Employment Expert Reveals Five Things You Can Safely Lie About In A Job Interview

A Canadian jobseeker learned the hard way that honesty doesn't always pay when his dream role vanished after mentioning a pre-booked family holiday during final negotiations.

The brutal reality check has sparked debate among career coaches about when transparency might actually hurt your chances in today's cutthroat job market.

The Canadian Job Seeker's Cautionary Tale

The job seeker experienced a crushing blow when a prospective employer took back a job offer because they found out about a scheduled vacation. Sharing his disappointment online with the username Cigixx on Reddit, the applicant described how his employment search suddenly ended just as he thought he had succeeded.

'Job offer cancelled because of pre-planned vacation,' his post stated, clearly showing his letdown. He had been progressing smoothly through the hiring stages—making a good impression in conversations, performing well on evaluations, and already picturing his initial day at work. Then, the inquiry came: 'Got any vacations planned?'

Sadly, a fortnight away from work led to him losing the opportunity. Therefore, honesty might be ideal in general, but being overly candid during job interviews could indeed prevent you from getting hired.

Hiring professionals believe a few thoughtfully created minor fabrications (or deliberate adjustments to the facts) can be crucial in the current demanding employment landscape. 'The job market is tougher than ever, with job vacancies in the UK dropping at the start of this year,' says Guy Thornton, founder of PracticeAptitudeTests.com.

'Standing out means putting your best foot forward, and sometimes, that means playing the game,' Thornton adds. So, what are those small fibs that could actually help you get your dream job? Here's what the professionals suggest you should adjust in your next interview.

Navigating Employment Gaps

People have breaks in their work history for various understandable reasons. 'Whether it is travelling, taking a career break, or focusing on personal commitments, these gaps are completely normal,' experts suggest. Even so, some hiring managers might see these gaps unfavourably.

'They might worry that you are not committed, that your skills are out of date, or even question whether you were let go from a previous role,' the experts note.

'That does not mean you cannot present these gaps in a positive light on your CV or in an interview. Instead of focusing on what you did not do, highlight what you did. Freelancing, professional courses, and volunteering all show initiative and ongoing development.'

Experts say you can describe these experiences even if they weren't formal employment to showcase your abilities and drive to remain active in your industry.

Addressing Your Weaknesses

Experts point out that questions about shortcomings are near-constant in job interviews. Many individuals find it hard to respond truthfully without harming their prospects.

'Interviewers are not really looking for a list of your flaws,' they add. 'They want to know that you are self-aware and working to improve.'

Professionals advise using the 'ten: ninety rule' as an effective strategy. Dedicate about ten percent of your answer to outlining the weakness and the majority, around ninety percent, to explaining the steps you're taking to overcome it.

'Choose a weakness that is real but not a deal breaker for the job. For example, rather than saying you struggle with deadlines, you could mention that you used to take on too much at once, but you recognised this, and have learnt to prioritise more effectively,' they note.

Discussing Your Career Goals

It's perfectly acceptable to view a job as a temporary step or a way to support your future ambitions. However, experts say, this isn't information you should share with a potential employer during an interview.

'Employers want to invest in people who are committed, even if they only stay for a short time. If you admit that you see the role as nothing more than a temporary fix, they may choose another candidate who appears more focused,' they explain.

Instead, they recommend discussing what interests you about the opportunity and how you envision contributing to the organisation. This isn't about being untruthful; it's about showcasing yourself as the most suitable candidate while still maintaining your integrity.

Explaining Your Departure

Many individuals leave their jobs due to challenging workplace dynamics or problematic supervisors. While this might be the reality, mentioning it in an interview could portray you as unprofessional or pessimistic.

'Employers want to hire someone who will fit into their team and maintain a positive attitude,' the experts explain. 'Instead of focusing on what you disliked about your last job, highlight what you are looking for in your next one.'

A better strategy is to convey that you have reached a ceiling for growth and are seeking a fresh challenge.