[denton-scratch]

I've never seen a CV that didn't include significant mendacity.

My CV was always pretty straight-up, I think; but it certainly included some "check-box" skills that I either didn't care to exercise, or on which my real knowledge wasn't exactly complete mastery.

I think my CVs were successful not because of the check-box skills, but because I would take a lot of care over spelling, vocabulary and grammar. Many employers filter-out CVs with poor English. And many employers don't know how to detect a superstar, either from their CV or at interview. They use the standard of written English as a proxy.

It's not fair, of course; I've worked with superstar engineers who had bad written English. But it's reality.

[mickjagger]

I’ve never lied or stretched the truth with my career.

My mother said to me once “The only thing you have in this world is your reputation. Don’t ruin it.”

[denton-scratch]

I respect that!

I think your mum was wrong though; ultimately you can't control your reputation, but your self-respect is under your control.