It’s no secret—some candidates stretch the truth to land a job. But when hiring decisions are based on falsehoods, the cost to your business can be significant. That’s why it’s essential for hiring teams to recognise the signs of deception and create a process that encourages honesty.
The Most Common Lies
According to SEEK research, 36% of candidates admit to being less than honest in interviews. The most common fibs?
- Overstating skills or experience
- Misrepresenting past salaries
- Hiding the real reason for leaving a previous job
While some of these lies might seem harmless, they can lead to mismatched hires that impact performance and team dynamics.
Spotting the Red Flags
Former police officer and deception expert Elly Johnson says we often overestimate our ability to detect dishonesty. To improve, focus on these strategies:
- Use competency-based interviews: Ask detailed questions about specific tasks, tools, or outcomes. This helps uncover the truth—and sometimes reveals hidden strengths.
- Set the tone for truth: Be transparent about the role and encourage candidates to be open. Asking if there’s anything they’d like to change or clarify on their application can invite honesty.
- Avoid relying on gut instinct: If something feels off, investigate further. Objectivity, not intuition, should guide the process.
Check Beyond the Interview
Reference checks remain a crucial step. Confirm key details like job roles, responsibilities, and salary. Where possible, involve a subject matter expert to validate technical claims.*Make sure references relate to the last 2-5 years and ideally are with someone to whom the candidate has reported.
Be cautious with social media. While discrepancies might prompt useful questions, biases can skew your interpretation.
Plan, Prepare, and Reflect
Ultimately, the key to spotting truth—and lies—is in preparation. Thoughtful questions, thorough reference checks, and a calm, measured approach will help you make confident hiring decisions.
The best hires come from open, honest conversations. Create the space for that, and you’re far more likely to find the right fit.
Source: Independent research conducted by Nature of behalf of SEEK, interviewing 4800 Australians annually. Published July 2024.
