Perry Mason, the well known TV defense attorney would expect nothing less than "nothing but the truth". However, when interviewing, you are not on trial. Nor are you in a confessional.
There is the truth, then there is the whole truth and finally there is nothing but the truth...when you provide an answer in an interview, what level of truth should you be providing? (Thank you to my dear colleague Gloria for introducing me to this analogy!)
Human nature, or our natural instinct, directs us to provide the "nothing but the truth" answer. Yet this is usually the answer that will get you eliminated because it illustrates some of your flaws.
On a first date, you probably wouldn't confess that you snore, have chronic gingivitis, are seeing a psychologist for help with your OCD, filing for bankruptcy, regularly talk with your deceased Uncle George, or any of your extreme political or religious beliefs, right? So why then, during an interview are you inclined to tell them the absolute truth?
We all have filters that run in our head. Sometimes these filters work wonderfully, other times, well, not so well.
Your first, gut response answer, is usually not filtered very well. It is raw. It is instinctual. This is why it is so important to practice your answers to interview questions- not just once, but several times so that the unpolished answer becomes a well crafted gem.
Sure, the people interviewing you want the truth. But don't scare them away. How much of the truth do they really need to know on the first date? Some things need to be treated delicately. Some things just don't need to be revealed. They are often irrelevant to the employer/employee relationship.
Remember, no matter how badly you were treated, no matter your disability, illness, weakness or flaw, filter out the details that don't need to be shared.
Please, let me be clear. I am not endorsing lying or with-holding information. I am merely suggesting that you carefully consider what information you provide and when.
If you are in doubt or are unsure, ask for advice from several people. Listen to what they say, really listen.
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