Employment agony aunt Izzy Panton telling ‘white lies’ is perfectly acceptable when under interrogation from a prospective employer – and it’ll boost your chances of landing the job in question
When it comes to job interviews, we all aim to put our best foot forward – from polishing our CVs to making a good impression during discussions with our potential new employer.
According to Izzy Panton, an employment agony aunt, there are certain “white lies” that are acceptable to tell your potential new employer to create the best possible first impression.
Izzy specialises in helping her clients build their personal brands for professional success and regularly shares career advice on TikTok. In a viral video that has been viewed over a million times, she lists the “lies you should absolutely tell at an interview”.
Regarding your reason for leaving your current job, Izzy advises: “If it’s negative, I don’t want to hear it”. She continues: “Keep it positive, keep it professional and keep it progressive.”
As an example, she suggests telling the interviewer that you have “exhausted all opportunities” with your current employer and are now seeking a company that is “more dynamic that promotes from within to help me reach my potential”.
Furthermore, Izzy says it’s okay to fib about how many “offers or processes” you’re involved in. “Even if this is your dream job, don’t make out it’s the only interview you’re having because it gives an air of desperation,” she explains.
“If they [employer] think you have multiple eggs in multiple baskets and you’re perceived as a top talent, then you’re more likely to get the offer that you’re actually looking for.”
Izzy’s third piece of advice, meanwhile, concerns your travel plans. She warns that if you have any big plans, your interviewer “doesn’t want to hear about them”. Sharing your travel aspirations might suggest to the employer that you’re only there to earn enough money for your getaway, she explains.
“Of course, life is about what you want to do, but I don’t want to hear it – don’t be so honest in that circumstance,” Izzy further advises.
Her final white lie is about the “setting up your own empire”. She discloses: “I’m the biggest advocate for having a side hustle, but if you join an interview and say that this money is seed money for your own business entity, the interviewer will see that you may be perceived to be working on during office hours as well as on weekends and in the evening.”
Izzy concludes by saying that this suggests to the potential employer that the motivation to work for them is “slim to none”.
Reflecting on the advice, one of Izzy’s followers confessed: “I hate that interviews are just about who is the best liar.” Another person admitted: “I’ve been lying to companies in interviews since I was 16 – my mum taught me that.”
A third individual criticised: “Corporate is just basically a bunch of people lying to each other. I hate everything about it.” And aligning with Izzy’s advice, someone else recommended: “Even if you hate your previous job always say, ‘I want a new challenge, I’ve outgrown this job and want to progress in my career’ – never admit to hating the place/company etc!”
On the other side of the desk, however, an employer took to the comments section of the video to issue a caution on dishonesty. “As a manager, lying about why you left is a red flag. Keep it professional but be honest because you just look untrustworthy,” they said.
While another shared their preference for transparency: “I love honesty and knowing what happened, it gives me a much better idea of who they are and motivations. Also I don’t care how many jobs they’re going for – if I like them I’m hiring them.”