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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to blatantly lie on my CV to get a job?

108 replies

IWannaJob · 09/05/2011 21:29

Can't see any other way to get one tbh! I have applied for numerous jobs in my home town over the last few weeks and have not even had acknowledgements that they've received my applications Angry.

I live near London and my plan is to apply for jobs there (temporary roles first) which I did not want to do but needs must (will be a 90 min commute each way and will probably cost around £350 per month in travel costs at least Shock). If I had current experience, I could get a highly paid position there but I don't as I left my last job 2 years ago after being bullied at work by my boss. The company would not do anything about it as he was the Chairman and I was told to accept it, as 'that's just the way he is, don't take it personally' or leave. I finally gave in after 2 years, loosing my self confidence and any thoughts that I may be good at my job along with it (I was very good btw). Depression and demoralisation then set in and I have not worked since. I had good grounds for a tribual but could'nt face it. I have recovered from that now and am very enthusiastic about working again.

I know the fact I have not worked for a while is probably one of the reasons I have not had any replies to my job applications.

Therefore I have a cunning plan to lie on my CV. I won't go into what I am going to lie about but it will hard for any employer to check. They may decide not to give me a job as they will not get a recent reference but that is a risk I will take. I have nothing to loose at this time. I am a hard worker and quick learner so want an opportunity to prove myself which I am not going to get with my current CV.

So AIBU in wanting to provide for my family (have 4 DCs btw and Dh works all the hours god sends but we cannot manage on one wage any more)and tell a lie which will hurt no one in the process. If the employer is not happy with my work, they can get rid of me right?

OP posts:
RJRabbit · 09/05/2011 21:33

Lying on your CV if found out can result in instant dismissal. Whilst working in HR, I did let people go when we discovered dsicrepencies on CVs. It's not worth it. Companies in The City use referencing agencies who will check every tiny detail.

You'd be better off starting out in temp roles and if you're good, get taken on permanently that way.

slartybartfast · 09/05/2011 21:34

there are tons of people appolying for each job i think.
dont give up. but dont lie

RJRabbit · 09/05/2011 21:35

BTW, yanbu for wanting to provide for your family, just the way you want to do it.

Really, just do temping - it's a great way of getting a permanent role if you're confident in your abilities and ccan prove it.

diggingintheribs · 09/05/2011 21:35

Agree with RJRabbit

And ultimately, if they take you on because of your CV but then don't think you suit the role, it is a cost to them of doing that.

I don't know what area you are in but my maternity covers have generally been women who have been out of the market for a while and are temping to get the recent experience on their CV

YouMustBeYolking · 09/05/2011 21:36

YABU - Another applicant who is telling the truth could miss out due to your deception.

chicletteeth · 09/05/2011 21:38

YABVU.
If you get busted, and you may well do so, it is cause for instant dismissal!

Don't lie, don't do it!

baabaapinksheep · 09/05/2011 21:38

Maybe your spelling is the reason you're not getting the jobs.

springbokscantjump · 09/05/2011 21:40

OK YADBU! Seriously? You just want to lie on your CV? What are you hoping for? For us all to assuage your guilt and say that it is entirely acceptable?

And yes it is hurting someone. Because there is obviously someone who actually does have current experience who won't get that job which you feel so entitled to.

Besides which, if you do get find out you probably will never work again. Sorry if I seem harsh but I really can't believe that you think this acceptable.

SixtyFootDoll · 09/05/2011 21:41

It's a criminal offence to lie on job applications too, so not only will you get dismissed you could end up with a criminal conviction.

squeakytoy · 09/05/2011 21:41

There is lying, and there is lying.

Lying about experience, qualifications, etc is fraud.

Lying about why you havent worked for the last two years is not in the same sort of category.

If all you are doing is making a plausible reason as to why you havent worked in two years, then it wouldnt be that bad in my opinion.

Original poster
IWannaJob · 09/05/2011 21:44

I am aware of the instant dismissal if i was found out at a later date but, again, that is a risk I am prepared to take. I have to get a job and have little choice at the moment.

In my field, a lower paid job would probably not cover childcare and travel costs and would certainly not be worth it, which is why I would need to show recent experience to get more money.

Not really bothered about other applicants missing out tbh. My family comes first. Sorry if that sounds harsh but it's true. I am not going to feel guilt about a complete stranger who MAY have got the job instead of me.

