However as the jobs market becomes more and more saturated with graduates and competition for more qualified, better paid positions is increasing, potential employees are taking extreme measures to improve their CVs.
False qualifications, over inflated salaries, incorrect length of service at former jobs, exaggerated job titles and inaccurate attendance records are all fuelling this epidemic and giving employers serious cause for concern.
Sharp Consultancy’s Managing Director Mark Wilson comments: “It really is quite incredible that prospective candidates believe that they can get away with fabricated qualifications and employment history. They not only run the risk of being discovered, but also risk leaving their career and reputation in tatters.
“As a progressive and thorough business we’ve always verified candidates’ qualifications and work history before putting them forward to a client for consideration. Quite simply, getting a job through deception is an offence and can lead to disciplinary action, instant dismissal or at worst, prosecution.
“Candidates should always produce an honest, well presented and clearly structured CV. When we help our candidates construct their CV’s, these are the top tips we recommend.”
- Ideally keep your CV to two pages, never more than three.
- It must be clear and concise – it isn’t necessary to include a picture.
- State your full name and address.
- List your educational and professional qualifications and accreditation for the most recent first – remember to take them along with you to your interview.
- Describe your work experience in reverse chronological order; cover the last two positions in greater detail.
- State clearly the date, position and company and to whom you reported, followed by your responsibilities and achievements.
- Be absolutely honest about any short moves or gaps in your employment history and explain the reasons for them.
- Check all details carefully for any grammatical or spelling errors and always ask someone to check it through before you send it out.
