Main News Desk

One in ten men lie on their CVs

Men more likely than women to deceive employers

April 09, 2008

Men are far more likely to lie on their CVs than women, according to research from BackgroundChecking.com, an Experian® company.

In a survey of 1,497 adults, 12 per cent of men questioned admitted to lying about their job title on their CV as opposed to just 7 per cent of women.

Likewise, more males were willing to exaggerate their educational qualifications, with 14 per cent of men questioned admitting to falsifying this information on their CV and job application forms, whereas only 11 per cent of women would do the same.

“Year on year, we hear of women outperforming men in their exam results, and these findings indicate that men have a tendency to exaggerate their qualifications in order to keep up,” explains Avis Easteal, General Manager at BackgroundChecking.com. “The research revealed that over two-thirds of men do not think employers thoroughly check CVs and job applications, meaning those with a tendency to lie are spurred on by a complacent attitude from employers.”

Easteal explains this sends out a clear message to businesses: “HR departments need to check every application thoroughly. If people believe they can get away with lying on their CV, then they will. There are serious implications for anyone who employs a person without checking their credentials, whether qualifications for the job, experience or even employment eligibility. For example, the recent introduction of the Immigration Act means that a company can be charged up to £10,000 or even face imprisonment if they employ someone who is not permitted to work in the UK.”

The survey was based on a sample of 1,497 adults. For further information about background checking please visit www.BackgroundChecking.com.

Executive quote

“Year on year, we hear of women outperforming men in their exam results, and these findings indicate that men have a tendency to exaggerate their qualifications in order to keep up,” explains Avis Easteal, General Manager at BackgroundChecking.com. “The research revealed that over two-thirds of men do not think employers thoroughly check CVs and job applications, meaning those with a tendency to lie are spurred on by a complacent attitude from employers.”

Easteal explains this sends out a clear message to businesses: “HR departments need to check every application thoroughly. If people believe they can get away with lying on their CV, then they will. There are serious implications for anyone who employs a person without checking their credentials, whether qualifications for the job, experience or even employment eligibility. For example, the recent introduction of the Immigration Act means that a company can be charged up to £10,000 or even face imprisonment if they employ someone who is not permitted to work in the UK.”

About the company

About BackgroundChecking.com

BackgroundChecking.com (an Experian company) is a background-checking agency that specialises in candidate verification for job applicants, contractors and temporary workers in the UK and internationally. It offers complete candidate pre-and post-employment screening. This includes verification of employment details, Criminal Records Bureau checks, screening of educational, technical and professional qualifications, through to a complete financial and fraud check.

Using BackgroundChecking.com demonstrates due diligence, enabling organisations to comply with specific regulations within different markets. It also helps to reduce the risk of taking on an unsuitable candidate or failing to check existing employees.

BackgroundChecking.com is registered as an umbrella organisation with the Criminal Records Bureau in England and Wales and Disclosure Scotland.

About Experian
Experian is a global leader in providing analytical, information and marketing services to organisations and consumers to help manage the risk and reward of commercial and financial decisions.

Combining its unique information tools and deep understanding of individuals, markets and economies, Experian partners with organisations around the world to establish and strengthen customer relationships and provide their businesses with competitive advantage.

For consumers, Experian delivers critical information that enables them to make financial and purchasing decisions with greater control and confidence.

Clients include organisations from financial services, retail and catalogue, telecommunications, utilities, media, insurance, automotive, leisure, e-commerce, manufacturing, property and government sectors.

Experian Group Limited is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. It has corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and operational headquarters in Costa Mesa, California and Nottingham, UK. Experian employs around 15,500 people in more than 35 countries worldwide, supporting clients in more than 65 countries. Annual sales are in excess of $3.8 billion (£1.9 billion/€2.8 billion).

For more information on Experian, visit the Group's website on www.experiangroup.com.The word 'Experian' is a registered trademark in the EU and other countries and is owned by Experian Ltd and/or its associated companies.

Contact details

For further press information please contact:

ANNA MOSELEY, LEWIS PR, Millbank Tower, London. SW1P 4RS. Tel: 020 7802 2626. Email: annam@lewispr.com

For more information, visit the Group's website on www.experiangroup.com.

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