Lying on your CV can have dire consequences
Education expert says being caught lying will harm your reputation.
IN South Africa, presenting a fraudulent qualification or claiming a qualification or experience you do not have is a criminal offence.
In terms of the National Qualifications Authority Amendment Act 12 of 2019, all employers must confirm employee qualifications and report any fraudulently presented qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Also read: From streets to success – lost in time, but found in time
Education expert Dr Linda Meyer, MD of The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, says that in South Africa’s tough job market, competition for limited vacancies is fierce and applicants may think that lying is justified or not a big deal, but this potentially holds terrible personal and professional consequences which can have a lifelong impact on an individual’s employability.
She says employers should ethically also report fraudsters to professional and statutory bodies.
While the threat of criminal prosecution is a risk worth taking for some, Dr Meyer warns that this is not the only – or even worst – consequence they will face if they are found out.
“Your CV is the first impression a potential employer will get of you, and it should showcase your qualifications, experience and other skills. Lying on your CV to stand out from other applicants is unethical, risky and illegal, and the chances that you’ll be found out – even if only down the line – are very real,” warns Dr Meyer.
She said if discovered, whether at the application stage or even after landing the position, individuals may face the following consequences:
Loss of job opportunity or termination
You will almost certainly lose the opportunity if the lies are discovered during recruitment. Most employers see honesty and integrity as crucial attributes, and any sign of dishonesty can be disqualifying. And even if you’ve been working successfully in the position for some time, lying on your CV is grounds for dismissal.
Reputational damage
Being caught lying will harm your professional reputation, making it difficult to secure future employment. News can travel fast in specific industries, and hiring managers often share candidate information. Also, keep in mind that one lie suggests there may be more.
Legal consequences
Depending on the nature of the lie, there could be potential legal repercussions. You could be liable for fraud if you claim to have specific qualifications legally required for the position, particularly for certain professions requiring a licence from a professional or statutory body.
Furthermore, employers may be able to claim damages for any harm arising from your employment if it was gained under false pretences.
Immigration
Lying on your CV can impact your ability to emigrate and find employment elsewhere in the world. If you lied abroad, you face deportation. A criminal record will almost always preclude you from working in most countries.
Psychological stress
Besides the practical implications and potential criminal fallout, the constant fear of being discovered can lead to significant stress and anxiety, which will affect your work and other areas of your life.
“Honesty is always the best policy regarding your CV, no matter how tempting or trivial lying on your CV might seem,” concludes Dr Meyer.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
