Job application errors at highest level in four years

The proportion of inaccurate applications is at its highest level since 2011, according to the latest research from HireRight.

The candidate due diligence company has found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of job applications in the first quarter of 2015 contained errors.

The quarterly Candidate Health Check survey shows that the level of mistakes has risen on all sections of CVs, with the exception of education. However, education is still the area where candidates are most likely (39%) to include inaccurate information.

More than a third (36%) of applications contain errors about employment history, while 30% of applications make false claims about professional qualifications and memberships.

Steve Girdler, Managing Director EMEA, HireRight, says: “With slower growth forecast in 2015 than last year and the uncertainty a General Election can create in the market, it is unsurprising that we have seen an increase in errors or exaggerations.

“To attract and recruit the most suitable applicants during this time of change, businesses need to balance carrying out due diligence that ensures candidates are qualified, with ensuring a positive recruitment journey.”

The research also shows that the proportion of people lying about holding a Director position has risen every quarter for 18 months – with a 40% rise compared to the same period last year.