More job applicants tell fibs

Lying on CVs continues to be a serious risk for employers, according to the latest study of more than 3,800 CVs submitted by job applicants in 2007, conducted by employee screening specialists The Risk Advisory Group. In 2007, the number of candidates submitting multiple lies increased, with those in the 36-40 age group being the worst offenders. In this age range 62.9% of CVs screened contained at least one discrepancy. This is an increase of over 10% on 2006. The number of cases having three or more discrepancies also increased by 9%.

Examples include a candidate for a large international investment bank who had worked in the US, UK and the Cayman Islands. Upon conducting international credit research it became apparent that the candidate had a large negative credit history including judgments, liens, undeclared directorships and even a number of bankruptcy orders. The candidate also claimed he was a licensed attorney in the State of California. Research returned information that he was suspended by the State Bar some years ago for failure to pay registration fees.

“In 2007, the number of candidates submitting multiple lies increased