What If You Were Totally Honest in an Interview?

Think back to your last job interview. You researched the company, studied the role, and prepared answers to impress the interviewer. But how honest were you? If you had been completely truthful, would you still have received the offer?

What if you flipped the script? Imagine sharing both your successes and failures — mentioning your achievements while admitting a former employer questioned your work ethic or acknowledging that you haven’t always been reliable. Chances are, you wouldn’t have been hired. That’s why you highlight your strengths while downplaying the rest — even if it’s not the whole truth.

But what if the company isn’t fully honest either? They tell you how amazing it is to work there, how much they value employees, and how dedicated they are to customers. Sounds great — but as the saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” They’re not necessarily lying; they’re painting a picture of how they want things to be, not necessarily how they are.

And let’s face it — you did the same thing.

When the Truth Emerges

When both sides aren’t fully honest, disappointment is inevitable. So, what’s the solution? Honesty isn’t just about words — it’s about living up to standards you’re proud of. Here are 10 ways to raise the bar on a personal level:

Set high expectations for yourself and others.
Take initiative instead of waiting to be told what to do.
Contribute instead of complaining.
Choose what’s right over what’s easy.
Treat your word like a signed contract.
Focus on the value you bring, not just the hours worked.
Earn rewards rather than expect them.
Do your best instead of settling for less.
Inspire those around you.
Demand more from yourself than anyone else would.

Organizations should do the same. Employees seek workplaces where values matter — where ethics aren’t just buzzwords and doing what’s right isn’t about building a public image, but about genuine integrity.

Always tell the truth — or the truth will tell on you.

Close the Gap

It’s tempting to present an idealized version of yourself, but the truth has a way of surfacing —and when it does, the fallout isn’t pretty. Rather than fabricating an image, close the gap between who you are and who you want to be. But remember, a relationship is two-sided: The organization must also close the gap between its ideals and reality. After all, if you’re not proud of your current self, you have the power to change — if you choose to.

Next time you interview, be someone you’re proud of. That way, you can be completely honest — and stand out for all the right reasons. I won’t wish you “Good luck,” because you won’t need it. While the organization may have many qualified candidates, there’s only one you.