Honesty and the Job Interview
by Wendy Enelow Tuesday, March 01, 2011
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Some years ago, I was fired from a job. It was not for cause, but it certainly dealt a blow to my ego, confidence, and desire to look for another job. I was devastated.
Once I began interviewing, I was inevitably asked “Why did you leave your last job?” Not yet in career management, I was at a loss, and didn’t handle my reply very well at all. I didn’t land another position until I finally mustered my courage, returned to the company that fired me, and requested a letter of reference. By then the company had a new General Manager, who true to his word asked around, found that all agreed on my professionalism, effectiveness in the role, and dedicated work ethic, and provided me with a wonderful letter. Soon enough, I landed a job (which led to my meeting my husband; funny how something awful can lead to something wonderful!).
Throughout, I remained honest, and I would do the same again. Honesty is the best policy, as certainly little white lies do not exist in the employment world. With social media’s ability to share all kinds of information expanding literally by the mille-second, our world shrinks in size, grows in available information … and lies? They seem destined to be revealed.
But what about the usual interview questions, about strengths and weaknesses, five-year goals, interests in the company—is it necessary or in the job hunter’s best interest to be honest about these as well?
Yes indeed! Honesty is always the best policy. Here’s why. Your career success depends on your ability to contribute in a bottom-line capacity. Your employ impacts revenues, through your performance and productivity. With productivity, which we can also refer to as results and accomplishments, your resume will contain outstanding examples of value. Without those, your career will stagnate, and when unemployed, you may be forced to take a position far outside your true capabilities.
Is there, then, a type of company where you will be most productive? Yes indeed! When working for a company that values a person who demonstrates your level of honesty (or lack thereof), your particular strengths, your personality, character, commitment and so on.
It is in your best interests to interview with honesty and then let the future unfold. If you don’t land that job offer, accept it as being in your best interests. Perhaps they were looking for an energetic go-getter to round out the team’s complement rather than your laid-back and competent style; or maybe the company likes bending rules, and hire those with similar, less-than-puritanical ethics—so be it.
Your chances of succeeding beyond your wildest dreams working in a corporation that has ethics and values that vary distinctly from your own, are slim indeed. Be true to yourself. Find a company that likes what it hears when you answer interview questions honestly, and your career is on the path to ongoing success.
Once I began interviewing, I was inevitably asked “Why did you leave your last job?” Not yet in career management, I was at a loss, and didn’t handle my reply very well at all. I didn’t land another position until I finally mustered my courage, returned to the company that fired me, and requested a letter of reference. By then the company had a new General Manager, who true to his word asked around, found that all agreed on my professionalism, effectiveness in the role, and dedicated work ethic, and provided me with a wonderful letter. Soon enough, I landed a job (which led to my meeting my husband; funny how something awful can lead to something wonderful!).
Throughout, I remained honest, and I would do the same again. Honesty is the best policy, as certainly little white lies do not exist in the employment world. With social media’s ability to share all kinds of information expanding literally by the mille-second, our world shrinks in size, grows in available information … and lies? They seem destined to be revealed.
But what about the usual interview questions, about strengths and weaknesses, five-year goals, interests in the company—is it necessary or in the job hunter’s best interest to be honest about these as well?
Yes indeed! Honesty is always the best policy. Here’s why. Your career success depends on your ability to contribute in a bottom-line capacity. Your employ impacts revenues, through your performance and productivity. With productivity, which we can also refer to as results and accomplishments, your resume will contain outstanding examples of value. Without those, your career will stagnate, and when unemployed, you may be forced to take a position far outside your true capabilities.
Is there, then, a type of company where you will be most productive? Yes indeed! When working for a company that values a person who demonstrates your level of honesty (or lack thereof), your particular strengths, your personality, character, commitment and so on.
It is in your best interests to interview with honesty and then let the future unfold. If you don’t land that job offer, accept it as being in your best interests. Perhaps they were looking for an energetic go-getter to round out the team’s complement rather than your laid-back and competent style; or maybe the company likes bending rules, and hire those with similar, less-than-puritanical ethics—so be it.
Your chances of succeeding beyond your wildest dreams working in a corporation that has ethics and values that vary distinctly from your own, are slim indeed. Be true to yourself. Find a company that likes what it hears when you answer interview questions honestly, and your career is on the path to ongoing success.