​You've followed the straight and narrow, were (mostly) completely honest during all job interviews and didn't boost up your CV to impress that possible employer. However, you still haven't received any job offers. Slowly but surely you're getting desperate.  The bills are piling up and your children need new shoes or your manager is constantly on your back and looking over your shoulder. 

You are ready to quit this job sooner than later…but first, you need to secure another position. So you consider tweaking your CV. You know, just to ensure that your skills match the employers' job spec. Maybe you make a little change to your employment history. And nobody really cares if you describe your post-graduate degree as completed, right? You only needed two more subjects to finalise it anyway.

What is CV fraud?

CV fraud refers to any act that involves providing fictitious, exaggerated, or otherwise misleading information on a job application or CV.  If you knowingly provide inaccurate information to a potential employer, it's almost always grounds for immediate dismissal from the position or retracting of an offer.  Lying on your CV isn't a criminal offence per se, but once you begin obtaining money under false pretences, it equals to deception and fraud. In some cases, you could face legal implications and even jail time. When applicants submit a fraudulent CV, what is the most common misleading or untrue information presented?

The most common themes on fraudulent CVs

According to Nina de Winter-Peer, Head of Communications at Managed Integrity Evaluation (MIE), about 10% of CVs received for screening contain some sort of fraudulent information. And it is widespread, with candidates ranging in age, job level and industries. It seems that the most common themes related to fraudulent CVs are stretching of dates of employment, inflating past accomplishments and skills, enhancing job titles and responsibilities, false information related to education and degrees, unexplainable gaps in employment due to a criminal record, omitting past employment, faking credentials, fabricating reasons for leaving a previous job and providing fraudulent references.

Why do applicants include misleading information on their CVs?

Applicants mainly present misleading information in an attempt to receive an offer for a higher-paying job. These applicants also strive to fill high-status positions in order build their CVs. Some applicants are newly graduated or have been unemployed for some time, and are desperate to find any kind of work.

Can you get away with it? Do you even want to?

Research shows that applicants who present fraudulent CVs, and subsequently fill the position they applied for, often experience low work satisfaction due to lack of necessary skills and high anxiety levels due to uncertainty. They also often experience high-stress levels when they can't live up to expectations or deliver on promises. This is especially prominent when the applicant is appointed to a senior position but isn't equipped to handle the responsibilities that accompany the role.

Still considering including false degree certificates or omitting your criminal record? Don't underestimate the employers' savvy and resources invested in background checking. Assume that your credentials, qualifications and references will be checked and verified. If you haven't completed your degree or have credit problems, it's best to take control of the situation and be upfront about it. 

Depending on the situation and context, the employer won't automatically dismiss you as a potential candidate. Being upfront could count in your favour – the employer will probably applaud your ability to take the bull by the horns and manage a potentially difficult or uncomfortable situation.

Can you imagine the career impediments if your false claims come to light? Not only will it ruin your reputation and credibility, but no reputable recruitment agency would want to represent you again.

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