Managers are the worst offenders when it comes to making false claims on their resumes, research by a talent assessment company shows. A study of 1277 workers by SHL showed that 39% of managers had lied in their profiles. By comparison, the number of workers who had lied in a resume was down to 25% in 2012 from 32% last year, which suggested that job seekers were more confident about their credentials with the economy bouncing back.

“It’s alarming to see that managers are the worst offenders for misrepresenting themselves to employers, with 18% exaggerating or making up their level and range of experience,” the Age quoted SHL managing director Stephanie Christopher as saying.

According to Christopher, managers who lacked the necessary skills to manage a team, bring projects to completion or adhere to budgets could affect the business.

“Managers’ false claims to experience can also undermine their credibility, ultimately affecting team morale and productivity when it becomes evident they do not have the appropriate skills.”