Application? You can definitely lie about this question

Lying during a job interview is not really handy. Your new boss will find out soon enough if you are not really that handy with various computer programs. Still, there is one question you can lie about in your job interview. In fact, according to recruiters, it can even slightly increase your chances of getting that new position.

The exception to the job application rules

Although you never quite know what they want to know from you in a job interview, there is one question that will almost certainly come up: are you applying anywhere else? You might be inclined to answer this question with no; showing that you really want to go for this position, sounds positive, of course. However, according to recruiter Hanna Goefft and interview expert Anna Papalia, it is better to always answer yes, even if it is not true. Unlike almost all other job application questions, you can actually lie in this case.

Why lying about this job application question is actually good

I understand that you might think: but why would I lie about this? According to Goefft and Papalia, it has everything to do with being in demand, or appearing to be. If you are on the candidate list for multiple companies, it says something about your qualities. Employers do not just invite anyone for an interview; if you manage to do it multiple times, you must have something to offer. It's a bit like buying a new bag; with an item that has a higher price tag, we automatically assume it has better quality, right? A second reason: the ‘power’ is no longer entirely with the employers. With multiple ongoing applications, you are a bit less dependent on the opinion of one potential boss. If this position doesn't work out, you have other options. If employers really want to hire you, the ‘threat’ that you can choose another might make them decide faster and give you the job.

How to smartly apply this job application tactic?

So, what do you do if this question comes up during your job interview? Very simple, you just answer it with yes. A bit convincingly, of course, otherwise they will see right through you. You don't need to provide much more information than ‘yes, I have other applications in progress.’ If they do ask further and want to know where you have been interviewed or will go, you can simply say: I prefer to keep that to myself. It has a professional touch, not dropping names, and it naturally prevents your lie from being exposed. Also not unimportant, of course.

This is how you use this lie in your salary negotiation

It's not the most enjoyable part of a job interview, but a salary negotiation often comes up too. You want to be sure that you are going to earn a decent amount. This lie can help you with that as well. By saying that you are applying for other positions that have a certain salary, you have a starting point to negotiate. Just make sure to mention realistic amounts. During the negotiation, you can also let it be known that the salary is an important point for you and that you could turn down an offer if you can get better compensation elsewhere. Just don't forget that your other applications are made up, and being too attached to a certain salary could cost you that one real opportunity.

Is this job application lie really effective in practice?

It's hard to say whether this lie will really make the difference in whether you get that new job or not. There are, of course, many more factors that determine that, and maybe your competitors know this trick too. Still, it might be worth a try, as long as you don't get too bothered by the idea of having lied during your application. It might just give you that extra confidence to negotiate and come across as more self-assured. And in today's tough job market, every little bit of help is more than welcome. On social media, this trick seems to be well-received. People have even landed higher positions than the ones they originally interviewed for, and interns suddenly managed to stick around. That all sounds very promising, but there is only one way to find out what the lie can do for you. Maybe give it a try in your job interview, who knows what will come of it. Until then, you can practice your poker face in the mirror. That way, no one will discover that you are actually bluffing.

Source: The Every Girl