Couple of days ago I was holding job interviews for position of assistant for administration and marketing in our company. Watching all ages of people smiling, being nice, acting politely and confirming that they fit perfectly to our job position, always makes me wonder who this people are in their real, everyday life.

In job interview they are all so nice (well mostly) and they can do exactly everything that we need. All of them are real experts in everything that we need. Strange. One would think like they are sent from guardian angel to help you with exactly what you need.

Okay, maybe some of them really are, but sadly for 90% of the cases when you hire someone claiming that can do exactly what you are looking for, turns out to be far from their claims. I understand we are learning our whole life and there is no issue about that. Damn, I think we should never stop learning, till our last breath. But what is wrong here, to present yourself as something you are not. The funny part is that we, managers will discover your real capabilities very soon. Sometimes, I feel that people lying on job interviews about their capabilities, forget that they will actually need to show them very soon. And when they do, it might get pretty nasty.

So, here is 3 simple tips about what you should never do on a job interview

1. Never lie about your accomplishments and capabilities

Remember, I you are hired, you’ll need to show your capabilities very soon. And if you don’t really possess them, it will probably get very ugly. You’ll probably get fired, with no recommendations and with pissing probably a lot of people around you. Trust me, you don’t want to go there.

2. Never talk bad about your previous employers

Talking badly about your previous employers, tells the manager that you are weak and that you are washing dirty laundry in a wrong place. It also tells them that you’ll probably say the same about them if and when you leave.

3. Never come late and clueless about the company

Coming late is never an option. No matter what is the reason, no one cares about it. It’s your responsibility to arrive there soon enough and to know at least the basics of the company. At least read the About section on company’s website. That’s at least what you can do.

For all managers dealing with job interviews and all sorts of candidates, I found this Forbes article a very good read. It gives some directions and tips how to know when applicants are telling the truth on job interview. I would really suggest reading it.

For the final thoughts and as sincere advice for all applicants, don’t delay the truth as it will come out sooner or later. If it will be later, it will have much bigger negative impact and it may cost you a great deal.