1-Minute Summary:

You really don't feel comfortable lying in an interview, right?  Lying isn't right, and it changes the conversation imperceptibly. The interviewer will usually sense that something isn't right, and you'll be afraid they'll catch you in a lie.  But what are you to do about that damaging bit of information?  

The answer?  Tell the truth intelligently.

We'll examine the best ways to do that below...

Full Article - Tell the Truth but NOT Torpedo Interview

You really don't feel comfortable lying in an interview, right?  Lying isn't right, and it changes the conversation imperceptibly. The interviewer will usually sense that something isn't right, and you'll be afraid they'll catch you in a lie.  But what are you to do about that damaging bit of information?  

The answer?  Tell the truth intelligently.  

Always remember that you are marketing yourself in a job interview.
These are not therapy sessions to tell all your dark secrets, nor are they a court of law where you swear to tell the whole truth.

Plan what you'd like to get across. What will make you look good? What is better left unsaid? Be well rehearsed so that you won't forget common sense during a stressful interview.

Don't Critisize or Blame

OK, maybe your former boss is a snarling, sniveling, contemptible miscreant, never criticize him/her.  Surely, the prospective employer will wonder, "How long before you start criticizing me?"

Personal Details are Private

When we share about ourselves, it often creates bonds with others. Inappropriate sharing, however, can be disastrous.  A woman named Julie was moving back to her hometown to be with an old boyfriend she encountered at their 20th high school reunion.  She was afraid the employer would think she was flighty.

The solution was easy. She should keep this to herself.  All she had to say was, "I grew up here, I always liked it here, and I'm moving back."  She told no lies, and there was no reason to mention anything about her boyfriend. The employer would never guess--unless Julie told on herself.

Tell the Facts in a Way that Works for You

After Bill lost his job, he hung out at the beach for a few weeks, did some volunteer work, and thought about what to do next.  He was afraid that employers would think he is lazy.  I told Bill to say that he had been working hard, and took a little time off to contemplate his next career move.  During that time, he had done some great work with a nonprofit organization and learned a lot. Now, he was really excited about getting back to work.  It was all true--he just didn't talk about  the beach. 

When You Can't Hide the Past

Henry had an ugly secret.  He had spent two years in prison for dealing drugs.  We coached him to tell the truth as powerfully as he could.  Henry started the interview saying, "I need to tell you something--and if you don't want to talk further, I will understand.  I was arrested for selling drugs, and spent time in prison for that.  But I used my time in prison to improve myself.  I studied, I prayed, and refocused my life.  I also managed to keep my family together, and today, we're closer than we've ever been.

I learned the consequences of being unethical, and I need to be sure that I don't stray again.  I have a question, "Would any part of this work involve illegal activity?  If so, I have to withdraw.  If not, you have to decide whether you're willing to overlook my past.  I'm sorry for what I did, but I can't change it."

Even really negative parts of your past can be transformed by talking about a lesson learned.

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

You've spent lots of hours crafting your resume, right?  Now, be sure you also put in the time so you're prepared for your job interview.  Never just "wing it" if the interview is important to you.  

Anticipate issues that might cause you trouble, and practice your response.  Should you flub a question in an interview, make sure you're ready for that question the next time.

UPCOMING CAREER WEBINARS:

LINKEDIN BASICS
Tue., May 15, 9 am CDT


LINKEDIN MASTER CLASS
Thu., May 17, Noon CDT


SPEED SEARCH
Fri., May 18, 9 am CDT

Career Cure in 1 Session      Career Action Plan Is your job search stuck and is your career stalled? Is it time to take a risk, a giant step, to move forward and end the pain? You may be surprised; the problem may not be what you think. If you are confused, stuck, or stalled in your career our 90-minute Career Action Plan meeting gets to the root of any career issue and gives a plan to solve it. Call 847-673-0339.

SIX FREE BEST-IN-CLASS WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS: 1.Salary Negotiations  More Info | Register 2. Job Search 2.0 More Info | Register 3. Speed Search - More Interviews  More Info | Register 4. Don't Send that Resume  More Info | Register 5. LinkedIn Basics More Info | Register 6. LinkedIn Master Class More Info | Register

Thank You for the Referrals Many thanks to Mary-Jo Dempsey, Mickey Mankus, Ken Hundley, Jason Bachman and Kelly Royer for their referrals.

A Recent Graduate says: Dear Jack and Steve, Wow. Just wow. I feel like I did when I used to play football. Exhausted, a little beaten up, but savoring the victory. I just got the offer!  Thanks for all your support during this very trying time. As you know, I had never been out of work for more than a week since I graduated from high school. And it was always me who decided when it was time to move on. No one had ever let me go. Being out of work for several months was very tough on me and my family. I’ve been extremely depressed. I was raised to think the man is the breadwinner, and found having to rely on my wife humbling. Thank you so much for helping to restore my faith in myself—and for training me in how to do my first real job search. The extra money from salary negotiations was nice too.  I learned a lot from our work together. I think the experience has made me a better person. I pay more attention to others, getting to know them and looking to see how I might help them with their needs. I’m more connected than I ever dreamed I would be—and will be sure to continue these relationships now that I’m employed again. I feel much stronger and more resilient. I’m grateful to be going back to work, and want to thank you so much for the guidance and the comfort you brought me during these difficult times. I sing your praises often. -- Alan S.