THE Apprentice has been a three-month job interview that has kept viewers glued to the screens.

But, as with all reality television, it is the errors and exaggerations that produced the cringeworthy moments.

Kerri-Ann Boyle, of recruitment specialists Sellick Partnership, watched the Apprentice-wannabes make a number of common errors in the way they approached their CV and tackled the interview process.

“Lorraine Tighe was the second candidate in two years to falsify her details and then pass this off as ‘typing error,’ embellishing her length of employment at one appointment by 12 months,” she said.

“This is possibly a sign of the times where candidates are afraid to lose job opportunities, due to high levels of competition.

“However, when candidates overstate their CVs, this can be extremely frustrating for the interviewer.

“Where writing a CV is concerned, honesty is always the best policy. It is likely that the truth will inevitably emerge when candidates are probed or when references are taken, which can be extremely embarrassing and uncomfortable for both parties.

“Additionally, exaggerating aspects of your CV will mean there is a high possibility that employers will overestimate your capabilities, which when offered a role could have detrimental affects.

“Only one in five of the candidates, Kate Walsh, was praised on her ability to remain controlled and unflappable in the interview process. Kate clearly was an intelligent and articulate woman – who wasn’t phased by the interviewers, whereas other candidates appeared to strain under the pressure.

“It is important to remember that the main purpose of the interview stage is a two-way process, providing both parties the opportunity to ascertain whether or not you are suited to the role and culture of the organisation.”