Winning the Dream Job ñ How Far Would You Go?

A new survey of graduates starting out in the world of work has highlighted the lengths they will go to for the perfect job

Over 1 in 10 would be prepared to sleep with the decision maker to get their dream job

10% would wear provocative clothing

15% would lie in the interview

14% would harass the decision maker with phone calls and visits.

75% would be prepared to lie about their personal skills and interests on their CV; and 30% would lie about their work experience

A survey of new graduates has highlighted the lengths they will now go to to secure their perfect job in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

The survey, for graduate recruitment company Pareto Law, questioned nearly 300 graduates on how they would approach getting their ideal job, from preparation of the CV to the job interview itself.

When it comes to their CVs 3 out of 4 respondents said they would lie about their personal skills and interests, while 1 in 3 would lie about their work experience to date. Other areas where lies are used include the referees provided, A-level results, age, class of degree and even gender.

Jonathan Fitchew, managing director of Pareto Law, commented: ìThereís a lot of competition in the job market now, and the findings of the survey show just how far some people are prepared to go to get their dream role. Itís never advisable to lie either on your CV or in an interview ñ at some point you will get caught out, even if itís after youíve got the job.î

When asked about the interview situation 1 in 6 respondents said they were prepared to lie in an interview situation, and only slightly less said they would harass the decision maker with phone calls and visits.

12% said they would be willing to sleep with the decision maker to get their dream job, while 9% would wear provocative clothing. However, only 6% said they would pass someone elseís work off as their own.

Jonathan added: ìThe problem for employers is how to identify fact from fiction if all they use is a CV, a quick meeting and their gut feel. The good news is that there are some proven assessment and interview techniques that can be used to reveal the real character and skills of an individual, helping employers recruit the best person for each role.î

In terms of actually improving their working lives, a pay rise was the main requirement, with 61% choosing this option. Other ways of bettering the working life were a shorter commute, more holidays, a different boss, and a bar at work.