Honesty is key when searching for a job

© corepics – za.fotolia.com

"It would make the most sense just to be yourself, and be honest about your strong and weak points. Unfortunately, many people take to lying about themselves, their skills and their qualifications, in a bid to get the job," says Manpower South Africa MD Lyndy van den Barselaar. "While this may impress the interviewer at the time, it can most definitely turn out negatively for the interviewee."

Employers look for a person with the right skills, a high level of integrity, accountability, flexibility, innovation, enthusiasm, passion and presence as well as someone who is able to communicate the right message for the company or organisation. Evidence of having these skills will be presented in an interview situation, along with your CV.

The most common CV lies (according to Forbes.com) are education, employment dates, job titles and technical skills. "It is important to note that employers are now carrying out extensive background checks, as well as checking of qualifications, owing to growing instances of business fraud. The internet has made this a relatively simple task for employers," says Van den Barselaar.

Impact on career

"Lying about your qualifications or past experiences is a serious offence, and could affect your career going forward in terms of your reputation and employability. Similarly, pretending to be someone you are not can have negative implications for your career in terms of what is expected from you. Not only is it exhausting to pretend to be someone that you are not on a daily basis, but certain things will be expected of you that you may not be able to carry out.

"For example, if you pretend to love research in your job interview, and are then tasked with the job of doing research every day, you will be extremely unhappy and will more than likely underperform on the task given your apathy and dislike for the subject. You may not have the right skills to perform the task either, which could cause you more trouble than being honest," she explains.

"Should you not have the skills required, explain that you do not, but that you are willing to learn. Should you not have the experience, explain that you are willing to undergo training if need be. Being open and honest will earn you the respect of your employer, and will benefit you in the long run, as will being flexible and open to learning new things."

Should you not get the job, it may not have been right for you in the first place, and your job search can continue.