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Original poster

Telling a lie

27 replies

Littleporkpie · 25/04/2024 15:57

Is it ever OK to bend the truth on your CV or application form? How many recruiters really have time to check out every job you have had etc?
Has anyone done it and been found out?
What about qualifications? Ever made them up and got away with it?

OP posts:
silenttwin · 25/04/2024 16:53

you recently started another thread about this?

OMGitsnotgood · 25/04/2024 17:06

I don't think it's ever ok to lie on a CV. In the long run, you're not doing yourself any favours. If you say you have qualifications or experience that you don't, it may well show up in your ability to do the job.

Interviewers will question you on what you have put in your CV. Will be very difficult to blag your way through that one. I've seen that many times.

What is concerning you most about your CV as it stands? Maybe MN can help you strengthen your real CV rather than resort to lying.

Original poster
Littleporkpie · 25/04/2024 17:22

OMGitsnotgood · 25/04/2024 17:06

I don't think it's ever ok to lie on a CV. In the long run, you're not doing yourself any favours. If you say you have qualifications or experience that you don't, it may well show up in your ability to do the job.

Interviewers will question you on what you have put in your CV. Will be very difficult to blag your way through that one. I've seen that many times.

What is concerning you most about your CV as it stands? Maybe MN can help you strengthen your real CV rather than resort to lying.

Large gaps and not staying in certain workplaces for very long. I feel like it looks really patchy

OP posts:
Original poster
Littleporkpie · 25/04/2024 17:22

Also I didn't finish college so there's a gap there too

OP posts:
ColBoulter · 25/04/2024 17:25

Why did you have gaps?

SleepyTraveller · 25/04/2024 17:26

As an interviewer, I once caught someone in a CV lie without even trying - just with an icebreaker question. Very risky IMO

Daisymay2 · 25/04/2024 17:28

Many many years ago, there was quite a fall out when someone held a party to celebrate getting a qualification. However she had claimed that she had already obtained it on her cv/application form. She was sacked - for dishonesty.
Since then, the employer has demanded that applicants bring their certificates or other proof to their interview.

FrangipaniBlue · 25/04/2024 17:32

Outright lying about qualifications or experience = not good

Omitting superfluous information (eg a job you did for 2 weeks that's not really relevant) or information which would only highlight something not that relevant = absolutely fine

Original poster
Littleporkpie · 25/04/2024 22:06

ColBoulter · 25/04/2024 17:25

Why did you have gaps?

Honestly the gaps were because I would leave a job before getting another. Earlier in my career, not now. But I can't explain them easily.

OP posts:
ColBoulter · 26/04/2024 08:13

Littleporkpie · 25/04/2024 22:06

Honestly the gaps were because I would leave a job before getting another. Earlier in my career, not now. But I can't explain them easily.

Show quote history

Don't lie about them then
Most places only require 3 years references
Say you had to leave for personal reasons/ caring responsibilities if asked.
Never ever lie
Interviewers have seen it all before and will catch you out straight away
It's happened so many times and I cringe that people think they can get away with it.

Original poster
Littleporkpie · 26/04/2024 08:29

Thanks all. I'm thinking honesty is the best policy then. My work history is what it is. Someone will give me a chance eventually I guess.

OP posts:
ColBoulter · 26/04/2024 08:33

Littleporkpie · 26/04/2024 08:29

Thanks all. I'm thinking honesty is the best policy then. My work history is what it is. Someone will give me a chance eventually I guess.

Absolutely

I have had people saying they made unwise decisions when younger but now I'm more mature etc
I respect honesty and it helps you grow as a person.
Best of luck !

youngones1 · 26/04/2024 16:21

People lie in their CVs the whole time.

TheAirRunningOut · 26/04/2024 16:25

How long ago was it? If more than a year you might be able to make gaps look smaller by just putting months rather than actual dates, ie left job X Jul 2021, started job Y aug 2021

MadridMadridMadrid · 26/04/2024 19:33

TheAirRunningOut · 26/04/2024 16:25

How long ago was it? If more than a year you might be able to make gaps look smaller by just putting months rather than actual dates, ie left job X Jul 2021, started job Y aug 2021

If it's a really long time ago, I wonder whether the best approach is to summarise things by reference to longer periods, eg "2003-2005: various short-term roles in retail and hospitality". If the OP can demonstrate a solid work history since 2005, are most prospective employers really likely to demand a full breakdown of jobs that the OP did 20 odd years ago?

