Experts Share: What Happens If An Employee Lied On Their CV/Job Application?

Many people wonder how often jobseekers stretch the truth when describing their background. A YouGov poll of 8,618 adults in Great Britain shows that 1 in 10 admitted to including untrue statements on their CV.

The poll shows that 874 people lied in some way, with the most frequent deceptions involving education, qualifications, and time spent in past jobs. Some also made up personal interests or job titles. Falsifying age or even a name, though rare, still surfaced.

Those who feel tempted to add spin to credentials often hope to stand out in a crowded field. Competition is fierce, and a polished profile may look like a quick route to success. Crossing the line into fabrication can result in major consequences.

What Are The Most Frequent Lies?

Recruiters see all kinds of misleading statements. Some revolve around exaggerating responsibilities or stretching employment dates. Others involve tweaking a job title to suggest a higher level of authority.

False claims about qualifications are also reported time and again. The temptation grows when certain professions insist on academic credentials, especially in medical or legal fields. In these areas, background checks often spot any inconsistencies.

Some CVs contain inflated salaries as well. This might seem harmless at first, but recruiters have plenty of ways to confirm pay history. Once the truth comes out, the person’s reputation may never recover.

Can False Information Lead To Dismissal?

Untrue statements often surface during reference checks or appraisals. An employer may discover a worker who claimed top-level computer skills struggles with basics. This is why many companies take references and background screening seriously.

A common response to such discovery is immediate dismissal. An organisation that finds evidence of fraud often decides that trust has been undermined. That alone can bring employment to an abrupt end.

When someone in a higher role lacks real expertise, losses can follow. Serious errors may lead the company to consider legal action or financial claims against the individual.

Is There A Chance Of Legal Trouble?

Dishonesty on a CV can cross into illegal territory if someone gains employment through false representation. In the UK, the Fraud Act 2006 allows courts to punish those who obtain jobs under deceptive circumstances. Fines and prison sentences are real possibilities when a role demands certain credentials that the applicant does not hold.

An individual who lies about qualifications to enter medicine, accountancy, or law might face serious charges. If found guilty, they could be hit with a criminal record that affects future opportunities. Employers place strong trust in staff qualifications, particularly in positions that affect public safety.

In many regions outside the UK, authorities also take a tough view of employment fraud. South Africa, for example, introduced a law that can send a person to jail for lying about educational history. Even social media claims are covered under those rules, so any mismatch can trigger investigations.

Does Honesty Pay Off?

Honesty keeps your record clean. Showing weaknesses can still draw interest if an employer sees value in your character. Some hiring managers appreciate those who admit they need development and show eagerness to learn.

An accurate CV avoids awkward questions down the line. If a boss uncovers a lie, it overshadows real achievements. Being truthful from the outset builds a better platform for progress.

Some worry about missing out, but the alternative can be worse in the long run. Jobs may change, and personal credibility stays with you. Once it is lost, trust can be hard to rebuild.

In the UK job market, trust can define a career path. Any discovery of falsehood tends to spread fast through professional networks. A person who sticks to honesty can foster better connections and open doors in the long run. Many recruiters appreciate genuine candidates who own their limits rather than hide behind a fabricated profile.

What Do Experts Say About The Implications?

Legal, HR and C-Suite experts have shared their insights on the consequences of adding false information to job applications and CVs:

Our Experts:

• Evie Graham, Senior Editor, Waste Direct UK
• Mike Szczesny, Owner And Vice President, EDCO Awards & Specialties
• David Sillitoe, Partner, Robinson Ralph LLP
• Peter Wood, CTO, Spectrum Search

Evie Graham, Senior Editor, Waste Direct UK

“As the founder of a waste management company employing over 50 staff across the UK, I’ve dealt with CV discrepancies that taught me valuable lessons about hiring and verification.

