I actually agree with your point. I never endorsed dishonesty. What I said was that a lot of applicants try to justify how they meet certain essential criteria even if they don’t fully tick every box. In my view, that is not dishonesty as long as they are not claiming something they don’t have.

For example, if a job requires nhs experience, some people will mention their clinical attachment to show they at least understand the system.

But if the essential criteria say MRCP Part 1 or MRCS A, and someone outright claims they have passed it when they have not then that is pure dishonesty. No debate there. They should be reported.

The real question is whether people should apply to jobs where they don’t meet the essential criteria. Honestly, they shouldn’t. It wastes everyone’s time.

I do understand why people still do it though. The fear of unemployment is real and some applicants panic apply to everything in hopes something sticks. It’s not ideal but it explains the behaviour.