One In Five 'Lie On CVs'

A fifth of CVs submitted for job applications include "significant lies", such as inaccurate academic qualifications, according to a new survey.

A study of more than 3,700 CVs submitted by job applicants in 2006, conducted by the Risk Advisory Group, found that discrepancies on candidates' CVs were becoming more serious.

The inaccuracies ranged from discrepancies in employment and academic dates to bankruptcy and other credit infringements.

Examples of the lies told on CVs included a financial services candidates who did not mention that he left a previous position in Japan after being arrested and charged with shoplifting and assaulting a shop assistant.

Another candidate for an American investment bank falsified graduation certificates from a UK university, which he had never attended.

Credits checks on a potential recruit for an investment bank found that he had five County Court judgements, as well as a bankruptcy order, none of which had been declared on his application form.

The Risk Advisory Group said that the number of CVs which contained discrepancies were on the increase. Over 50% of the screened CVs included one or more inaccuracies.

Sal Remtulla, Head of Employee Screening for The Risk Advisory Group, said: "This year's results have yet again brought to our attention how unscrupulous candidates can be when applying for jobs, and highlight their apparent lack of conscience towards potential new employers.

"The serious nature of these discrepancies emphasises the need for heightened attention during the recruitment process."

(KMcA/SP)