Original poster
Littleporkpie · 26/04/2024 23:28

I guess I'll send it out warts n all and see how we go. If not I'll have to get some agency work

OP posts:
LanaL · 27/04/2024 11:53

I don’t think you should lie , no . You would look a fool if found out ( especially if saying you have experience of something you don’t and that becoming obvious) . I also don’t think you should ever lie about gaps in your work history .

However , I think it’s ok to maybe rename your skills , or look at their specifications and tailor your skills or experience to that . I don’t know if this makes sense but what I mean is for example - I’m a teacher . I would see things like “ ability to oversee projects to reach short and long term goals “ originally I would see that and think I haven’t done it, then someone said to me - you teach a class , you have goals in terms of progression of the children , the children are the project , you have targets for a term ( strands to cover , schemes to complete ) so that’s what you are doing . Short term goals for lessons , long term for terms . The same as inputting and comparing data - I have to keep a track of student data ( where they are assessments etc ) . I would never have thought of this before and I’m not lying I’m applying my experience to their specifications and using my transferable skills , that I think is ok as I’m not lying , I’m tailoring to the job spec .

CornishPorsche · 27/04/2024 11:59

How big a gap? Good advice above about the vague periods of dates if it's not very recent.

If you're applying for a job which requires a security clearance you'll need to be specific during the SC process, but as long as you an justify it. It's still not an issue if your CV is vague.

youngones1 · 27/04/2024 13:44

Littleporkpie · 26/04/2024 23:28

I guess I'll send it out warts n all and see how we go. If not I'll have to get some agency work

Don't be so defeatist, just embellish your CV like everyone else does, get the job and if you can't do the job, leave.

Original poster
Littleporkpie · 27/04/2024 14:02

LanaL · 27/04/2024 11:53

I don’t think you should lie , no . You would look a fool if found out ( especially if saying you have experience of something you don’t and that becoming obvious) . I also don’t think you should ever lie about gaps in your work history .

However , I think it’s ok to maybe rename your skills , or look at their specifications and tailor your skills or experience to that . I don’t know if this makes sense but what I mean is for example - I’m a teacher . I would see things like “ ability to oversee projects to reach short and long term goals “ originally I would see that and think I haven’t done it, then someone said to me - you teach a class , you have goals in terms of progression of the children , the children are the project , you have targets for a term ( strands to cover , schemes to complete ) so that’s what you are doing . Short term goals for lessons , long term for terms . The same as inputting and comparing data - I have to keep a track of student data ( where they are assessments etc ) . I would never have thought of this before and I’m not lying I’m applying my experience to their specifications and using my transferable skills , that I think is ok as I’m not lying , I’m tailoring to the job spec .

Love this, thank you

OP posts:
Cascais · 27/04/2024 14:03

No never

Original poster
Littleporkpie · 27/04/2024 14:03

CornishPorsche · 27/04/2024 11:59

How big a gap? Good advice above about the vague periods of dates if it's not very recent.

If you're applying for a job which requires a security clearance you'll need to be specific during the SC process, but as long as you an justify it. It's still not an issue if your CV is vague.

Maybe a month or so here and there. Too long to just be a transition into next job. But it was all a while ago so probably worrying for nothing

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 27/04/2024 14:10

youngones1 · 27/04/2024 13:44

Don't be so defeatist, just embellish your CV like everyone else does, get the job and if you can't do the job, leave.

Show quote history

everyone else doesn't.

Catopia · 27/04/2024 14:21

How long are the gaps? If its a matter of weeks, no issue. If it's several months, does just putting the years help? If its years, you may be best to explain the gaps up front.

BasiliskStare · 27/04/2024 14:32

Explain things how you will but my advice is Don't lie. Honestly don't . You may think people won't check but it would not be hard for something to come out. Lying on a CV is never good - you can be sacked and indeed some years later after you get the job. Better as others have said to explain gaps and what you did during those.