It was a stupid question really was'nt it as I know IABU! I was brought up with a strong moral code, which is why it's bothering me although I am aware that I will certainly not be alone in doing this.

OP posts:
constantlywrong · 09/05/2011 21:45

I agree - get a temp job and excel at it. Even if that job doesn't have a chance at becoming permanent, they might have another role for you if you show how well you can do.

(speaking as someone who got her current job after taking on a ft contract)

minxofmancunia · 09/05/2011 21:46

YAB COMPLETELY U, and a liar, and dishonest. I despise people who lie to get jobs, in my role people work so bloody hard to get where they are you don't deserve the job if you're going to lie.

i find your post a bit chilling TBH.

PiazzaDellaRotonda · 09/05/2011 21:46

Depends what you're going to say in your lie really doesn't it? If it's something uncheckable like....errr.........working abroad as a self employed tour guide or something - well, who's ever going to know? I say needs must when the devil drives but just make sure you can't get found out.

PintOfStellaAndBuckfastChaser · 09/05/2011 21:46

It depends on the lie.

If for example, you were to put Stay At Home Mum/Housewife, to explain the gap on your CV, then YANBU. In fact, that's probably not a lie anyway, what with you having four DC.

If that's what your doing, make sure you give a brief description of anything related that you have done in that time as well i.e volunteered at school fairs, trips, any involvement with PTA e.t.c.

However, if you are making up jobs, saying you've worked for employers that you have not worked for, then YABU.

Maybeitsbecause · 09/05/2011 21:47

Surely the whole point of having recent work experience on your Cv is so that a prospective employer can get a recent reference?

Don't do it, whatever your reasons. It is morally wrong and if you get found out you will be sacked and fucked for a job in the future.

Icelollycraving · 09/05/2011 21:47

You could say you took time out to travel rather than not having worked or that you took a career break for family reasons.
Very little point in lying,any reputable company will check every detail & then you may be dismissed once you are employed.
I can understand your reticence with telling the truth with regard to your reason for leaving the last position.
Hope you get the job that restarts your career soon!

PiazzaDellaRotonda · 09/05/2011 21:48

She'll only be fucked for a job in the future if she admits to the as yet theoretical sacking.

Original poster
IWannaJob · 09/05/2011 21:48

baabaa whats wrong with my spelling? I spotted 'tribual' after I posted as it was a long post and I was trying to get it down quickly. If that's all there was, that's rather a pathetic comment. Did you not understand the big words I used?

OP posts:
staranise · 09/05/2011 21:48

But will employers take someone on who can't provide a reference for the past two years? I've started a job where I had to provide references not just for periods of employment but for any gaps in employment in the last five years (ie, maternity career breaks) in the form of character references, proof of benefits received etc.

squeakytoy · 09/05/2011 21:49

It would also be very very easy for any employer to see that you have lied about recent experience. If you have not been earning, you will not be able to produce a P45.

KittySpencer · 09/05/2011 21:49

It depends - I have exaggerated the level of responsibility I've held in certain jobs, and I have 'disguised' gaps in my CV. I've never lied about a professional qualification (though I know people who have and it didn't end well) or claimed any expertise I didn't actually have.

Ultimately I did what I needed to in order to get a job, having had a period of 9 months without work at one stage I have no intention of letting that happen again, especially as I am on my own with 2 DC.

I wouldn't feel comfortable with lying to the extent that I was potentially going into a job which I didn't know how to do -in my field you are expected to hit the ground running, there's no room to learn as you go along, so I would never try to blag my way in like that.

whomovedmychocolate · 09/05/2011 21:50

Have you considered a functional CV? This gives the jobs you have had and the amount of time you held them for but does not include dates. That at least gives you the chance to get in front of people and shine rather than being dismissed simply because you are not current?

This would avoid the need for lying. But if I were you, I'd work on your story of why you left your last job, because you don't want to sound negative when you do get your interview. :)

Oh and good luck whatever you end up doing, it's hard to return to work and I applaud anyone who is brave enough to try. :)

Original poster
IWannaJob · 09/05/2011 21:50

minx rather OTT don't you think? Hmm.

OP posts:
whomovedmychocolate · 09/05/2011 21:51

and FWIW I have hired many people over the years and I reckon 90% of them have something iffy (mostly very small) on their CVs. I don't think it's good but I also think that it's almost encouraged by some employers who demand a decades experience for £20k.