Blog: If you lie…you die!!!

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If you lie…you die!!!

During interview recruiters expects smart answers from candidates; however, sprinkling your answers with words of self-praise won't be of any help.
If you lie…you die!!!

Oh why, oh why, oh why

you tell me l-l-l-lies

never t-t-t-t-t think

that I woulda re-a-li-a-li-a-lise

things you say-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay

will make you fay-ay-ay-ade away

b-b-b-b-bye-bye-bye

b-b-b-b-bye-bye-bye-bye (goodbye)


Hey don’t think I am rehearsing here for my next musical performance. This aweome composition from Diana King just came in my mind and I thought it would be the perfect song to set the tone for what lies ahead. I read thispost on what are the popular lies frequently quoted by aspirants during job interviews and thought of sharing what possibly goes in the mind of the so called HR people when they get to hear these statements from prospective candidates for job interviews. Many people who come for interviews try to over project their candidature or sometimes even fake or sugar coat answers in an attmpt to impress the interviewer. However, they fail to understand that by doing so they are decreasing their chances of getting selected and also losing credibility in the eyes of the interviewer. Here is what goes behind the curtain.


Candidate Statement: “I am happy with my current job. But, I am looking for a change now”


What does the HR think: Then why are you sitting here wasting your and my time. When you attain the enlightenment (be it under any tree) and have solid reason for change, come back and we can discuss it further. If you are happy with your current company, then what brings you on the table? Have solid reasons that justifies your move to change.


Candidate Statement: “I was a top performer”


What does the HR think: Everyone is a Super performer. Nobody would say, I want to leave because I did’nt perform. Rather than portraying yourself as a Super Hero, try to help us understand what are your key skills and strengths. The way you have handled issues at workplace will help us understand what was your contribution and how well you manage the affairs in your company.


Candidate Statement: “I always wanted to work for your company”


What does the HR think: This is the biggest turn off. “That Don’t Impress Me Much” Without knowing the details of the organization, people policies etc and just by telling that this is your dream company that you always wanted to be a part of , won’t impress us. In case you have a fair idea (may be through some reference etc) try and quote those things which builds your interest in knowing more about the organization. A plain de-motivating statement “I always wanted to work for your company” will only decrease your chances of getting selected.


Candidate Statement: “I have handled several projects single-handedly”


What does the HR think: Wow!!! you must have been the God’s chosen ONE who is sent in this world to kill evil and save the World. This statement reminds us of many sci-fi, super heroes movies where the protagonist takes everything on his shoulders and save us from an alien or evil attack. Come on dude!!! you must be kidding me. In organizations, people can’t never ever work in silos. Team working is required everywhere and in case you give such a statement, it seems you are not a team player. Do give credit to each and every person who was part of your team while you were taking care of several projects. This way people will know that as a boss you have the qualities of giving credit and appreciating your subordinates. Over projecting yourself, will only result in creating doubt in the minds of HR people.


Candidate Statement: “I was on a sabbatical”


What does the HR think: There are short comings in everyone’s life. The world respect those individuals who can accept their weakensess and learn from their mistakes. Hiding facts or providing misleading information pertaining to any gap in employment is not a wise decision. Do share your honest view point of what went wrong and how did you cope with it. The HR will truly respect you for your honesty and sincerity.


Candidate Statement: “I contribute to the society”


What does the HR think: Be specific as to what are you doing for the society. If you do not have any substantial information or contributions which are worth talking about, kindly refrain from using such statements.


Candidate Statement: “I am still employed”


What does the HR think: Do not hide actual facts and information. In case you have left the organization or you have some other offer in hand, do inform the interviewer. That ways it will help the HR to speed up their process of hiring (in case you are shoortlisted) because they are already aware that you are under notice period.


Never t-t-t-t-t think that if you will lie…..

the HR won’t re-a-li-a-li-a-lise.

Things you say-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay

Will make you fay-ay-ay-ade away.

Jokes apart, those were some key learnings I thought will be useful for people in handling queries while facing an interview. I will be happy to hear from you, in case you have any more suggestions.

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Topics: Watercooler, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition

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