Telling the truth in a job interview -Part 1
One of the most concerning questions before an interview is how to tell your story – should it be the truth and nothing but the truth or is there an element of fibbing.
Examples:
- If you did not get along with your manager at your previous position and you are asked about this relationship – do you tell the plain truth or do you avoid it?
- If you were very bored at your last position and you felt that the job was worthless what will you answer when you are asked to 'please describe your last position' – will you tell the interviewer the truth?.
- If you were made redundant because you did not fit in – will you tell the interviewer the real reason for your redundancy?
These dilemmas exist in our lives every day and not just in an interview situation. There are certain occasions when we do not have any choice but to 'bend' the truth, there are other situations where we present certain parts of the truth and there are situations in which we are 100% honest.
Prisoners of war are expected to lie in captivity to mislead the enemy. If they were to tell the truth they would be considered traitors in their homeland. This is an extreme situation in which the 'correct' thing to do is to lie.
An advertising company marketing a product will usually present 'parts' of the truth and facts about the product they are promoting. The advertising agency must emphasise the product's advantages and hide all other aspects. For example, an advertising company producing a commercial for a fizzy drink will highlight its great taste but will not mention the fact that it is unhealthy and fattening.
However, there are situations when we are expected to say the whole truth and nothing but the truth. For instance, when a person is seeking therapy and counselling they are expected to be honest and truthful since otherwise the counsellor's ability to assist the patient is limited. Amongst friends we are generally truthful since friendships are based on trustworthiness and common faith.
Yet even in certain relationships with friends we may choose not to disclose everything or perhaps even tell a partial truth because we are aware that certain people, in spite of being friends, have a hard time keeping a secret. As mature adults we learn who to tell the whole truth and who to tell parts of it. This is similar to the situation in a job interview.