HR knowledgeable explains the ‘one time it’s best to at all times lie in job interviews’

Anna Papalia, an author with expertise in job interviewing techniques, has revealed the one question you should always lie about during the recruitment process – but not everyone agrees

An author specialising in how to master job interviews has revealed precisely what to say when faced with a particular question – though people remain sceptical. It’s crucial to bear in mind when heading into a job interview that, while the employer is assessing whether you’re suitable for the position, you’re also evaluating them.

One topic that frequently catches candidates off guard is when the conversation shifts to whether you’ve submitted applications elsewhere. It might appear sensible to claim they’re your only choice – even when this isn’t accurate – but an interviewing specialist has revealed this approach is far from ideal.

Anna Papalia, who also works as a public speaker, routinely offers guidance on TikTok about the best ways to handle job applications.

She told her one million followers: “When you’re asked in an interview, ‘Are you actively interviewing?’ or, ‘Are you interviewing anywhere else?’, there is only one thing to say.”

Anna continued: “There is only one good answer to this question. This is the most important concept when it comes to job interviews so if you forget everything else I’ve ever taught you I want you to remember this one thing. The less you want it the more they want you.

“If in a job interview, you act as though you’re desperate and you need this job and you want this position, it’s going to pull them back a little bit. I can’t explain it, it’s humans, right?

“We want what we can’t have. So the next time someone asks you ‘are you actively interviewing, are you interviewing anywhere else?’ You say ‘yes, I am actively interviewing’. And when they ask where, you say ‘I would prefer to keep that confidential’.”

She further advised in the comments, meanwhile: “If you’re in final rounds with another company or multiple companies, you should let that be known in the interview process. Because the principle of scarcity applies.

“The less your skill set is available the higher the salary you can demand. Pro tip, have a skill set that is unique and desirable if you want to get the best offer and whatever you do keep all your options open until you sign that offer letter.”

Anna’s advice sparked a flurry of responses, with many TikTok users expressing their disagreement.

One person shared: “My fav is: ‘No, I’m happy with my current position. I love what I do and my team. When I saw this opening, I thought my skills matched and it was worth exploring if it’s a good fit both.'”

A second person penned: “Have hired dozens of people over the years. If a candidate appears lukewarm about a position, that’s a red flag.”

While another recruiter added: “As a recruiter, the more a person seems to want the job, the more we give them the attention if they have the skillset and attitude.”

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