Job Interviews: Are White Lies Okay?

Posted on Oct 10th 2009, 07:41 am, under Career Advice

When you're being interviewed for a job, it might not always be to your advantage to tell them everything about yourself. We're certainly not suggesting that you lie to your future employer. If you're caught in a lie, you risk ruining your professional reputation. 

There are some things that are untouchable -- these include your education, your qualifications, and your previous work experience. However, there are some other details that you may not want to reveal fully:

Your job description

Official job titles sometimes fail to tell the whole story. If you were responsible for a lot more than your former title implies, then stretching the truth to cover what it misses is probably permissible. 

Your salary

This is a tricky one; potential employers will base your future compensation on what you made in your last job. Once again, it's never a good idea to lie outright about this. What you can do, however, is tell them the value of your previous compensation package in its entirety. Include all your benefits, such as vacation, sick leave, and salary, and then ask for a reasonable percentage increase based on this amount.

Your contacts

If you have a more than fleeting acquaintance with some industry VIPs, then drop a few names. Gauge the situation first. If it seems all right, mention that you know so-and-so, but without too much embellishment. You might get a favorable result

Your desire to work

If you're not exactly passionate about the job you're applying for, then put on your most sincere face, and fake it. Practice in front of a mirror if you have to. It's infinitely better than saying that you're absolutely desperate for any opening.

Why you left

Let's say you left your last job under less than ideal circumstances. In other words, you were laid off. If they ask, tell them about the circumstances of your departure. Don't lie; it's easy for them to do a fact check after the interview. Instead, turn the situation around: move the conversation to plans for your future and tell them what you can do to help their company.

A word of caution: Be extremely careful when fibbing about anything during an interview. As we stated above, getting caught in a lie can really damage your career. If you're in doubt at any time, then it's always better to fall back on the truth.