating ‘company restructuring’ as the reason for leaving when the actual cause was termination for poor performance.

what-applicants-lie-about-on-resumes — **source**

Consequences of Lying on a CV

We will see the consequences of lying on a CV; During the hiring process and after the hiring process.

During the Hiring Process: What Happens if I Lied on my CV?

Lying on your CV can lead to swift and significant consequences during the hiring process. Firstly, inconsistencies or fabrications are often uncovered during routine background checks, where employers verify the information you’ve provided. Secondly, reference checks, where former employers or colleagues are contacted, can expose discrepancies in your claimed experience or performance.

Thirdly, skills assessments or interviews can reveal a lack of genuine expertise when your claimed abilities don’t align with your actual performance. Ultimately, any of these discoveries can result in immediate disqualification from the job, regardless of how far along you are in the hiring process.

What Happens if I Lied on my CV? — After Hiring

Perhaps you were lucky to scale through the initial hiring process without being caught, even though you lied on your CV. But then again, if you are caught after the hiring process, here’s what can happen to you.

First off, if they catch on, you’re likely looking at termination. And depending on the lie, there could even be legal implications, like breach of contract or fraud. Naturally, your professional reputation takes a serious hit, and trust from colleagues and employers is gone.

In the long run, you’ll likely struggle to find new opportunities, and your professional network can shrink considerably. Plus, there’s the emotional toll – guilt, anxiety, the works. And if your dishonesty caused the company actual harm, they might pursue legal action. The bottom line, it’s a situation to avoid.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Lying on Your CV

Below are the best ways to write your CV without having to lie

Show Transferable Skills

Instead of lying on your CV, focus on showcasing your transferable skills and relevant experience. Even if you don’t perfectly match every requirement of the job description, you likely possess skills from previous roles, volunteer work, or even personal projects that are applicable.

Highlight these skills by providing concrete examples of how you’ve used them to achieve results. Frame your experience in a way that demonstrates how it aligns with the needs of the employer. This approach not only builds trust but also showcases your adaptability and potential, which are highly valued by employers.

Use a Well-Crafted Cover Letter

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted cover letter. It’s your opportunity to provide context and address any potential concerns that might arise from your resume. For instance, if you have gaps in your employment history, a cover letter allows you to explain those gaps proactively, framing them in a positive light, such as time spent pursuing personal development or caring for family.

If you’re transitioning to a new industry, use the cover letter to articulate how your transferable skills and experiences align with the new role. You can also use it to explain any unconventional career moves or address any potential questions about your qualifications. By using the cover letter to provide context and demonstrate your genuine interest, you can turn potential red flags into opportunities to showcase your strengths and suitability for the role.

Conclusion on What Happens if I Lied on my CV?

In conclusion, it is important to be honest while writing your CV despite the fact that you lack certain skills or have career gaps. Here we have seen the dangers of lying on your CV—during and after the hiring process—and it is expedient to always be on the better side by either showing your transferable skills or using a well-crafted cover letter to attach to the CV.

If you need a professional to help you write a compelling CV, cover letter, or application letter, feel free to contact us now (+234 813 823 5629) for a free consultation on how we can assist you in landing your dream job!

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Eudora Barko

Eudora Barko is a skilled writer based in Nigeria, with extensive experience in keyword research, content marketing, editing, and proofreading. She has written content on a variety of topics, including SEO content writing, education, visa applications, and career empowerment. Additionally, Eudora is passionate about writing in the realms of self-help, women's empowerment, and self-improvement, as she believes in striving to get 1% better each day. When she's not writing, Eudora enjoys reading and engaging in other fun activities.