Exaggerating a CV is illegal, is understating?

PixelPound

ArbitraryRandom said:

ace4500 said:

elsien said:

 A supermarket is not going to believe that someone from a high paid job is going to stick with them, unless you convince them otherwise.

It's a supermarket, not a mutual fund lollllllllll

What are these comments.

He's competing with 18-25 year olds who spend half the time on their phones bud, who will then leave after 5 months and spend 2 weeks of those 5 months "sick".

It's not that complicated.

If they're refusing him, then there's a reason, probably blatant ageism on account of it being a physical job.

Your description does not match not my recent experiences of managing 18-25 year olds (entry level office jobs and customer service roles) - most young people I work with at the moment are keen to pass probation/their apprenticeships (depending on the stream), progress to the lower levels of management, and have a reliable income/job history to help them secure accommodation (which is much more competitive than the job market at the moment). Average turnover is closer to 3 years than 5 months. 

Based on anecdote and observation only, but the youth of today have had a harder start than a few decades ago, and it does seem to be turning out people who are more job savvy re what they can get from their employment in terms of training and their career paths and are willing to learn/do the work to get what they want. 

My concern with the OP would be that they think they are qualified for a supermarket job just because they have previously held higher paid roles... that would suggest to me they don't understand the role they're applying for and want a hobby that gives them income rather than the job. That is probably coming through in their application/interview. 

Also why German supermarkets? Maybe it's because it's closest, which is ok, but maybe because it's higher paid (usually about £1ph or so higher).

I wonder how many people commenting have actually worked in the service industry, since there is a perception of it being "only a supermarket". Educational qualifications may be less, but they want people committed to the role. Those who are taking lots of time of sick or unreliable get managed out of the business. German supermarkets pay more because they expect their staff to be more flexible, do varieties of work, etc. 

You get a lot of people applying for the sake of it, e.g. because they are out of work, applying for everything, etc. So yes on their mindset will be why is someone on a far better salary previously wanting to apply is it just a stopgap whilst they apply for "proper jobs". So the OP would have to clearly address this even if they don't ask. Also if the OP is coming in with the mindset of just wanting an easy job to occupy their time, then this might not come across well and the employer wonder if they'll leave if it's too hard or have to be managed because they are work-shy.

If OP is just wanting to "get out of the house", rather than fiscal limitations, then as has been suggested volunteer work - there are plenty of charity shops where they could serve customers, organise stock etc and be out of the house. 

As to young people and jobs, yes most do look at a 3 year lifespan for a job, maybe less depending on what progression opportunities there are. Most don't swap after 5 months because that affects negatively in future applications (many employers ask for last 3-5 years job history, so if you've a string of 5 month jobs, that's a red flag). Plus lots of them are renting and so need a stable income. Many I've known are eager to pass their probation at a company, but will then look at progression and if there does not seem to be any or almost impossible will look to find alternative opportunities where it applies. As far as customer service roles many will want to know what opportunities there are to go team leader and management routes. It's often older workers (say 40+) who are content at what they doing (i.e. a job they like) and will not be looking to move.

jj_43

Doesn’t sound like you want a job, what other activities could give what your seeking?

Brie

I quite get this.  I stopped listing many of my qualifications later in my work life. 

First to go was the details of my universities.   I dropped off things I did when I lived in another country.  I dropped off things that I did years back.  I did note a number of things as being "information available upon request".  

The first page of my cv was just a personal statement about what a wonderful person I am and that was followed by skills and achievements.  Actual dates of when I worked where was on page 2 and restricted to about 2 lines to describe the job I did.  I got the impression in interviews that many people didn't actually look at page 2 - the only one that commented had been caught up by my final statement that I make the best banana muffins in the world.  (I believe it so I don't think we can call that a lie)

And for what it's worth - a friend who is an ex investment banker (burn out and resulting severe health issues at about 52) is now happily working for a non German market starting with a T.  In fact our local T has quite a few people of a certain age, some returning to work after the kids have gone to uni, some others who work there to support the self employed job they love, some just to get out of the house and socialise a bit with the general public.  

And if you want to get hired in retail sooner than later top of your cv should say that you are available to work all Sundays and over Christmas.  Lots of people want a job but get ruled out because they can't/won't commit to this.

Nardy

Grunt_2 said:

I'm a 50 year old mentally exhausted burnt out with 37 years work experience and just want a simple job at a simple German supermarket to force me out of the house to get some exercise and meet people. I tried and got turned down. Should I REALLY understate my CV or aim lower? I only wanted 20 hrs a week, not claiming benefits of any sort but thought it might be a bit more positive than 6 months doing nothing....I don't want to state the fact I left my last £50K job with stress and depression 6 months ago.

If your prime objective isn't to earn, then alternatives to employment are social activities and voluntary work. If you look on local forums and places such as Meet Up you may find things of interest. In terms of exercise, look for local walking groups, they can be sociable while providing exercise.

Jjessjj

I've been in the same position,  completed a sample inbox test for one company,  69 questions for another, another a personality questionnaire which was positive.   Others no response.   I usually find that the application process doesn't accord with my actual experience of many supermarket workers I encounter.   I have had a successful career as an accountant and a second and third career, all with a major customer focus, either internal or external customers.   think that I come across as too driven; I think that despite the extensive selection processes they are not looking for people wanting to progress rapidly or move on too quickly and I'm screened out because they think I'll do that when all I want is a local job, that I can leave behind at the end of the day.  Omitting the extent of your skills and experience is a good idea.