Job interviews are crucial times to make a good impression, and it’s tempting to give answers that will help you get the job you want. However, interviewers are experts at spotting inconsistencies or signs that a candidate is not being completely honest. Lies during an interview can be easily detected, and the consequences can be serious. In this article, we explore the most common signs that give away your lies in a job interview and how to avoid falling for them.
1. Inconsistency in responses
One of the first signs of a lie is inconsistency in answers. If a candidate says something in one question and then, when asked again about the same topic later, his or her answer changes, this can raise suspicions. Lies are often difficult to remember, and if you are not clear about what was said earlier, it can be easy to fall into contradictions.
Tip: Keep your answers clear and consistent, and it is always best to be honest, even if the answer is not what the interviewer expects.
2. Nervous body language
Body language plays a critical role in interviews, as it can reveal more than what is said in words. When someone is lying, they may show signs of discomfort such as avoiding eye contact, rubbing their hands together, or even crossing their arms. These gestures may indicate that the person is trying to hide something or doesn’t feel completely confident in what they are saying.
Tip: Practice an open posture, maintain eye contact and take deep breaths to stay calm. Body language should convey confidence.
3. Vague or evasive answers
When a candidate does not know how to answer a question or is hiding something, he or she often gives vague or evasive answers. For example, instead of providing specific examples of past accomplishments or situations, the person may give general answers such as “I’ve worked on a lot of things” or “everything has been going well.” This lack of detail may cause the interviewer to suspect that the person is not being truthful.
Tip: Be specific and provide real examples to back up your experience and skills. Details are key to demonstrating your honesty.
4. Excess of unnecessary details
Interestingly, some candidates who lie tend to give too many irrelevant details in an attempt to make their answers sound more credible. This excess of information may be a tactic to hide a lack of relevant facts. If someone goes on too long in a response that should be brief, they may be trying to fill in the gaps with false information.
Tip: Keep your answers focused on the question and the most relevant points. Don’t feel pressured to fill in the gaps with details that don’t add value.
5. Changes in the tone of voice
Tone of voice can also be a key indicator that something is not genuine. If a person begins to speak faster or slower, or their tone becomes higher pitched or deeper than usual, this can be a sign of nervousness or tension. Often, people who lie feel extra pressure that affects their tone of voice.
Tip: Maintain a clear and calm tone of voice. Don’t try to overcompensate or change the way you speak to make your answer sound more convincing.
6. Excessive defensiveness or aggressiveness
When someone is lying, it is common for them to become defensive when asked a difficult question. If a candidate responds irritably or aggressively to a simple question or tries to deflect the issue, this may indicate that he or she is trying to protect a lie. Defensiveness is a natural response when someone feels threatened by the possibility of being found out.
Tip: Maintain a relaxed and open attitude. Answer questions calmly, without taking questions as an attack.
7. Too perfect or over-rehearsed answers
If a candidate seems to have an overly polished or rehearsed answer to every question, this could be a sign that he or she is trying too hard to impress. Overly perfect answers often don’t sound natural and can be a way of hiding a lack of experience or real knowledge about the topic in question.
Tip: Be authentic and avoid giving answers that sound overly prepared. Honesty and naturalness are key in an interview.
How to prepare for a job interview?
The best way to avoid falling for lies during an interview is to prepare properly. Review your experience and accomplishments, practice your answers to common questions and make sure you are ready to speak honestly about your strengths and weaknesses.
At ENEB, we help you improve your communication, leadership and decision-making skills so you can face interviews with confidence and honesty. Our MBA and graduate programs are designed to develop authentic and transparent leaders. Discover them here.
If you want to learn more about how to stand out in an interview and increase your job opportunities, we invite you to read this article about 30 brilliant minds under 30 who are leading the new era of entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
Lies during a job interview can be easily detected, and although the temptation to exaggerate or embellish the truth is great, honesty will always be your trump card. Being authentic and transparent will not only help you get the job, but will also allow you to build a strong relationship with your future employers. Preparation and sincerity are the keys to standing out in an interview and getting the job you want. In the following article you can read more tips on how to detect lies in a job interview.
