So, have you considered lying on your CV to access greater options and opportunities? Well, many people do that, according to a 2022 StaffCircle survey.

Over one-third of the surveyed people confessed to lying on their CV to give a competitive edge over other candidates.

Although it might not appear to be a significant enough problem, lying on your resume can seriously negatively affect both the employee and the company.

Companies continuously search for fresh talent to add to their ranks as they attempt to grow and improve.

So it can be devastating for a company to unintentionally hire someone who is not what they say they are on their CV.

Why Do People Exaggerate the Truth?

Lying for Remote Work

From those employees who declared they lied on their CV previously, 63% of survey respondents acknowledged they would be inclined to withhold or exaggerate facts in the future, and 62% would specifically do so to get a remote working role.

The number of people looking for remote jobs has surged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working remotely gives employees flexibility and the chance to organize their day, improving efficiency.

In addition, depending on contract terms and legal guidance, remote workers can pick where they will work, freeing up commute time and allowing them to work in the most productive atmosphere.

Given these advantages, it is not unexpected that entirely remote positions are in high demand.

Moreover, businesses may benefit from this since it will be simpler to discover the best applicant now that location constraints are gone.

But besides being mindful of candidates who exaggerate their accomplishments, HR professionals must also make certain that the candidate has the self-discipline necessary to perform their job remotely.

Adding a separate “culture interview” could be one strategy to improve the candidate search process.

For example, employers can gain a greater understanding of someone’s feeling of discipline by including questions about their day-to-day activities and how they organise and prioritise their time.

Lying About Skills

38% of respondents mentioned they previously lied about their skills.

If a candidate wants to appear completely qualified for a more senior position than the one they currently hold, they may exaggerate their talents.

A person may exaggerate their skills to get an interview.

Competency-based interviewing approaches can be used to find a candidate’s skill gaps. Think about assigning tasks that depend on the essential abilities needed for each function.

If a candidate lacks a particular talent, consider their development potential and if they may quickly catch up.

Lying to Change Your Career

18% of those surveyed lied on their resumes to shift careers. An employee could decide to take a different professional path for various reasons.

A career in a new field or position may be motivated by personal preference, work-life balance, professional flexibility, or financial gain.

On paper, though, switching careers is simpler than in practice. It can turn into a daunting undertaking without the necessary industry expertise.

As a result, candidates for positions in a new industry may embellish their explanations for changing careers on their resumes.

Final Thoughts

93% of people surveyed who lied to gain a new job have not been exposed after being hired, which may be because HR directors lack the necessary tools or processes to detect these lies.

Companies should evaluate their existing recruitment process and find ways to ensure that they spot who has blatantly lied during the interview procedure before it’s too late.