“Most employers focus solely on qualifications but operational experience matters more in our industry. Last year, an employee claimed extensive vehicle licensing credentials but our verification process revealed gaps. Instead of immediate dismissal, we evaluated their actual work performance which proved excellent. So created a pathway for them to gain proper certifications.

“CV embellishment often stems from deeper issues. A recent hire overstated their management experience yet showed natural leadership abilities. Trust also affects workplace safety in waste management. When a staff member falsified their hazardous waste handling credentials, we faced potential regulatory issues. This experience led us to develop robust verification systems and clear consequences for safety-related deception.

“I believe in evaluating each case individually. Minor CV embellishments might need correction through training while serious deception about essential qualifications requires stricter measures.”

Mike Szczesny, Owner And Vice President, EDCO Awards & Specialties

Immediate Consequences:

“The majority of organisations undertake comprehensive background investigations, including reference checks as part of the hiring process. Such screening processes tend to reveal any discrepancies or lies told on resumes or during interviews. Getting caught in a lie, regardless of a candidate’s actual qualifications, implies instant disqualification from the hiring process.

“Employers do not even consider how qualified the candidate may be. It’s simply childish and counterproductive. All it does is sour the candidate’s chances of being employed in the future by that organisation or other firms in the same industry.”

Professional Reputation Harm:

“Uncovering mismatches while on the job can have more serious repercussions, including getting fired. Depending on how harshly losing a job in this manner impacts someone’s reputation for good, it will take some time to rebuild credibility in that field. A damaged reputation can haunt one for many years, especially in industries that have tight interconnections.”

Decayed trust with employers:

“A lie on a CV or during an interview shows a violation of trust, which is an essential ingredient of any working relationship. Employers who feel tricked are reluctant to give references and may tell other people in their field about how awful the experience was. This deteriorating trust can hinder significantly an individual’s ability to go back to work or obtain a job elsewhere.”

David Sillitoe, Partner, Robinson Ralph LLP

“If an employee is found to have lied on their CV, the offence will usually be regarded by an employer as gross misconduct. If the lie is discovered after 2 years, the employee will have the right to claim unfair dismissal, but subject to a fair procedure being followed to investigate the issue, dismissal is likely to be fair. If the issue is discovered before that, dismissal is more straightforward. Indeed, as the employer may justifiably treat the issue as gross misconduct, they can dismiss without notice or payment in lieu of notice.

“If the lie is discovered before employment starts, the job offer can simply be withdrawn.

“In extreme cases, someone who has obtained employment through a dishonest CV may be required to pay back at least part of their wages if caught. This was what happened in case of Jon Andrewes; a former NHS chief executive who was jailed after lying about his qualifications and previous career to get a leading hospice role along with other directorships. He was prosecuted for fraud and proceedings were then brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act; more usually used to recover money from organised crime and drug dealers. A breach of contract claim by the employer could achieve the same result, albeit by less dramatic means.”

Peter Wood, CTO, Spectrum Search

“The temptation to stretch the truth on a CV – it might seem harmless, but the consequences can be far more serious than you’d think. In the UK, lying on your CV can land you in some rather sticky situations, both legally and professionally.

“From a legal standpoint, you could be breaching the Fraud Act 2006 if you’re caught making false claims to secure a job or financial gain. In more serious cases, that could lead to criminal charges, fines, or even imprisonment – definitely not the outcome you’d want from a job application.

“Now, on the professional side, the consequences are just as harsh. If an employer finds out you’ve been less than honest, they can dismiss you on the spot for gross misconduct. Even if the truth only comes out years later, your reputation could be ruined, and that could make finding future roles quite tricky. Word spreads, and once trust is lost, it’s difficult to rebuild.

“For businesses, hiring someone based on fraudulent information can cause a whole range of problems – from operational issues to legal liabilities. With background checks becoming more thorough, and AI tools on the rise, dishonesty is far easier to uncover than before. In today’s job market, integrity is everything, and maintaining a solid, trustworthy reputation is something you can’t afford to take for granted.”