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Original poster

Error on Cv and now have an interview, do I come clean before?

264 replies

Confusgurl · 28/01/2025 16:21

Before I start, this was a genuine error and I’m glad I caught it now.

I applied for a position in the nhs and got an interview.
upon reviewing my application in preparation for the interview, I noticed I put a C for maths when I have a D!

im mortified!
the job doesn’t explicitly say you need a maths gcse however I’m aware NHS jobs ask for your certificates.

I have a degree and experience in all areas of the job role which is why I presume they want to interview me.
i also deal with numbers and budgeting on a daily basis so more than capable but just crap at exams when I was in school!!!

do I email them and admit my error?

OP posts:
pineapplebobbing · 28/01/2025 17:17

CerealPosterHere · 28/01/2025 17:12

I thought it was, you used to have to retake it at college if you hadn’t got a C or above at school..……certainly when I worked in the nhs they said you needed a C or above in maths and English and anyone who had got a job before this rule was made to study and pass functional maths/english. Not sure what happened to people who didn’t pass the functional tests.

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Some courses require you to have a C or above. That doesn’t mean D is a fail.

serendipity70 · 28/01/2025 17:16

I have never had to prove my qualifications within my NHS role - just driving licence and birth certificate. Good luck!

Taigabread · 28/01/2025 17:13

Marble10 · 28/01/2025 17:05

Genuinely couldn't tell you what my GCSEs were and I've never been asked to provide proof. Where do you even obtain proof from if you don't have it from childhood?

I just don't ever believe this when people claim they don't know what GCSE's they got and/or have lost them. At the point you sit your GCSE's they are your first real qualification and results day is a big deal, results are discussed loads and school impress upon you the need to keep these documents safe as they are important?!
Maths and English in particular everyone drives home how important they are... Bullshit do people 'forget what they got' in their gcse maths 😂

Original poster
Confusgurl · 28/01/2025 17:13

Mathsbabe · 28/01/2025 16:56

But you need GCSE Maths OR EQUIVALENT to get a place on a degree. So what other maths qualifications do you have?

I have a degree in counselling. A D was fine and classed as a pass for my course.

OP posts:
CerealPosterHere · 28/01/2025 17:12

pineapplebobbing · 28/01/2025 17:08

D isn’t a fail?

Show quote history

I thought it was, you used to have to retake it at college if you hadn’t got a C or above at school..……certainly when I worked in the nhs they said you needed a C or above in maths and English and anyone who had got a job before this rule was made to study and pass functional maths/english. Not sure what happened to people who didn’t pass the functional tests.

Cosycover · 28/01/2025 17:12

I would think they would only ask for proof of your degree if offered the position. I wouldn't mention it.

itsjustbiology · 28/01/2025 17:09

Op I know this is upsetting for you but you will probably be ok. I mean look at Rachel Reeves ...Rachel from accounts and now Chancellor, She lied deliberately !!

Itisjustmyopinion · 28/01/2025 17:08

Would they not just ask for evidence of your highest level of education? I have been asked for copy of degree but never school certificates. Not NHS though so don’t know their policy

pineapplebobbing · 28/01/2025 17:08

ByRealPoet · 28/01/2025 17:02

They believe you passed your Maths GCSE when you in fact failed. GCSE Maths is a prerequisite for many jobs even if not mentioned so I’d definitely flag it. Good luck!

D isn’t a fail?

Ohlawdnotagain · 28/01/2025 17:08

I would email in advance to the recruiting manager or HR (whichever email address you have) and explain this politely that upon reviewing your CV you have noticed an error in your GCSE maths grade so please note the correction from C to D.

They will appreciate your honesty and this probably is a small matter. Honesty is the best policy.

Marble10 · 28/01/2025 17:05

Genuinely couldn't tell you what my GCSEs were and I've never been asked to provide proof. Where do you even obtain proof from if you don't have it from childhood?

Balloonhearts · 28/01/2025 17:04

Wait for an interview and own up towards the end. After you've made a good impression on them.

ByRealPoet · 28/01/2025 17:02

They believe you passed your Maths GCSE when you in fact failed. GCSE Maths is a prerequisite for many jobs even if not mentioned so I’d definitely flag it. Good luck!

AmusedBouched · 28/01/2025 17:02

Confusgurl · 28/01/2025 16:56

I’ve reviewed the job and person specification and it doesn’t say about gcse, it says educated to A level which I’m above.

I just thought with nhs maths and English was standard

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I was told by some career coach to remove my GCSE’s (and a-levels) from my CV as only the most recent qualification was worth keeping on there. But I am in my 40s!

Spondoolies · 28/01/2025 17:02

If you are educated beyond gcse I wouldn’t have thought it matters. Could you email them asking if they would like copies of your certificates? If they don’t then you’ll know it’s not important, if they do then they will have had the correct information from you, if they notice the mistake they will know it’s not deliberate.

ThatGladTiger · 28/01/2025 17:01

Please don’t listen to anyone who says don’t admit the error. Any checking or audit of staff even many years from now will get you into trouble.

I would email before and say you’ve noticed a few typos in your cv and to use the correct attached one. Change the grade, then add/change something else too (even boring things like hobbies or goals).

Cakeandusername · 28/01/2025 17:00

Depends how old Op is. My friend couldn’t go to university but could go to a poly as she failed maths gcse. Her A levels were As. This was mid 90s. So she’d have a degree but no maths gcse.

EternalSunshine19 · 28/01/2025 17:00

Cakeandusername · 28/01/2025 16:58

If it doesn’t specify I’d not say anything.

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i agree with this.

RausageSoul · 28/01/2025 17:00

For future, on your CV I would just list, GCSEs in: and list the subjects.

NerrSnerr · 28/01/2025 16:59

I have been in the NHS for over 20 years (including a few interviews in the last year) and I have never been asked for any certificates.

EternalSunshine19 · 28/01/2025 16:59

Mathsbabe · 28/01/2025 16:56

But you need GCSE Maths OR EQUIVALENT to get a place on a degree. So what other maths qualifications do you have?

It depends what degree she did. Most creative degrees don't require a C grade maths.

Roselilly36 · 28/01/2025 16:59

If a C wasnt stated as a minimum, I would attend the interview and mention it then. If they like you I doubt it will make any difference. And I think your honesty will be appreciated. Good luck.

Cakeandusername · 28/01/2025 16:58

Confusgurl · 28/01/2025 16:56

I’ve reviewed the job and person specification and it doesn’t say about gcse, it says educated to A level which I’m above.

I just thought with nhs maths and English was standard

Show quote history

If it doesn’t specify I’d not say anything.

Original poster
Confusgurl · 28/01/2025 16:57

I have a B in English by the way and C or above in all other GCSEs which I’ve stated

OP posts:
Original poster
Confusgurl · 28/01/2025 16:56

Cakeandusername · 28/01/2025 16:55

Was the C an essential requirement?
We don’t ask for certificate even though list as essential.
My friend needed her maths pass for an nhs role (not finance) resat the gcse in her 40s.

I’ve reviewed the job and person specification and it doesn’t say about gcse, it says educated to A level which I’m above.

I just thought with nhs maths and English was standard

OP posts: