Should You Lie During a Job Interview? Here’s What You Can and Can’t Get Away With, According to Experts

When it comes to job interviews, honesty is often considered the best policy. Yet, many candidates find themselves tempted to stretch the truth. Whether it’s inflating job responsibilities, claiming a non-existent qualification, or omitting details about past employment, these fibs are more common than you might think. But how far can you go before you cross a line? We spoke with a talent acquisition specialist, who shared insights from her 10 years of experience in the industry about the lies candidates often tell, why they resort to them, and the potential repercussions of being discovered.

MEET THE EXPERT

Jeanique Swan is a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist and has about 10+ years recruitment experience.

First and foremost, lying in a job interview is generally a bad idea. While it might seem like a harmless way to get your foot in the door, it can backfire in several ways. Employers often conduct background checks, verify references, and evaluate your skills during the interview process. If they discover that you’ve lied, it can lead to immediate disqualification or even termination if you’ve already been hired. Moreover, lying can damage your professional reputation. The job market is interconnected, and word can quickly spread if you’re known for being dishonest. This can make it harder for you to secure future employment opportunities.

What You Should Never Lie About

1. Qualifications and Education:

Another frequent lie involves educational qualifications—some candidates claim to have completed matric or possess other degrees they do not actually have, believing these credentials are crucial to landing the job. Lying about your qualifications, such as claiming you have a degree you didn’t earn, is one of the most common and easily detectable lies. Employers can and often do verify your educational background. If they find discrepancies, it’s a red flag that could cost you the job.

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2. Previous Job Titles and Responsibilities

Candidates often lie about their roles and responsibilities, inflating their experience to avoid appearing inexperienced or junior. For example, a candidate might exaggerate the targets they've achieved or the level of responsibility they held in previous positions. Misrepresenting your previous job titles, responsibilities, or work experience is an area where lies can easily be caught. Employers may contact your former employers to verify your job history. If they discover that you exaggerated or fabricated your experience, it can lead to serious consequences.

3. Criminal Background

If an employer asks about your criminal background, it’s important to be truthful. Many companies conduct background checks, and lying about your criminal history can disqualify you from consideration or lead to termination.

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4. Reason for Leaving Previous Jobs

Reasons for leaving previous jobs are another area where half-truths or omissions are common. Ca-9ndidates may be reluctant to disclose issues like mental health struggles, toxic work environments, or family matters, fearing how they’ll be perceived by potential employers.

5. Driver’s License Possession

The same goes for a valid driver’s license, especially when the role requires one. And then there's the sensitive matter of criminal records. Candidates may omit this information due to embarrassment or fear of being judged, though some charges, depending on their nature and how long ago they occurred, might not impact their employment opportunities. In some cases, it’s even possible to have old charges expunged, but this requires honesty and transparency with potential employers.

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How Hiring Managers Detect Lies

Experienced hiring managers are often skilled at spotting inconsistencies in a candidate’s story. They may notice when responses to job-related questions are vague, evasive, or overly long-winded. Scenario-based or situational questions can further expose discrepancies, helping the interviewer gauge the candidate’s true level of experience and capability.

While it might seem like minor or harmless lies could slip through, experts advise against it. "Don’t do it!" urges Jeanique. "The truth always comes out in some way or form. Be honest and authentic—there is only one you."

Is Lying Ever Justifiable?

The simple answer is no. Lying during a job interview, no matter how minor it seems, is never advisable. As the saying goes, "The truth always comes out." Honesty not only builds trust with a prospective employer but also ensures that you are evaluated for who you truly are. Sometimes, being vulnerable and transparent about your experiences can work in your favour, showing the employer that you possess integrity.

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Consequences of Being Caught

If a lie is uncovered during or after the interview process, it can have serious repercussions. The candidate may be immediately disqualified from the role, as no employer wants to hire someone they can’t trust. Beyond the immediate consequences, lying can also damage your reputation in the industry.

If a candidate does manage to secure a job through deceit, the long-term implications can be severe. Once the truth is discovered, the trust relationship is irreparably damaged, potentially leading to job loss and a tarnished reputation.

Can You Get Away With It?

While some candidates might think they can get away with small lies, the truth usually emerges during background checks or employment references. In some industries, companies even go as far as to request polygraph tests, making it even harder for dishonesty to go unnoticed.

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Ethical Alternatives to Lying

Instead of lying, candidates should focus on their strengths and be upfront about their weaknesses. If there are gaps in employment or a lack of specific skills, candidates should be honest and provide context. "Life happens," says Jeanique, stressing that hiring managers should show empathy and understanding.

For those feeling underqualified, asking questions like "What does good look like to you?" or "What would you expect from me in the first three months?" can provide clarity and show a willingness to learn and grow. Being prepared, researching the company, and understanding the role can also help reduce interview anxiety and present the candidate in the best light.

When tempted to lie about gaps in employment, bad relationships with previous employers, or a lack of specific skills, remember that honesty is key. Life happens, and most hiring managers understand that people face challenges. Whether it’s a family tragedy, mental health issues, or the impact of a toxic workplace, these are valid reasons that many employers will empathise with if explained honestly.

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The Importance of Honesty and Integrity

Ultimately, honesty and integrity are key during the interview process. A candidate who is truthful and upfront is more likely to build trust with potential employers, and as one Jeanique notes, "Any great leader will know that you hire for attitude. If there are any shortcomings with regards to your skills or experience, these can be taught."

Lying may seem like a shortcut to securing a job, but the long-term consequences far outweigh any short-term gains. The best approach is to be honest, authentic, and prepared—qualities that are likely to impress any employer.