A third of British workers have admitted to lying on their CVs, according to a new survey.

More than 12 per cent have ëexpanded on the truthí about their exam grades and qualifications while another one in ten have lied about their reason for leaving their current job.

Five per cent of folk have even pretended to go to university, the poll by video recruitment website www.jobs2view.com revealed.

But for some the lie backfires as two per cent have been caught out by prospective employers or interviewers. Four per cent have lost out on a job because of this.

Brits donët stop at their CV when it comes to lying ñ more than one in five people have got someone such as a parent or a friend to pose as a reference.

The poll of 2,500 adults revealed that some people donít have a problem impressing bosses with their CV but simply getting through the interview without making a fool of themselves.

More than one in ten per cent have sworn while 8 per cent have fallen over. More than 10 per cent have even walked out mid-way though an interview.

But despite these slip-ups, a quarter of people say they have still been hired for the job.

However, a 25 per cent of employers say bad personal hygiene is the thing they hate the most and would immediately put them off hiring a candidate.

Bad manners and swearing are also high on the list of interview doníts.

Jon Glas, managing director of www.jobs2view.com said: ìOur CVs give employers the first impression of our skills and experiences and it seems a lot of people are lying in an effort to get their foot in the door and impress.î

ìBut this can cause a whole load of new problems as they then have to keep up the lie if they get the job.

ìWe would advise telling the truth and concentrating on your strengths rather than worrying about your weaknesses.

ìThe problem with the traditional CV is that is doesnít allow you to show off your soft skills, www.jobs2view.com allows candidates to record a video profile that accompanies their CV, so employers get to see your personality as well as your skills.î

The poll also revealed that one in five Brits have been asked a ridiculous question that had no relevance to the job.

Four per cent have been asked who they would like to trade places with and more than three per cent have been asked what animal they think they would be.

One respondent was even asked what CAKE they would be.

Top 10 things people lie about the most

Exam grades/qualifications
Hobbies
Reason for leaving current job
Employment history
Current salary
Current position
Pretended to go to University
Age
Work Experience
Holding a driving license


Top 10 interview blunders

Swearing
Walked out
Fell over
Had flies undone
Slagged off previous employers
Been sick
Kept sneezing
Had hiccups
Went blank/couldnít speak
Had a hot flush

Top 10 interview doníts

Lack of personal hygiene
Swearing
Bad moves
Lying on CV
Arriving late
Inappropriately dressed
Inconsistent with answers
Slagging off previous employers
Lack of research
Using slang

Top 5 silliest questions interviewers ask

If you could trade places with anyone for a week, who would you choose?
If you were an animal what would you be?
If you had six months, with no obligations or financial restraints what would you do?
If you had to be shipwrecked on a desert island, and all your food and water was taken care off, what two things would you choose to take with you?
If you won 10 million on the Lottery, what would you do with the money?