One in Four Brits Have Lied in Job Interviews, according to Monster UK poll

According to research from Monster.co.uk, 28% of us have lied in a job interview with a further 14% admitting to embellishing the truth in the hope of appearing better qualified for a job. However, the majority of people have remained honest with 58% of those surveyed responding that they have never lied or stretched the truth to secure a job.

Monster asked 1314 people the question, ìHave you ever lied in an interview to secure a job?î and the overall results revealed the following:

42% No have never needed to
23% Yes several times
16% No but have been tempted
14% No but I have embellished the truth
5% Yes just once

According to Julian Acquari, Managing Director, Monster UK and Ireland; ìTodayís tough job market understandably heightens the temptation for job seekers to lie in interviews. Competition is fierce and we are aware of the increased need to stand out. However there is a fine line between embellishing facts about yourself and telling lies. It is never advisable to bend the truth under any circumstances as it is likely to catch up with you. At the end of the day honesty is always the best policy.î

Monster offers the following tips for interviewees:

Make sure before the interview process even starts that your CV is truthful to avoid getting caught in a web of lies.

Donít be afraid to admit if you donít know something you have been asked, all good interviewers will appreciate your honesty. Where possible focus your responses on topics you are well versed on so that you can confidently talk with authority.

Finally, always be yourself in interviews. Interviewers are interested in getting to know the real you and it is easy for an experienced interviewer to tell when a candidate is pretending to be someone they are not.