How Much Should You Lie On Your CV For That New D365 F&O Role?

Let us be clear. This is not a guide on how to lie. It is a warning !!!

In the D365 Finance and Operations world, people hear about high day rates, fast promotions, and big project roles. It is easy to start thinking you can skip steps and jump ahead. Some do that by stretching the truth on their CVs. The reality is this. If you are not prepared, you will be found out. And it will set you back further than you think. The real question is not whether to lie. It is whether you actually understand what you are ready for. And how to avoid boredom and burnout once you get in.

The 70/30 Rule

This is a principle I use when reviewing roles for myself or others. You want any new role to be about 70 percent things you already know and can deliver with confidence. The remaining 30 percent should be areas that push you and help you grow. Less than 70 percent and you will struggle to keep up. More than 70 percent and you will switch off in a few months. This balance gives you space to shine while still building new skills.

Apply This Rule to Job Profiles

When you look at a D365 F&O job, break it down into key focus areas such as: - General ledger and finance module experience - Procurement and sourcing - Accounts receivable and payable - Fixed assets - Data migration and data entities - Power Platform exposure - Security roles and workflow - Business process mapping - End user training and testing - Working with stakeholders

Now ask yourself two honest questions: Which of these can I do without checking a guide? Which would I need help with or learn as I go? If you are guessing on most of the list, the job is not for you yet.

Questions to Check Your Readiness

These questions will help you assess your true level: - Can I explain a full D365 F&O process to someone else without reading? - Have I worked through at least one full implementation phase? - Have I done real configuration and not just watched someone else? - Do I know how to solve basic issues or only follow instructions? - Have I supported a go live or handled user questions directly?

If you are saying “sort of” or “kind of” to most of these, build more experience before aiming higher.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

I once met someone who landed a high-paying D365 role after only a few months of training. On paper, they looked ready. But within three weeks, they were overwhelmed. They could not answer simple questions about workflow. They relied on copying others’ configs. And they avoided stakeholder meetings completely. By month two, their contract was ended. Not because they were not smart, but because they skipped the foundation. Money should never be the main goal. Mastery first. Money second.

Final Thought

If you are serious about a career in D365 Finance and Operations, treat your first roles as training grounds. Do not chase the highest rate. Chase the deepest experience.The people who win long term are the ones who can walk into any business, ask the right questions, and solve real problems. You will not learn that by skipping steps. You learn it by doing the work. The slow, steady, smart way.