In an age of skill shortages, you'd think trainees wouldn't need to tell lies on their cv to get an interview - but they do.
Earlier this year, a survey by employment law specialists Peninsula revealed that nearly 70% of people lie on their cvs. Nine in 10 of those said that they didn't feel guilty - and would do so again.
"Maybe it's human nature - but people think the odd white lie is fair game" says Muz Chohan of recruiters Hewitson Walker. "For many, there's a sense that everyone does it, so why not? But it's a dangerous game."
A likely story
A common cv lying tactic is exaggeration. However, trainees and part-qualifieds in particular need to be careful not to over-egg the contribution they made to their current or previous employer's success - such as responsibility for a key project or big budgets.
"It's futile to big up what you've done," says Graham Quilliam of Marks Sattin. "While employers are prepared to shell out in order to land the best people, they'll expect you to prove your capability from day one. And that's assuming you don't get caught out at interview."
Economical with the truth
Recruitment consultants can spot gaps in cvs at 100 paces. "Candidates may leave out previous jobs in the hope that references won't be sought from hostile employers," says Chohan. "If the job only lasted a short while because things didn't work out - well, these things happen. Be up front about it. Anything else is misleading - and in any case, unexplained time gaps might include a spell in prison; you don't want your application to be dismissed outright when a brief explanation would suffice."
Similarly, omitting to mention exam fails is a no-no if your pass rate will influence the hiring decision. "If employers are funding your study package, they want to know what they're getting into," says Quilliam. "If you imply you've sailed through all your exams to date, that could have a bearing on their readiness to stump up course fees. Should the truth emerge, do you really want your basses left with the impression that you've deceived them?"
Facebook will find you out
Liars can be easily rumbled on social networking sites.
"People fail to realise that what they publish on the internet is out there in the public domain, even on restricted profiles," says Chohan. "If your cv says you spent your gap year building orphanages in Africa and Facebook shows you whooping it up in Thailand, your integrity will disintegrate. These websites do tend to give the warts-and-all picture."
Finally, what are the consequences of cv lies, should you land the job?
"Employees can be in breech of contract if they're later discovered to have lied on their cv," warns Quilliam. "That could result in disciplinary action - or even dismissal, depending on how fundamental the lie is to your position or duties. It's just not worth it."