Half of Brits have lied to potential employers about training and qualifications

More than three-fifths of Brits find it easier to lie or manipulate the truth on their CV, than they do in a face-to-face interview, according to a new poll.

The research by Enterprise Study, a training software firm revealed training and qualifications were the most common reasons, followed by why they left their previous job and their future goals.  

More News

Global employee mobility assignments expected to increase in 2016

Ofsted highlights ‘worrying’ north-south divide in schools

Businesses failing to use employee feedback to drive strategic change

Business Disability Forum launches new website

Shona Fletcher, CEO of Enterprise Study, said: “Many of us have no doubt experienced during job interviews where we panic and think we’re not good enough for a position, and then resort to exaggerating the truth in order to make ourselves look and sound better. Having said that, outright lies are a different thing. If you’re going to lie about your training and qualifications, be prepared if someone asks you for the proof, or asks you to carry out tasks that demonstrate your abilities.

“We wouldn’t advise anyone to lie about their training, as tempting as it may be. While it’s especially dangerous for many jobs, such as those within the NHS, utilities or health and safety roles, it is still a huge risk no matter what job you are going for. Besides, it’s better to get the job on merit rather than lies – at least you’ll know you deserved the job and were genuinely the best candidate.”

The study interviewed 2,613 Britons aged 18 and over, all of whom stated they were in full-time employment, were quizzed about the experience they had gained and the education they’d received before embarking on their careers, and whether or not they had been lied about them.

Almost a quarter of respondents (24 per cent) admitted that they had been found out for lying by potential employers, whether ‘proof had been requested’ (57 per cent), or they had ‘slipped up and forgot about the lies’ (43 per cent).

Training Journal

Learn More →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *