If you’re on the hunt for a new role to kick off the year and are dreading the interview process, you might be surprised to learn that the key to securing your dream job could involve a bit of creativity with the truth. Interviews can be daunting, with the pressure to sell ourselves and make a memorable first impression on potential employers.
However, a careers expert has suggested that telling white lies during an interview could actually work in your favour. These aren’t lies about your qualifications or professional experience – honesty is paramount there – but small embellishments in response to certain questions could give you the edge over other candidates.
Iz, who goes by the moniker Corporate Agony Aunt online, divulged her advice in a TikTok video, asserting that there are indeed times when you “absolutely should lie” in an interview. She highlighted two key instances: when discussing how many other jobs you’re applying for and your reasons for leaving your previous job.
Iz advised: “Number one, your reason for leaving. Even if it’s the most valid reason, if it’s negative, I don’t want to hear it. Keep it positive, keep it professional, keep it progressive.”
“For example, ‘I’m looking to leave my current company because I think I’ve exhausted all of the development opportunities there. I’ve really enjoyed my time there, but I’m looking for a company like yours that is dynamic and can promote from within and help me reach my full potential’.”
Iz then advised against revealing the number of job offers or interviews you’re currently involved in. Even if you’re interviewing for your “dream job”, she warned against letting your interviewer know if it’s the only interview you’re having.
According to Iz, this could make you appear “desperate” for the job, whereas creating an impression that you have other offers makes you seem like “top talent” that companies are competing for. The expert further cautioned against sharing any travel plans with your potential employer.
She explained: “It just tells me that you’re only getting this job so you can pay for that. Part of life is about doing what you want to do, but I don’t need to hear it, so don’t be so honest in that circumstance.”
Lastly, Iz suggested not to disclose any plans of setting up your own business. Despite being a “biggest advocate for side hustles”, she believes it’s unwise to tell your interviewer that you’re working on your own venture.
While it might seem impressive, it could lead your potential employer to question your commitment to their company, suspecting that your ultimate goal is to run a successful business of your own.
Viewers of the video expressed gratitude to Iz for sharing her guidance, with several commenting that they had previously missed out on job opportunities due to being overly honest and not adhering to these steps. One commenter wrote: “Thanks for sharing your expertise and insights into employment,” while another added: “This is very useful for me as I wouldve made a lot of these mistakes, especially the last one, thanks so much for the post.”