When I worked as an HR business partner and interviewed people, I found that many would lie on their CV. They obviously do it to create an impression, so that they get the opportunity of an interview.
Unfortunately, only towards the end of the interview will you find out. Just like people lie to get things, jobseekers lie on their CVs to get that first chance for an interview, to get an opportunity. You will be surprised how many people lie about their skills and add hype … everyone wants to be ‘the' person.
When you see a CV, there are some details that you can make out to be untrue or hyped up, but you let it be. But if you talk about the big things, like your qualifications and experience, then we always ask for proof. It depends on how stringent a company's HR policies are, but we always asked for attestation of degrees, experience letters to go with the CV; we also called back the references mentioned to confirm. You will be surprised how many people are not able to produce the experience letters or required verification, so we have to reject them.
When it comes to the office environment it is true, unfortunately, that you have to create some sort of impression to be taken into consideration. There are some people who are naturally loud and talkative while others aren't, but pretenders are easy to spot.
The world is changing and people with different qualifications are in abundance. So, you need to fight for your place at work. If you are happy in your comfort zone and with not being noticed — and there are many who are — then it is fine.
But if you want to move up [the corporate ladder] you have to make an effort. It is just becoming a very competitive environment, that is what is forcing people to behave in a particular manner — to fight it out and be unique.
— Laila Bin Hindi has worked as an HR business partner and is currently an entrepreneur
