How Honest Should You Be at A Job Interview?

Let’s face it—almost everyone has a bit of career baggage. Whether it’s a gap in your resume, a redundancy, a job you left abruptly, or a skill you’re still developing, it’s natural to feel unsure about how much to reveal in a job interview.

But when it comes to honesty, where do you draw the line between being authentic and oversharing? The good news is, you don’t have to confess every career misstep to make a great impression. What matters most is being strategic, truthful, and focused on what makes you a strong candidate.

Why Honesty Still Matters (But So Does Tact)

Recruiters and hiring managers want to see the real you—but that doesn’t mean sharing your entire career history, warts and all. Your goal is to present your professional self in the best possible light without being deceptive.

Being dishonest (even a small embellishment on your resume) can seriously damage your reputation. According to a 2024 study by SEEK, over 70% of Australian hiring managers said they’ve caught applicants misrepresenting themselves during the hiring process [REQUIRES FACT-CHECK]. And thanks to reference checks, LinkedIn profiles, and skills assessments, the truth often comes out.

Instead of hiding your past, it’s smarter to frame challenges as learning experiences and show how they’ve helped you grow professionally.

5 Practical Guidelines to Stay Authentic and Professional

1. Don’t Fabricate Your Experience

A bit of confidence is great—but inventing roles or qualifications is risky. If you’ve exaggerated skills or work experience on your resume, chances are you’ll be caught out during an interview or on the job. Stick to the facts, and if you’re changing careers or upskilling, highlight your transferable skills instead.

Want to boost your resume the right way? Consider taking a short online course to build relevant experience.

2. Focus on What You’re Asked

There’s no need to volunteer negative information unless it’s directly relevant. For example, if you weren’t asked why you left a role, don’t bring it up unprompted. Instead, stay positive and keep the focus on your strengths, achievements, and what you’re excited to contribute.

3. Answer Difficult Questions Honestly—But Strategically

If you’re asked a tricky question (like why you left your last job), don’t dodge it or get defensive. Be honest but brief, then pivot to what you learned or how you’re growing. For instance, “That role wasn’t the right fit for my strengths, but it helped me discover where I truly add value.”

Interviewers appreciate transparency—as long as you stay composed and solution-focused.

4. Be Realistic About What You Want

Be clear with yourself and your interviewer about your expectations. If you’re not comfortable with the role’s hours, salary, or responsibilities, speak up respectfully. Being honest now helps avoid stress later. It also shows maturity and clarity about your career goals.

Need help defining what you want in your next role? Explore our career planning guides for practical tips.

5. Know Your Rights Around Inappropriate Questions

If you’re asked a question that feels discriminatory or irrelevant—such as your age, religion, parental status, or marital status—you’re not required to answer. In fact, some questions are illegal under Australian anti-discrimination laws.

For example, under the Fair Work Act, employers can’t make decisions based on characteristics like race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure how that’s relevant to the role—could you clarify?” Staying calm and respectful is key, as accusing the interviewer outright may escalate the situation.

Mindset Matters: Emphasise Your Strengths

Walking into an interview focused on your weaknesses or past mistakes can undermine your confidence. Instead, reframe your mindset. Think about your skills, experiences, and personal qualities that make you the right fit for the job.

Be proud of what you bring to the table—and let your strengths shine. Interviewers want to see someone who’s self-aware, optimistic, and capable of growth.

If you’re unsure how to identify or communicate your strengths, check out our resume and cover letter resources to help you get started.

Honesty in interviews is essential—but it doesn’t mean airing every detail of your work history. Focus on being genuine, prepared, and positive. By balancing transparency with tact, you’ll build trust with your interviewer and give yourself the best shot at landing the job.

And remember, everyone has a professional story that includes a few bumps along the way. What matters most is how you move forward—and how you tell your story.