Top 6+ most common lies people tell on their résumé

1. Education

Telling fibs about your education on your resume can be tempting for those aiming to boost their qualifications and land a dream job. Especially if your real education certification lacks the wow factor. Common lies include claiming unearned degrees or simply inflating grades. However, the risks far outweigh the potential reward here. If discovered, it can lead to immediate dismissal, damage to your professional reputation and even legal consequences. Only falsifying qualifications can - in certain circumstances - constitute fraud. Seriously. Honesty is always the best policy when presenting your achievements to a potential employer (Picture: Getty Images)

While this research from resume.io found that 10% of people openly admitted to lying on their CV, it's likely the true figure is higher. In fact, one recent study claims that the actual number could be closer to a whopping 70%! That's according to the US writer and professor Bryan Robinson PhD who wrote article on the subject for Forbes last year (Picture: Getty Images)

2. Achievements

Exaggerating work achievements on your resume might seem a fairly harmless 'white lie', but it can backfire in a way that isn't quite so harmless. Common lies splurged on CVs in this area include overstating sales figures, inflating leadership responsibilities and claiming involvement in high-profile or generally impressive projects. While these fabrications may help you land that snazzy job you want and the salary that goes with it, they can be exposed during reference checks or even in your on-the-job performance. Getting caught can lead to being fired and, depending on the severity of the lies and what your job is, even being blacklisted in your industry (Picture: Getty Images)

There’s no need to lie about your achievements, even if you don't think the truth is all that impressive. Highlighting genuine accomplishments (however modest they may seem), demonstrates authenticity and should lead to genuine trust between you and your employer. Focus on measurable results and transferable skills when explaining what you've achieved. Worried it's not enough? Talk about your growth potential. Even smaller successes can showcase your value to a company. Employers appreciate honesty and are often willing to invest in candidates who show integrity and a genuine commitment to their professional development. Think about it from their point of view - it's better to have an honest employee than a duplicitous one, isn't it…? (Picture: Getty Images)

3. Job titles

Falsifying job titles on your résumé might seem like a quick and easy way to impress folk when you're firing out job applications, but - as we've already seen with other lies - it’s a risky move that can result in some serious consequences. Stretching 'assistant' to 'manager' or claiming leadership roles you never held can unravel quickly when phone calls are made or workplace discussions are had. Employers value transparency, so instead of embellishing titles, why not try emphasising your actual responsibilities and the impact you made (Picture: Getty Images)

Here's a little tip for making your 'Curriculum Vitae' punch a little... Include a 'Key Wins' section to showcase standout accomplishments. Instead of blending them into job descriptions where they could well be missed, highlight three to five achievements in a dedicated section at the top or side of the document. Use quantifiable results, like 'I increased sales by 35%' or 'I cut project costs by 20%'. This format grabs attention, shows your unique value and sets you apart by focusing on results, not just roles (Picture: Getty Images)

4. Dates

Fudging dates on a CV and stretching employment periods to cover gaps or pretending a short stint lasted years might seem like a smooth move. But it’s a risky gamble. Why do people do it? Well, the fear of being judged for job-hopping or taking time out is one reason. How do they get caught? Savvy employers often verify dates with previous companies or notice discrepancies during interviews. And the problem? Same as all the other lies here, it can undermine trust if discovered, making you seem unreliable and - worse than that - a straight-up liar (Picture: Getty Images)

If you’re worried about how your career timeline appears to people sat opposite you in job interviews, focus on reframing it honestly rather than lying about it. Address gaps proactively in a cover letter or during the interview, highlighting any productive activities during those times, like freelancing, volunteering or skill-building courses. Combine short stints under 'contract roles' or 'project work' to show consistency instead of a potential short attention span (Picture: Getty Images)

5. Salary

This is a biggy. It's understandable. You want to negotiate the best deal for yourself as you can. The way to do it, you imagine, is to be - shall we say - 'creative' with how much your last employer paid you. But that's a gamble that may not pay off ('pay' off, geddit?) (Picture: Getty Images)

The thing is, seasoned recruiters and HR sorts know the game and can easily verify figures. If caught, it could derail your chances at nabbing the job entirely. Instead of weaving a web of lies, spin a yarn that focuses on your value to the organisation. Talk about your skills and achievements to confidently negotiate a better deal. Honesty wins long-term (Picture: Getty Images)

6. Skills

The last major thing that job applicants tend to fib about is their skillset. It's perhaps the most tempting lie to tell because it isn't one that a recruiter or interviewer can necessarily check against records. There is, however, a rather major flaw in lying about being about to do things you can't... If you get the job, your inexperience is going to be flagged up rather quickly (Picture: Getty Images)

If a job requires a skill that you don't possess, don't fret (or lie). Be honest about it, talk instead about experience you have in a similar field and suggest as convincingly as possible that it's something you believe you could pick up quickly and well. Talk about how adaptable and what a fast learner you are (Picture: Getty Images)