The white lies of job search

Are you an honest person? Well, stop that. At least when it comes to job search. It’s not an easy message to deliver without splashing mud on the messenger, but (total) honesty isn’t always the best policy when talking with interviewers and recruiters.

If you believe there’s a difference between lying to deceive (not good) and lying to maintain a minimal social balance, then read on. But if you’re firm in your belief that lying is never acceptable, then this might not be the column for you.

Still here? I’ll explain what I mean about social balance. Let’s say your friend greets you at a party and asks dramatically, “Don’t you love my outfit?” Everyone’s already seen her at the party, so there’s little point in explaining how unflattering the duds are. Here in the Midwest, we’ve learned to say, “That’s so unique!” Anyone wanting to keep the social balance with this friend will stop there and go for more punch.

To a greater degree than job seekers realize, the same principle applies to interviews. When the employer asks a question they shouldn’t, or queries you about something you don’t want to discuss, it may be time for a wellphrased white lie.

To clarify, this strategy is not advised when your intent is to hide something the employer has a right / need to know. When asked if you can operate a piece of machinery, you can massage the answer (“I’ve been learning…”) but you should not say yes if the answer is no.

But what about questions the employer has no real right or need to ask? You can’t expect to build a warm relationship by replying, “That’s not something you need to know” or even, “I’d prefer not to answer that.” Any brush back you provide is going to ding the employer’s ego while making you seem secretive.

This is where the white lie or partial truth would come in. For example…

Where do you plan to be in five years? or What are your plans to retire?

The truth: You’re not excited about this job, but you really need it. Or, perhaps you’re planning to retire in three years, provided you can manage it.

Strategy: Even if you provided the truth as you know it, it’s only your best guess. You can’t know the future any more than the interviewer can. It’s better to answer the spirit of the question, which is likely, “Is it worth our trouble to train you in?”

White lie answer: “Retirement isn’t something I’m thinking about at this stage of my life …” or “I’m eager to get settled into the job so I can see how I can contribute. If there are promotions or new duties to discuss once I’ve mastered this position, I’d be open, but for now I’m happy to stay focused on this role.”

Where else are you interviewing? Or Have you had many interviews so far?

The truth: Interviews have been scarce. Or perhaps you’ve been talking with less prestigious companies.

Strategy: This is so not their business. If you don’t think the truth will put you in a favorable light, it’s best not to share it.

White lie answer: “I’ve been surprised at how busy I’ve been. It was actually a little challenging to fit this conversation in, but I’m so glad we were able to make it work. This is one of the companies I’m most interested in.”

How did you get along with your last boss?

The truth: Oh, no. That was one miserable person to work for.

Strategy: The naked truth is not going to help you build a relationship with the new boss since any negativity you express will count against you, not the past employer. Find some small nugget of positivity and build on that.

White lie answer: “She was known for her high standards, which is one of the reasons I can be so confident when I tell you that my work is clear, accurate and concise. I learned a lot from her.”

How do you feel about overtime?

The truth: You don’t like it and don’t want it – but you know it might be inevitable.

Strategy: Give a partial truth, but without attitude.

White lie answer: “I’ll always dig in and stay when it’s needed. But I like to find other solutions when I can, to help my company save money.”

Did you notice the extra twist on that response? Bonus points are awarded for answers that also include a benefit to the employer. Now that you know the formula, you can practice a few of your own white lies for those non-answerable questions you’re likely to face.

Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 626 Armstrong Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102.