Is the only way to get an entry level job in the UK to lie on your CV??

I’m recently out of college (about 3 months ago) and looking for a job in Surrey while I’m on a gap year. Maybe I was just really naive but I genuinely thought getting a job at M&S, Sainsburys, a cafe etc would be pretty easy 😭

I’ve applied to basically every cafe in my area as well as loads of retail jobs and so far I’ve had 3 interviews. 2 were unsuccessful and the other one turned out to be a pyramid scheme/scam lol.

I know I don’t have loads of experience but I did volunteer for a year at an Alzheimer’s cafe, so I thought that would at least count for something. I’m just finding it really frustrating because obviously I don’t have 2 years of retail experience when I’m literally trying to get my first basic job. I keep seeing people saying that you basically have to lie/exaggerate things on your CV to get through the first stage and honestly I’m starting to understand why people do it because being completely honest doesn’t seem to be working very well for me.

For anyone who’s been in the same situation recently, what actually worked for you? Did you change your CV, apply somewhere specific, go into places in person, use an agency etc? I’m not looking for some amazing career right now, I literally just want a normal entry level job for my gap year so I can save up a little for uni (food , bills , etc).

Would really appreciate any advice because I’m starting to feel like I’m doing something wrong.