Lying is never a good idea. Professionally it could have far-reaching ramifications. Instead, take time and reflect on your previous interviews and failures and take steps to grow out of them so that you don’t ever have to lie.
Photo credit: Wayhomestudio
The temptation to lie in an interview in an effort to get the deal of our lives is real. Other times we conceal some truths (or lying by omission) so that we can get a better deal. In many other scenarios, people even exaggerate their accomplishments and achievements in the hope of a desirable outcome.
However, lying is never a good idea. Professionally it could have far-reaching ramifications. The consequences could take time for you to recover. It could spoil your reputation and destroy trust. But what is the motivation behind these lies?
Reasons why interviewees lie
These are some of the common reasons why people lie in interviews:
To win the admiration of the panel and probably sway their decision
There are interviewees who lie about their achievements and accomplishments so that they can earn the respect of the interviewers. Here’s an example of what someone could say in a Sales interview, “In my tenure as a salesperson I saw the sales of the company grow by more than 80%.”
They intend to present a false narrative that they achieve great results and would do the same for this new company. Their expectation is that the panel will be mesmerized by their results and hire them.
To justify long gaps in a resume
There are times when people go for long periods without employment and it features in their CVs. Sometimes these gaps may be long and can raise the interviewers’ eyebrows. As a result, interviewees tend to lie about that period of time they were not working to make themselves seem like viable candidates.
Some people say that they were taking care of a sick person at home while others lie about volunteering. Career counselor Melissa Buerkett says that you don’t have to lie about that period you were not working. Especially if you had left the workforce for personal reasons.
In fact, she says that you don’t have to explain in detail. Simply say that you took some time off of work for personal reasons.
If I get this job I’ll be willing to relocate
One of the most common lies people tell so that they can get the job is lying about how they would be willing to relocate. Sometimes the job at stake could be located in another city, state, county or even country. And this decision will be momentous and very difficult for anyone who would consider taking it on. But people would do or say anything to secure that opportunity.
The wisest thing to do in such a situation, however, is to think carefully about the viability and ramifications of making such a transition to your life and family. If making the move would cost you more than you’re willing to lose, be honest with your potential employer. Since Covid-19 affected our working models, you can propose to them you’d be willing to work remotely and travel to the workstation occasionally or when needed.
Lying that you know how to do something when in reality you don’t
This is mostly true for technical roles. When people are questioned about their ability to accomplish some specific tasks, they tend to make the panel believe that they can. Yes, even one famous billionaire said that you should say you can do it even if you don’t know how to.
However, think about the consequences if the employers/recruiters find out that you can’t. Other times you’ll think that you can learn the skill, but what if it’s not that easy and it takes time? Will the blowback be worth it?
One HR professional who was working at UNON back then told me that you shouldn’t be ashamed when you know that you can’t do something. She in fact encouraged me to apply for jobs that require me to learn more.
According to her, if you apply for a job that you can fully perform, you might end up experiencing a plateau. You will also experience career stagnation. So it is a good thing to apply for jobs that require you to stretch yourself or jobs that challenge you out of your comfort zone.
In the interview, however, let your interviewers know that you can learn fast and that you’re inspired by a relentless desire to keep growing and adapting.
Common lies that interviewees tell:
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I quit my last job.
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The commute will not be strenuous for me. I am willing to commute.
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I am very passionate about this industry.
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I am a people person.
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Most of my free time is spent giving back to the community and volunteering.
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I graduated top of my class with First Class honors.
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I was a senior manager at my previous job.
Compelling reasons against lying in an interview
The following are compelling reasons to avoid lying by all means:
You might not meet the employer’s expectations
You might get a role that you lack the capacity to function in. If an employer gives you a role, they expect you to expedite it with excellence. They give you that job and the perks that come with it because they believe you can handle it.
But since you are not equipped to handle the workload, the signs will start to show. The famous saying goes: the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Consequently, by the time they realize, so much stagnation and regression has happened.
Shows lack of self-confidence
A person can only lie if they are not confident in what they are offering. If you truly believe in yourself and the capacity you have built over time, you have nothing to hide. You have spent years building experience and learning from your mistakes.
Additionally, you invested years studying and researching so that you can master that field that you are in. All the more, you should be confident in what value you have acquired over the years and bank on it to land your next opportunity.
You’ll fail the background checks
Lastly, companies these days perform rigorous background checks. Some people lie about their previous salary so that they can get a higher salary in the next job. However, some Human Resource departments ensure that they verify everything that the candidate said.
If you forfeit the truth, it will eventually be found out. The consequences are usually dire, especially for someone’s career.
Statistics necessitate background checks.
34% of all application forms contain outright lies about experience, education, and ability to perform essential functions on the job according to the Wall Street Journal.
Honesty never gets rusty
Always be truthful and honest. You will get value for your worth. While it may seem limiting, a famous Nairobi organization’s mission statement advises; Go deep to reach wide. If you build your work ethic and value-add to your skills, opportunities will come looking for you.
One quote that always inspires me says that there are no retakes to a first impression. When you lie you come off as desperate and that could go badly for you. One, the employer might take you in but take advantage of you. Alternatively, they might deem you as unqualified and you miss the opportunity.
Take time and reflect on your previous interviews and failures and take steps to grow out of them so that you don’t ever have to lie.
