Lies You Tell In An Interview

Fake it till you make it. Nowhere else is this age old adage more applicable than in the job market. While employees are not ready to settle for anything less than super-humans, the ordinary mortals need to have few little tricks to up their sleeves. While outright faking will do more harm than good, a little bit of lying in the job interviews can serve you well and take you through.

Here are some acceptable lies that job seekers around the world tell during the interview. They are acceptable because these lies are not core to the job description and the interviewer expects to hear them from you.

Lies you tell in an interview:

I am a team man: You have fought with everyone in every team you were ever a part of. But you cannot say you don't like to be in a team or else you won't get the job. So announce with pride- "I am a team man"

I am a fast learner: This is the standard answer everyone gives gives when the employer asks you how different your new job can be from your previous experiences. You might like to take your own time learning anything new, but you cannot tell that to the interviewer. But, he wants to hear that you are a quick learner.

I am a self-driven individual: Employers hate laggards. They want people who are self-motivated and achievement oriented. So even if you are only as much self-driven as someone possessing a driving license, tell them you need no external push to finish your duties.

This time it's different: Your resume shows you have changed six jobs in five years duration. Your employer knows you are the opportunistic types, but you should promise that you are a changed person. You are expected to say that you are sick of changes and seek stability now. Though your promise is only as strong as the next opportunity is good, you cannot say you are here for short term.

I am not a party animal: Employers don't like employees who take half day off on Fridays and turn up hung over on Mondays. If you love your parties and it often spills over to your Mondays, don't tell this to your employer. When he asks what do you like to do on weekends, tell him you like to spend good time with your family.

These are few lies that you tell during an interview. Do you have more to add to the list?