Don't lie on CV, jobseekers told

Successful job candidates who lie on their CVs may find the strategy proves costly over the long term, it has been revealed.

According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, bending the truth on to improve chances of getting a job may amount to a breach of contract or fraudulent misrepresentation - and could be a criminal offence depending on the nature of the lie.

The comments come in light of a high court case which resulted in the former general manager of Cheltenham borough council being sued for nearly £1 million after it was alleged she failed to disclose that she suffered from depression.

Fiona Coombe, the REC's director of professional services, commented: "With the labour market becoming increasingly competitive for jobseekers, there may be a tendency for more candidates to stretch the truth on their CVs or fail to disclose crucial details."

This week, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education claimed some employers are actively looking to recruit older people because they tend to have a more even work record.

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Filed: 29-01-2009