We’re not the only ones checking up on job applicants. Samsung recently surveyed 2,000 working British adults on their current roles and their career plans for 2015, and came up with a list of the ten most common lies found on CVs in the UK.
Former Apprentice mentor Nick Hewer, who is an ambassador for Samsung says: “I am not surprised that so many people admit to lying on the CVs – we see the same thing on The Apprentice year in, year out – however it is worth noting that we nearly always find the lies!
I have to say it astounds me that candidates lie in that situation. Surely they must know someone will go digging around? The media surely will, even if the producers don’t. Nevertheless, it’s encouraging words from Nick.
So what makes their top ten? No surprises on the number one slot, although I don’t fancy the chances of Apprentice contestants getting away with number nine.
Top Ten Lies on CVs
1. Exaggerated education grades (31%)
2. Beefing up day-to-day responsibilities (26%)
3. Job title (22%)
4. Personal achievements and rewards (22%)
5. Having a sporty hobby to appear outgoing and ‘rounded’ e.g. sky diving, off road racing (19%)
6. Companies you have worked for (17%)
7. References (using friends who were colleagues and not your manager) (15%)
8. Speaking a language (14%)
9. Covering up being fired from a previous position (10%)
10. Using industry jargon to impress – using industry terms/phrases without fully knowing what they mean (9%)
