CV PADDING: THOU SHALL NOT TELL LIES?
“My articles are basically targeted towards young people who have access to so much information especially as a result of information overload from the internet and this in turn makes them restless a s a result of the many options available. My articles would mainly be on providing clarity based primarily on my personal experiences and a mix of other content.”
With
David Apaflo, ACA
David, a chartered accountant, is one of the founding partners of Shelze Consulting. He also shares his thoughts on his personal blog
A CV as we know it is supposed to give a representation of your abilities, experience, achievements and associated information. I have come to realize nowadays that a lot of CVs are “over-enhanced” to the point of telling lies.
A situation where someone who cannot type on a computer is proficient in Microsoft word, excel and powerpoint! Where someone who hasn’t even registered for an exam is writing “CCNA (in view)”.
As a general guide, it is good to enhance your CV. However, do not tell lies that would come back to haunt you. If at all you want to lie, make sure if you are tested you can at least drag yourself through the test with the existing skills you have.
Work experience is another area where people tell a lot of lies! I recently saw a CV of someone who had just two months of experience claim he had two years of experience!!! Believe me, I am not exaggerating.
Imagine this kind of lie? If he finally gets the job, how would he cope? This would only lead to future embarrassment and eventually a sack. He was even oblivious of the fact that previous employers are usually written to give a character and work reference. What a trap he is setting up for himself.
The way forward
Some skills are basic skills every worker is expected to have. For example good command of English and use of basic MS office packages. If you notice you are deficient in an area, try to develop yourself before you state it on your CV. These days the internet provides a plethora of useful information which are most times even better than the education received in most universities in Nigeria.
Also ensure you make use of the JarusHub Graduate Finishing Academy and CV writing service.
Have a fab weekend!
Nice post. I don’t think one actually need to have “registered” for an exam like CCNA before adding it as “in view” in one’s CV. I think adding it as “in view” indicates that the person is not only undergoing some kind of training in that field, but he/she is also planning to achieve the certification in the immediate future.