Why It's Important to Interview Honestly and Openly

Interviews can be one of the most stressful steps in the job search process. Applicants often botch interviews with common mistakes and slip-ups, such as telling little — or even big — lies. Honest interviews make for great professional experiences later, and if an applicant's job offer is based on a lie, it can come back to haunt him later.

Honesty in interviews can be tough, especially if an applicant is dealing with something like a very long unemployment gap. If an applicant was recently fired, that can be an embarrassing fact that he chooses to lie about in an interview. However, a better strategy is to tell the truth without giving away every little detail simply because it's true.

It's important to remember that there are certain personal and professional details that are not appropriate or even recommended for the honest interview space. For example, if an applicant stayed out of the work force for two years because he was playing video games in his parents' basement after graduating college, it may be in his best interest to simply tell the interviewer that he took a two-year sabbatical after college.

There are three things that an applicant should never, ever lie about in the interview. Lying about residency is one of them. If a company thinks an applicant is local when he isn't, the company may schedule interviews so suddenly that the applicant can't make them. More importantly, lying about residency means that the applicant won't be able to take advantage of any relocation packages that the company may offer him.

Lying about previous salaries is also a big rule breaker. It's much easier than many applicants believe for a potential employer to find out real salary histories. If the company discovers the applicant has lied about a previous salary to justify a higher starting salary, the company may rescind the employment offer. Instead, adhere to the strategies of an honest interview and tell the company about any salary expectations ahead of time.

Finally, if an applicant was fired from a previous position, lying about it to a potential employer is unwise. Employers can easily discover the truth should they choose to check, and it's not worth the complications that arise when an applicant gets caught in a lie. Being dishonest about your previous employment can really hurt that company's impression of your character. Honest interviews can be tough when explaining situations like these, but potential employers are generally impressed by an applicant's ability to keep a cool head and tell the truth.

Honest interviews are the best way to approach the job application process. Moreover, job seekers can give damaging information, such as unemployment gaps or terminations, without diminishing their reputation with the potential employer. Honest interviews are key for building a strong and solid relationship with the employer before the applicant is offered a position.

"Interview" by Alan Cleaver licensed by CC BY 2.0.