“Accurate” C.v.....

[Smowball]

I’ve applied for a part time job that I really want, through an agency. That’s where I saw the job advertised. I’ve sent them my CV and they then rang me for a chat. It’s working for quite an unusual ‘company ‘ but one of the criteria is that I should have at least two years telephone call centre experience with accuracy to remember detail etc. Well I have done something similar but it was literally years and years ago and I can’t even remember who with. The agency have just emailed me and said could I ‘update my CV ‘ to include this and by the tone it seems she’s saying making it more recent, and give a company name. Sooooooo if I just put a date that’s more recent will they check it?? I don’t know how far back companies check your work history and I certainly don’t want to get into trouble!

[woofgang]

Hmmm some places check, some places don't....all I will say is if you are found out its not a great start to your dream job....is there no way you can identify the company you worked for?

[Khandro]

You won't "get into trouble", but if they check and find it's untrue then you probably won't get the job. If they return and get you in a corner, all you can do is say what you have said on here: that you really want to work for their company, and apologise for the inaccuracy.

[sapelesam]

I hate to be the one who points this out, but "with accuracy to remember detail," yet you can't remember an employer.

[ummmm]

Do companies keep records of ex employees for that long?

The chances are, if they are still in business, that the staff now will all be different.

[Smowball]

Sapelsam lol - it’s the details on the call you are taking at that exact moment, think I could cope with that.
No this company doesn’t even exist anymore that I worked for - I’ve looked and it’s something completely different now. We’re talking 18 years ago.

[Peter Pedant]

hmm no it seems that this time the CV people want the company name so they can check -

I have made mistakes in a CV and 'fessed at interview.

[I have Zoology A level which there isnt a box to tick for because apparently you havent been able to take it for around 20y - so I ticked boo-otobly A level and said - look I havent done any Bot....)

this one they have specifically asked and so I dont think you can give wobbly or hoo-hoo answers

[Peter Pedant]

oh then tell them - and mention they arent now trading
check before dayiing taht

[albaqwerty]

just tell them the company you worked for went bust bout 20 years ago.
I keep getting asked for references but it's a tad difficult when they are no longer on this planet :-)

Good luck tho xxx

[Smowball]

I’ve remembered the company name! I’ll just be honest about how long ago it is - if I don’t get the job there’s always another one x

[Flonska]

Difficult to say without more information.

The "telephone experience" may either be the key criteria or the rest of your CV meets requirements and the "decision maker" simply needs the information to complete the vetting to advance you to the next round. However, " . . . should have at least two years telephone call centre experience . . ." suggests they might expect this to be fairly recent or within your current position. If they are asking for the name of a Company then it would suggest it is more likely that checks/references are taken up. I do not think it would be a good idea to falsify/fudge the data.

Why not take the initiative and tell the truth that you cannot remember in detail but if you can elaborate upon other roles which did involve customer service/sales especially using the telephone, that may help.

Specific examples of positive outcomes should be included. Although not necessarily on the 'phone, can you provide examples within other areas where your "attention to detail" can be demonstrated/evidenced?

I think the Company would be more impressed with your honesty rather than run the risk of being found out as deceitful. It will play on your mind too, if you actually get the job. Don't forget you may be working a probationary period and there would still be time to terminate your employment. That won't look good on your cv.

If the next stage is an interview, then that is your ideal opportunity to enhance your skills and experience further. You can also include that you have identified an area for development - to develop/refine your telephone skills to meet/exceed standards expected of the job.

If you make the call, don't forget that how you conduct yourself may also affect the outcome. A positive reinforcement of your skills/personality may encourage them to progress your application further, even though you cannot provide evidence of one area of your work history.

[Prudie]

I'm understanding this as it's the employment agency (someone like Reed for example) asking you to add this to your CV so they can then send it to the employer as someone who meets the criteria - ie just to give you the chance to get an interview and for the agency not to be accused by the employer of sending prospective candidates to them who don't match the required skills.
Just add the name you've remembered as requested. You can do all the explanation in the interview, good luck