At the end of 2022, the UK proudly set itself as the third-best tech market in the world, with the US and China taking centre stage. For individuals looking to succeed in the competitive tech job market, they need to have a strong CV backed by relevant skills and expertise to impress any person it falls in front of.
For some, lying on their CV can be seen as an easy win to get the job they’re applying for. It’s found that over 40% of people lie on their CVs, and as many as three out of four employers have caught them in the act. Whether you have little experience or limited skills, lying on your resume will do more harm than good.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the consequences of falsifying information and provide helpful tips for crafting an effective, honest CV.
What Is Considered a Lie on Your Resume?
As a tech candidate, you must ensure your CV is truthful and reflects your current skills and qualifications. If you provide false information or choose not to tell the truth about your education, employment or skillset, you have made a dishonest representation of your abilities.
Falsifying your dates of employment, exaggerating previous titles and responsibilities and lying about your technical skillset are all common lies people change on their CVs. It may seem tempting, but we can promise you that a recruiter or employer will see that you’ve lied soon enough.
Consequences of Lying on Your CV
So how bad is lying on your resume? Below, we cover the three main consequences of doing it.
1. Rejection During the Application Process
Hiring managers and expert recruiters are skilled in identifying inconsistencies or suspicious claims. Reference checks, skills tests, and even a simple internet search can uncover untold dishonesty. If an available position requires references, your employer will share conflicting information about your time and role. These results will quickly amount to gross misconduct, which may damage your reputation at the company.
At Morris Sinclair, our clients value integrity and honesty. If this is broken, it will most likely result in immediate rejection.
2. Job Termination
Lying can only get you so far. It is not a sustainable strategy, as the truth always has a way of catching up with you. If you manage to secure a job based on false information, there’s a high chance your employer will uncover your deception down the line. Employers have the right to terminate an employee for lying as it breaches the trust between the employer and the employee.
3. Legal Action
Making false claims on your CV is a criminal offence in the UK under the Fraud Act of 2006. In the 2022 case of R versus Andrewes, a court found the employee, Mr Andrewes, guilty of lying about their relevant qualifications and experience for a job they had for over ten years. The Supreme Court convicted him of fraud and sentenced him to two years of imprisonment. They also confiscated nearly £100,000 of his earnings.
CV fraud is serious and can lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. While this is an extreme case, your resume should always be honest.
How to Improve Your CV Without Lying
Having a successful CV is possible without adding false information. When applying for a job, make sure to consider these easy tips for an effective CV:
- Proofread – Check for spelling or grammatical mistakes and ensure you use the right terms to reflect your skills accurately. If you have inflated any achievements or responsibilities, correct this.
- Tailor your CV to the job – Review the job description and ensure your skills, experience and qualifications match the requirements. If you’re a perfect match, optimise your CV with the right keywords for the job.
- Be honest – If you lack relevant experience or skills, be honest in your CV. Rather than being a weakness, highlight how you’re taking the initiative with personal learning and development. This is a great indicator of your wish to grow.
Contact Morris Sinclair for a Free CV Review
With Morris Sinclair, you can unlock your career potential and discover your ideal employer. Our dedicated team will assist you in achieving your professional goals. Take the first step today and contact Morris Sinclair for a FREE, comprehensive CV review.