Lied on your CV and got the job: Now what?

Lying on a CV or job application can seem tempting when you’re desperate for a new role or feel you need to stand out from the crowd. But what happens if your employer discovers the truth after you’ve already started work? The consequences can be serious, and it’s important to understand your position and what you can do next.

In this blog, we’ll explore why employers care about CV accuracy, what might happen if a lie is uncovered, and what your options are if you’re facing disciplinary action or dismissal as a result.

We’ll also discuss how you might limit the damage, and when you should seek professional advice from expert employment law solicitors such as Monaco Solicitors.

See also our Guides on Disciplinary Action and Wrongful Dismissal and Gross Misconduct.

Why employers care about honesty on CVs

Employers rely on the information you provide during the recruitment process to make decisions about your suitability for a role. Lying on your CV – whether about qualifications, experience, previous job titles, or reason for leaving a job – undermines the trust between you and your employer right from the start.

In some industries, especially those requiring professional qualifications, lying can even amount to a criminal offence.

Most employers carry out at least basic background checks, but sometimes discrepancies only come to light months or even years later, such as when a new manager reviews staff records, or you apply for an internal promotion.

Common lies on CVs and how they get discovered

The most frequent lies on CVs include:

• Inflating job titles or responsibilities
• Claiming qualifications you don’t have
• Extending employment dates to cover gaps
• Lying about why a job ended
• Falsifying references

Employers may spot these lies through:

• Reference checks with previous employers or academic institutions
• Requests for certificates or official documents
• Internal audits or regulatory checks

With the rise of digital records and social media, it’s increasingly difficult to keep discrepancies hidden for long.

What could happen if your lie is discovered?

If your employer discovers you lied on your CV, several outcomes are possible, including:

Disciplinary action

Your employer may start a disciplinary process, which can range from a warning to immediate dismissal, depending on the severity and relevance of the lie.

Dismissal for gross misconduct

Lying during recruitment is often seen as a breach of trust and could be classified as gross misconduct, allowing your employer to dismiss you without notice.

Impact on your future employment

If dismissed, future employers may ask for references or details about why you left your previous job, making it harder to move on.

What should you do if you’re worried about lying?

If you’re worried about having told a lie or exaggerated something in your CV and think it might come to light, consider the following steps:

1. Stay calm: Many people exaggerate in their CVs, but the response will depend on what you lied about and how relevant it is to your current role.
2. Seek legal advice: If you’re being called to a disciplinary meeting, it’s important to understand your rights from a specialist employment law solicitor like Monaco Solicitors.  Your employer may give you an opportunity to explain yourself, and dismissal is not always automatic.
3. Be honest if confronted: If your employer asks about the discrepancy, honesty is usually the best policy. Attempts to cover up may make matters worse.
4. Review your employment contract: Look for any specific clauses in your employment contract about misrepresentation or the probation period, as these could affect your position.

How bad is the lie?

Not all lies are treated equally. For example:

• Minor exaggerations (such as soft skills or non-critical job responsibilities) may result in a warning, especially if you’re otherwise performing well.
• Serious misrepresentations (such as false qualifications or skills essential to your role) are more likely to lead to dismissal.

Each case is different, and employers must follow a fair disciplinary process. You have the right to be accompanied at any disciplinary meeting and to appeal against any decision made.

What are your legal rights if you’re dismissed for lying?

If you are dismissed, you may be able to challenge the decision if your employer didn’t follow a fair process. However, if you have less than two years’ service, your rights are more limited. Some exceptions may apply, such as if the dismissal is discriminatory or breaches a contract term.

What to do next?

If you’re worried about a lie on your CV, or if you’ve been accused by your boss of covering up something about you/your past, it’s vital to get expert advice as early as possible.

Monaco Solicitors are employment law solicitors who specialise in advising employees and workers in situations like these.

We can help you understand your rights and explore all your options. Don’t try to handle it alone – contact us to discuss your situation in confidence at:

• communications@monacosolicitors.co.uk
• 020 7717 5259
• Online here
• Via the contact form in ‘Do I have a Case?’ below