The research, conducted by APPII, found that men are more likely to lie in order to get noticed. Nearly half of men (48%) admitted they have lied or exaggerated the truth to make themselves look better on paper – compared to only 35% of women who confessed to doing the same.
One in three UK employees said they have lied on a CV because they really wanted the job. Baby boomers, those aged 45 and above, are more than twice as likely to lie as their millennial counterparts – 61% said they had lied, compared to just 25% of millennials.
This is perhaps unsurprising when considering the research also found that nearly three times as many millennials are aware that employers check the validity of CVs during the hiring process compared to baby boomers - 59% compared to 20% respectively.
The research also found that one in five UK workers have been caught lying on their CV, with 39% lying about specific qualifications required for the role – not only putting colleagues and customers at potential risk but also resulting in significant costs for employers due to the need to rehire for the role.
Gary McKay, MD of APPII said, “Clearly traditional CVs aren’t working for either candidates or employers. The fact that so many are having to resort to exaggerating truths when applying for new jobs just to try and stand out is proof that processes within recruitment can be enhanced.
“Establishing trust at the start of the recruitment process would help to rectify this. Through harnessing technology such as blockchain platforms like APPII, we can create a level playing field for all candidates, removing the need to exaggerate experience, or even lie on CVs.”
