Career expert shares four lies to ‘always tell’ in a job interview

Landing your dream job could hinge on a surprising strategy: lying.

As the new year beckons and job-seekers look to bag their dream career, the daunting task of standing out in interviews looms large. The art of self-promotion doesn’t come naturally to many, with the pressure to impress potential employers often leading to anxiety.

However, a career guru has controversially suggested that bending the truth might just be the trick to securing that coveted position. While you shouldn’t deceive your interviewer about your qualifications or experience, certain ‘white lies’ could provide the edge needed to win over a prospective employer.

Iz, who goes by Corporate Agony Aunt online, shared her controversial advice in a TikTok video, asserting that candidates “absolutely should lie” about aspects such as the number of jobs they’re interviewing for or their reasons for leaving a previous role.

She 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 also suggested not revealing how many job offers or interviews you’re currently involved in. She warned against letting interviewers know if their role is the only one you’re pursuing, as this could make you appear “desperate”.

Instead, giving the impression that you have other offers can make you seem like “top talent” that companies are competing for. The expert further cautioned against sharing any travel aspirations with potential employers.

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 advised against revealing plans of “setting up your own empire.” Despite being the “biggest advocate for side hustles,” she believes it’s detrimental to tell your interviewer about your personal business ambitions.

This could potentially give the impression that you lack motivation to work for the company as your ultimate goal is to establish your own successful business.

Viewers appreciated Iz’s advice, with many admitting they had missed job opportunities in the past after being too honest.

One individual expressed gratitude saying: “Thanks for sharing your expertise and insights into employment.”

Another confessed: “This is very useful for me as I would have made a lot of these mistakes, especially the last one; thanks so much for the post.”