'If you're not lying, you're not trying': Former tech recruiter reveals higher ups would rather hire convincing liars than technologically experienced job applicants

Emmy Pratt • Senior Editor

Dec 24, 2023 7:00 PM EST

Just because some guy said, "Thou shalt not lie" in a book one time doesn't mean that you're going to listen to him. After all, there's something to be said for stretching the truth, especially when you're trying a job. Let's be 100% real for one teeny tiny second…is there anyone alive who has never lied in a job interview before? I'm not talking about fabricating years and years of experience Frank Abagnale Jr. style. I'm talking about claiming to be passionate or experienced in a role that you really could give a hooey about. You have to pretend at least that you're enthusiastic about a company mission, and the majority of the time, you're nothing of the sort.

One former tech recruiter recently shared on TikTok that higher-ups actually want to hire people who are willing to say whatever to get the job. Who knew they prioritized an applicant's willingness to lie over their actual experience?