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Top 10 things people lie about in their resumes: an overview of the hidden truths of the job market
Stretching the truth in a CV is not a new phenomenon, but it has become increasingly common in today’s competitive job market. Employers have increasingly been faced with the challenge of separating fact from fiction when reviewing candidates’ backgrounds. Validata Group has asked 1500 people in The Netherlands and can now reveal the ten most common lies that job seekers use to appear more qualified than they are. Here are the top 10 information that employers should take a closer look at.
What are the top 10 most common lies in CVs?
According to a survey by Validata, in the Netherlands job seekers mostly lie about their work experiences and private interests. Here are the areas where employers should be particularly vigilant:
- Work experience (36%)
Many people exaggerate or make up experiences from previous jobs to appear more qualified. - Private interests (33%)
Bragging about hobbies that don’t exist may seem harmless but can be used to create a certain image of the person. - Skills (33%)
Specific skills or knowledge, such as technical abilities or language skills, are often exaggerated. - Length of previous employment (21%)
A classic tactic to hide short-term or problematic employment. - Business interests (18%)
Some avoid mentioning side businesses or projects of their own that could create conflicts of interest. - Education (16%)
Claiming to have completed training that you have not completed is one of the most common lies. - Length of education (13%)
Some people also adjust the amount of time they spent on their studies to hide gaps in their careers. - Former employers (12%)
Lying about previous employers is more common than many people think, especially when it comes to smaller companies that are no longer around. - Personal data (5%)
Incorrect indication of age or marital status occurs, although it is more rare. - Other name (4%)
Some use aliases or other names to hide past career problems.
The risks of lies in CVs
The consequences of hiring someone with false information on their resume can be both costly and time-consuming. An incorrect recruitment can lead to lost time, resources and a weakened work environment. Trust in the employee is quickly destroyed when it is discovered that they do not possess the qualifications or experience they claimed to have.
According to Robbert Remmers, Commercial Director at Validata Group, a robust background check is essential for creating teams with high integrity.
“Ensuring that candidates not only have the right qualifications, but also fit into the company culture leading to long-term success for both employees and employers.” (Dutch Chamber Sweden).
Increased demand for background checks
With the increased prevalence of lies in resumes, background checks are becoming more common. For companies that want to protect themselves from misinformation and make better hiring decisions, it is an important security measure. This includes verification of work experience, educational certificates, and references.
Companies like Validata specialise in offering digital tools for background checks, which has helped employers around the world ensure that candidates’ information is accurate. Using such services is becoming more common, especially for positions that require a great sense of responsibility and trust.
Summary
At a time when the job market is tougher than ever, it’s more important for employers to carefully review candidates’ backgrounds. By understanding the most common lies in resumes and using tools like background checks, employers can avoid the worst pitfalls. For job seekers, this means that honesty always lasts the longest – because the moment of truth will inevitably come out during the process.
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