Trusted Legal Advocacy

Can you be fired for lying on your CV? 

On Behalf of | Jun 19, 2023 | Employment Law

Picture this: You’ve seen your dream job on Indeed or LinkedIn. You have everything the employer is looking for. Well, almost everything. The employer is looking for at least 10 years of work experience in a similar role. But you’ve only worked for three years. So, you are tempted to lie on your resume that you’ve worked for ten years. But is this right?

Every prospective job seeker hopes to stand out during the recruitment process. And part of this might involve stretching the truth. But can lying on your resume get you in trouble?  Well, the simple answer is that lying on your resume can lead to big trouble – even if it’s not illegal.

Here is what you need to know about lying to get hired:

Lying can ruin your career

As far as your employer is concerned, there is no such thing as a small lie. Presenting false information to secure employment can cast doubt on character. Thus, this can impact your employment relationship going forward. Most often, the employer will dismiss you from your role. 

Lying is the same as fraud

Falsely claiming academic qualification or professional membership, and forging documents to back up your claim, can amount to fraud. Besides a summary dismissal, you may also be required to pay reparations to the victim or the company depending on your position, the company and any agreements you may have.

Safeguarding your rights

The labor market can be competitive. However, lying on your resume can be a costly mistake. Learning more about California employment laws can help you protect your rights and interests if you’re worried about your situation.