Three Essential “White Lies” A Recruiter Advises Job Seekers to Tell During Interviews

By Moon Harper

Mar 29, 2024 02:00 AM EDT

While honesty is the best policy, a recruitment expert suggests the most critical lies to say in a job interview to enhance your chances of securing your dream job.

With her experience as a recruiting manager in the tech industry, Bonnie Dilber has guided numerous individuals through rigorous hiring procedures. Drawing from this insight, she highlights the strategic white lies that can distinguish candidates. Instead of dwelling on negatives during interviews or presenting oneself poorly on resumes, Dilber offers her insights online to assist individuals in mastering the art of interviewing.

Avoid Speaking Negatively

From Seattle, Dilber stresses the importance of refraining from negativity about previous employers, avoiding appearing solely motivated by money and demonstrating a commitment to long-term tenure in a new role. She underscores the significance of these strategies by emphasizing that employers seek individuals who exhibit enthusiasm and genuine interest in their work, highlighting the need to convey this attitude right from the beginning.

Dilber cautioned that complaining about your manager or colleagues might make them question your ability to collaborate effectively. If you suggest that the company demands too much, they might doubt your performance and could raise concerns for a prospective employer, fearing you may also speak negatively about them in the future.

Many prefer collaborating with individuals who maintain a positive outlook and emphasize their strengths rather than dwelling on the negatives. Dilber advises individuals to concentrate on what they are running toward rather than what they are running from.

Express Genuine Passion Over Compensation

Regarding salary, the Pew Research Center discovered that half of the workers who switched jobs from April 2021 to March 2022 received a 9% wage increase, whereas those who remained in their positions saw a decrease of over 1%. Thus, salary is often a significant motivator, prompting Dilber to advise candidates against discussing it during interviews.

Dilber emphasized that while it is understood that compensation is a primary motivator for most individuals, employers also seek candidates who demonstrate genuine passion for their work and align with the company's mission. If you solely emphasize salary without a deep understanding of the company's objectives, you might not be an appealing candidate.

Demonstrate Strong Commitment to Tenureship

However, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to staying and developing within a company. With a surge in job resignations in 2021, companies have become increasingly concerned about retaining their top talent. Employers want assurance that candidates envision a future with their organization. When addressing this topic, Dilber frequently expresses enthusiasm for personal and professional growth opportunities within the company, highlighting her eagerness to evolve her skills and explore various avenues for advancement.

Dilber shared her tips in a TikTok video (@bonniedilber) on November 14, outlining what candidates "should lie about" in every interview. The video gained rapid traction, amassing over 1.5 million views and 136,600 likes online.

The response to her video surprised Dilber, but she encouraged people to maintain confidence in their abilities and follow their instincts during interviews.

The insightful tips garnered significant attention, eliciting over 1,300 comments on the TikTok post. While some commended her advice, others pointed out that these strategies should be standard practice for any interviewee.

One commenter remarked on the necessity of common sense, expressing surprise that people might not already follow these guidelines. Another emphasized the significance of avoiding complaints about current jobs, noting it as a significant red flag. Another user suggested that interviews effectively gauge an individual's proficiency in deception, stating that Interviews are just tests to see how well you lie.