ONE in five CVs contain significant lies as job applicants increasingly fabricate or omit information to get ahead of the competition.

A study of almost 4,000 CVs, by employee screening specialist The Risk Advisory Group (TRAG) revealed serious discrepancies including fake university certificates and hiding bankruptcy.

Sal Remtulla, head of employee screening at TRAG, said: ‘The results have shown 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.’

The results showed the number of CVs with discrepancies is increasing. More than half of the CVs studied included one or more inaccuracy.

What does your CV include?

  • Untruthful reasons for leaving a company
  • Breaches of contract with previous employers
  • Inaccurate qualifications
  • County court judgements
  • Bankruptcy