CV Builder

Video Transcript: Do you trust the content of a CV

Introduction: Here employers give their views of whether they are likely to believe what’s written on your CV

Ian Wood, Manager, LSE: I do trust what’s written on a CV. Obviously references, statistics and so on are plausible factors that count towards this. The other thing to bear in mind with any CV is that eventually it’s going to get checked out. Here at the LSE we outsource it to a company called Kroll who go right through your individual experience, right to the point where they ask to see academic certificates. So you have to trust what’s written on a CV since it will get checked anyway.

Ross Johnson, VP, Bowne: I’d say yes I do give the person the benefit of the doubt in terms of their CV, but also note it’s important to be sceptical and wary at times, particularly when there are no facts, figures or statistics to back up specific statements. It’s important for the interviewee to make sure that around areas of inconsistencies you are likely to be probed and asked a series of questions.

Joel Barnett, Executive Recruiter, Fortune-Hill: The importance of having your achievements endorsed or validated by an ex-employer or contact cannot be underestimated. People don’t generally trust what’s written on a CV.

Bob De Laney, Director, LexisNexis: I generally trust what’s written on a CV but do realise most have a bit of exaggeration. I don’t like statistics quoted by candidates that say something excessive, for example performed 400% against target – it probably says the company didn’t know how to target so reveals nothing. References are interesting but again nobody would put someone down who wouldn’t say something good, but I think it shows something about you that others are willing to endorse you and demonstrates you can network.

Rob Bellass, Director, Universal McCann: Yes, I generally give people the benefit of the doubt.

Summary: Employers generally do trust what’s written on a CV. Where possible always use numbers, statistics or more information to support what you claim. Remember your CV will be checked, so ensure it remains factual. Try to include the names of personal references who can support specific achievements.

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