When it comes to interviewing for a job, most people will emphasise the importance of practising honesty and authenticity.
While this may often be sage advice, corporate expert Isobelle Panton has revealed there are some instances in which lying in an interview can actually bolster your chances of landing the job.
British careers expert Isobelle runs a popular TikTok account offering advice to those hoping to get their foot on the career ladder.
Taking to the app, the self-described ‘career agony aunt’ outlined four situations where avoiding difficult truths and keeping past work-related disputes under wraps could work to your advantage.
She began the video by introducing candidates to the lies you ‘absolutely should tell’ in an interview – and her advice has racked up more than one million views online.
Isobelle said the first instance where it may be appropriate to lie is when a recruiter asks about the reason for leaving your previous position.
Rather than exposing the details of a bitter row or dispute, Isobelle suggested keeping it professional and answer in a way that looks forward to opportunities in the new company.
‘Even if it is the most valid reason. If it’s negative, I don’t want to hear it,’ she insisted in the video.
Corporate expert Isobelle Panton (pictured) has revealed the lies you should tell in an interview if you want to secure the job
‘Keep it positive, keep it professional, keep it progressive,’ she advised.
Rather than delving into why things didn’t work out, Isobelle advised candidates to focus on highlighting their aspirations for the role they are interviewing for.
She then gave an example of more diplomatic ways you could talk about your previous employment, such as: ‘I’m looking to leave my company because I think I’ve exhausted all of my development opportunities there.
‘I 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.’
Isobelle’s second suggestion for when it might be acceptable to bend the truth involved the number of job offers you claim to have on the table.
‘Always lie about how many offers or processes you’re in,’ she said.
‘Even if this is your dream job – that this is your only interview that you’re having because it gives the air of desperation that you really need this job.
‘Whereas, if they think you have multiple eggs in multiple baskets, they perceive you as top talent and being perceived as top talent means you’re more likely to get the offer that you’re actually looking for.’
Taking to the app, the self-described ‘career agony aunt’, outlined four situations where avoiding difficult truths and keeping past work-related disputes under wraps could work to your advantage
Isobelle also stressed that candidates should avoid discussing any plans that might involve leaving the company, such as travel or emigration – since most employers aren’t looking for short-term hires.
‘Number three – if you have any big plans to go and travel Thailand for a year, I don’t want to hear about them,’ she said.
‘The amount of people that admit to wanting to go travelling a year later. It just tells me that they’re only getting this job so that they can pay for that.
‘And you know what, fair enough, pop off. Life is about what you want to do but I don’t need to hear about it so don’t be so honest in that circumstance, don’t let me know, I don’t want to know.’
Last but not least, the expert recommended keeping any future entrepreneurial ambitions private.
According to the expert, businesses will be less inclined to hire an individual who they think has hopes of moving on in the future, since this could make them less motivated to work hard for the company,
‘Lie about setting up your own empire,’ she emphasised. ‘I’m the biggest advocate for side hustles – love a side hustle don’t get me wrong.
People rushed to the comments to thank Isobelle for her advice – but others thought it was better to ‘just be yourself’
Although most advice will tell you to be honest in interviews, there are some situations where a white lie may get you far, according to experts (stock image)
‘But if you join an interview and you basically tell me, this job is seed money for your own entity, I’ll perceive you to be on work time on the weekend and on the evenings and I’ll be like, your motivation to work for me is slim to none so why are you even interviewing?’
‘There are some lies that are worth it,’ she concluded.
Several commenters expressed their gratitude for the advice. One wrote: ‘Thanks for sharing your expertise and insights into employment.’
Another wrote: ‘I’ve been lying to companies in interviews since I was 16 my mum taught me that.’
A third mused: ‘Oh my god, I needed to hear this, especially the first point cos i’m naturally an honest person.’
However, another person said: ‘Be yourself – that’s what gets you the job huns.’