Lying on a CV

[Fnaar]

What I hate (grr) are those jobs that have their own ill-thought through format (i.e. no CVs, please), requiring you to match your accomplishments to a list of opaque drivel (along the lines of "I have shown an ability to thrive in a research-driven environment through my ...blah blah..." followed by "I have the shown the capacity to learn successfully, through my 22 years working in education... et bloody c"

 

[Sittingduck]

Outright lying about qualifications and experience will only end in tears in the long run. Happened to a mate of mine - said he got a C when he got a D in a GCSE or something like that and it cost him his job contracting at an investment bank. The actual grade of the thing he lied about didn't matter to the firm but when they found out he'd been telling porkies it shot his credibility. If somebody lies about one thing - they are probably lying about other things (at least thats how some firms see it).

Not worth it in my view.

 

[surfgurl]

I worked in call centres several years ago. A girl in my intake group got turfed out on the third day as she had claimed to work for a large telephone company, but on checking references they had never heard of her. There wasn't a lot of point as I had got the job with no work experience.

 

[Twenty Inch]

Why would you need to lie on your CV? Can't you afford a mattress?

(I'll get my coat)

 

[Twenty Inch]

OK, flippancy aside:


BOAB sounds like you're having trouble putting a good CV together. I found The Ultimate CV Book by Martin Yates really really helpful. It is a series of exercises that help you to focus on what you REALLY did in a job or a project that was succesful - what difference you made, what you changed, how you helped success. It is not about how pretty your CV looks, but about building a really good case as to why a company should employ you.

I spent a day doing the exercises and generating raw material for CVs and application forms aimed at the specific sector I work in. A couple of weeks later I saw two relevant positions and sent off two applications. I got two interview offers, and accepted a job that was two rungs up the ladder from where I was, and had a FIFTY PERCENT salary increase.

Hope this helps.

 

[Brains]

My Dad had his age down as 59 on his CV until he was well into his 70's.

This was simply because no one will employ a contract draughtsman who is within a couple of years of the official retirement age for contracts lasting 2-3 years

He is now nearly 80 and still works most days, I'm sure the architect that employs him (who is in his mid 60's) thinks my Dad is much the same age as he is

 

[Smokin Joe]

Lying on a CV or application form can leave a time bomb ticking for years to come. Should you become a thorn in the side of your employer for any reason, a quick check on what you claimed when you applied for the job could see you liable to instant dismissal if it turns out not to be true.

I have seen troublesome shop stewards outed that way in past years.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I wouldnt actually 'lie'...just dress up a few things...which is another way of saying 'sell' what I am to fit what they want I suppose, as suggested above....actually I think people would have to be crazy not to jump at the chance of working with me...what with me being so talented, experienced and unbelieveably attractive...not to mention a great personality to boot...and i can ride a bike.....ish.

 

[Over The Hill]

I lost all my exam papers 25 years ago. I phoned my old school and they said all old records were archived and it would cost me £25 for copies so I didnt bother. I put all the right info on my CV but have never been asked for proof so could put anything.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I've often thought that ...I mean right after leaving skool those certificates are important...but now...hmm...well i wonder if all thos eo and a levels I have are of any use at all...in fact I know they arnt...I could just make up any old shoot and I reckon nobody would know any different.

Thats because in this mixe dup world you are only as good as your last sale.

 

[merlinmagic]

I don't include my qualifications any more on my CV as they are completely irrelevant. Now my CV is broken down into skills i.e. Project Management. I had a brief description of a task that I did and its positive outcome. Under each heading there are 4 or 5 bulleted tasks.

I also put in a client list which for me speaks volumes as I have worked for most pharmaceutical companies around.

Any training I have is also listed but qualifications i.e. GCSEs etc there's no point that was 15 years ago. I can barely remember anything from school except for some reason can explain Long Shore Drift - curious.

 

[beanzontoast]

I've often thought that ...I mean right after leaving skool those certificates are important...but now...hmm...well i wonder if all thos eo and a levels I have are of any use at all...in fact I know they arnt...I could just make up any old shoot and I reckon nobody would know any different.

Thats because in this mixe dup world you are only as good as your last sale.

You would know. Isn't that the real point?