1 in 3 Aussie job hunters admit to lying during job search

New research has revealed that many Aussie job hunters fabricate different sections of their work credentials, – hoping to land employment.

Research conducted by Tapt, which surveyed 1,003 Aussies, found that one in three have lied during their job search. According to the data, 33 per cent of respondents lied about “why [they] left [their] previous employer”, with another 20.1 per cent telling porkies about the current salary they are on.

The data also highlighted that lying about employment dates was the second most common deception, with 30.6 per cent of respondents doing so. A total of 6.8 per cent claimed they faked references, whereas 2.4 per cent lied about their criminal history.

The research also revealed that men were slightly more likely to tell fibs, with 34.9 per cent confessing to being dishonest compared to 31.2 per cent of women.

In terms of the age brackets, younger generations are leading the way in job search lies, with 43.9 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds admitting to capping when it came to the job search, compared to only 15.4 per cent of those over 65.

As the Australian job market for young workers continues to be a battleground, young workers are far more blasé about fabricating their experience or job credentials as they are all competing for limited positions.

“Our findings show that Australians aren’t afraid to bend the truth when job searching, with a third of jobseekers doing so,” said Elon Datt, founder and chief executive at Tapt.

“While some may think a white lie will improve their chances of landing a job, employers have more tools than ever to verify credentials, from reference checks to AI-driven hiring processes. Getting caught in a lie can not only cost you the job but also impact future opportunities in your industry. In extreme cases, lying during the hiring process could also land you a fine and even jail time.”

“Rather than fabricating details, jobseekers should focus on positioning their real experience in the best light. Tailoring a résumé to highlight key skills and achievements is a smart approach – but accuracy matters.”

“This is especially true when networking, where building genuine relationships can open doors to new opportunities. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate their strengths honestly, as trust and credibility go a long way in securing the right role.”

Kace O'Neill

Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.