The job application process: integrity always wins out
It’s very easy for a candidate to embellish or exaggerate something that they think will increase their chances of securing a new job. However, a small inaccuracy can develop a momentum of its own, and it becomes increasingly difficult to ‘walk it back’. In the long-term, integrity and honesty always win out in the job application process.
Complicity: who stands to gain?
Now, let me be really clear. I believe that most candidates, recruiters and hiring teams are honest, ethical and totally professional. That said, there are temptations.
At face level, the person most likely to lie, omit, exaggerate, and so on, on their CV or in a job application is the candidate. Indeed, a 2026 UK survey by StandOut CV found that 46.3% of 1,004 respondents admitted to lying on their CV at least once. The most common areas were skills (52.3%), previous work experience (43.4%) and job titles (37.9%). However, in making inaccurate statements, the candidate isn’t necessarily alone - others in the process may be complicit.
The recruiter wants the candidate to get hired so that they can collect their fee.
The hiring manager wants to get the position filled, especially if it is one of the deliverables for their annual appraisal.
It’s all too easy to let things slide until, that is, those decisions come back to bite you.
Process and Scrutiny
For this very reason, most organisations now have due diligence processes that require deep scrutiny of the education, qualifications and professional experience of candidates going through a recruitment process. Quite rightly, too.
Here’s an example from my past. When I was a headhunter, we had a candidate who claimed to have led some large M&A transactions. Something didn’t ring true. I tracked down a couple of people who had been on the same deals, and their interpretation of who had led the deals was different.
Knowing this, we couldn’t put that candidate forward for the role. I realised that if I had done so, my ability and integrity as a recruiter would have been called into question and would have severely damaged my business. Plus, I would have been letting down my fantastic clients.
Difficult to rebuild
I fundamentally believe that integrity, trust and reputation are key for anyone, especially in Financial Services. Once lost, even on a small point, they are difficult to rebuild. Be scrupulously clear and accurate with anything that is said or written. That includes any reinterpretation that interviewers feed back to you. Clear up any ambiguities and inaccuracies in the moment, if you can.
Conclusion
It’s perfectly legitimate to present yourself in the best light during an interview. However, be clear about what are your individual successes or achievements, and that of a different leader, team, colleagues, and so on. Quite apart from anything else, what you have achieved so far in your career is probably plenty enough to impress the interview team and maybe secure the job. There is no need to over-egg it when the consequences of doing so can be significant.
If you’re interested in discussing how you can honestly - but effectively - showcase your achievements and the value that you bring to the table, let’s talk. Use this link to book a free 15-minute call in which we can begin to discuss your Value Add Messages and what you should be highlighting in a job application process.