AIBU to exaggerate on my cv?

I think with languages, most people would estimate their own level rather than stick to what they’re qualified to. So I’d estimate your ability and put that level. Programming, I think that’s a bit risky unless it’s not actually a requirement of the job. What if you find it hard to pick up? I wouldn’t lie about grades, but people do. But unless you don’t have English and maths GCSEs, if you have work experience the grades won’t really matter.

I have B1 cert but I am fluent. That cert is 15 years old😂 Only time these are important is when it's specified for the job. Eg teaching or translating or communications with clients (some firms).
Everyone exaggerates on CV.
BU, and that is very important, it really shouldn't be crazy one.
Mum's work just fired someone who claimed to have advanced level in one EU language. The person did not.

What about other skills like programming? If I complete a couple of weeks learn to code app (a bit like duolingo), can I list it under computer skills and assume if I get the job I'll be able to pick it up with the help of YouTube or whatever?

That's not exaggerating, that's lying...

With a foreign language you need to be careful, I went for an interview once where the interviewer suddenly switched to French (his 2nd language apparently). Luckily I was fine but apparently quite often it was very obvious the candidate was exaggerating their skills at best

I think the problem with languages is that if you lie you may end up caught out if somebody happens to speak said language. Coding is different again to being fluent with software, you might be able to wing being fluent with a specific peice of software - my partner learnt how to use some undustry specific software in his 2 weeks notice before he started at the new job for example, but you won't be able to learn to code in that time!

Well I wouldn't put anything on there that you might be expected to do/ use if you can't do it.

E.g., I am a lawyer who works in multinationational organisations. I would not put down a fluency in a language I might then be asked to negotiate contracts in. Because that would be shit for me and my employer.

Ok, but what happens when they ask you to hold a business conversation in that language? Would you be able to?

I think programming skills are very different to being proficient with using a particular piece of software.

Yep, definitely don't be surprised if that happens at interview.

Languages depend on job. I wouldn't count B1 as fluent. B2 is fluent enough for a technical or back office roll where a lot of terminology will be in English, or to deal with very occasional international clients in an emergency. If you're consulting, doing legal or writing for an external audience, you'll struggle below C2. For my technical role I describe myself as business proficient at C1 (read, good enough to get by but I'll hurt your ears! ) In my country of residence, the HR hiring person normally phones and has a chat first in the local language to check you're not lying.

For coding and software, I split mine up into expert, proficient and basic experience. Depending on the package, e.g. anything Microsoft, 15 mins is enough for basic experience!

I employed someone who said they were a proficient programmer in X. Paid for them to do 4 weeks course in Y (very similar). They couldn’t learn Y, asked them to write a very simple program in X and they couldn’t. They failed probation a few months later as no aptitude for programming. No logic thought. Crap 6 months for them and me. We now test at interview.

Don't lie about coding because they might give you a coding task to do. It's a solitary task and they'd think you were nuts if you asked for help.

I'm C1/2 in 5 European languages, and use them on a daily basis. Unless you can understand and be able to have a discussion on a complex subject without difficulty, then it's not a good idea to claim to be with C1 or fluent.

even if you don't specify the level of proficiency?

It's like if you put Excel and didn't specify. People assume you will know how to work it. It's not like Word or powerpoint is it.

Does the job require coding and the language? Or are you just putting it in to fill up empty space?

Re languages is sounds like you're proficient about the qualification level if you're using it in daily life and it's a few new technical words you'd initially stumble over. So I'd look at the criteria and work out where you are and then out something like "qualified to X1 level, proficient to X4 level"

A simple coding test used in interviews where programming skills are necessary is the 'FizzBuzz' test:

Write a program, in any language you like, that prints the numbers from 1 to 100. But for multiples of three print “Fizz” instead of the number and for the multiples of five print “Buzz”. For numbers which are multiples of both three and five print “FizzBuzz”.

It's good if the candidate can produce something that works, and there is extra kudos for spotting a quick way of checking for the 'Fizzbuzz' case. My daughter did this on her Raspberry Pi when she was 14. And got the extra kudos.

That's good though, isn't it?!