Hiring season is heating up, and studies show that 70% of job seekers admit to lying on resumes and in job interviews. They pump up skills and responsibilities, inflate metrics or even invent a job title. Most people lie from fear of consequences, desire for personal gain or protecting someone else. But, because the risk of getting caught and damaging your career is real, the rule of thumb is to never lie on a resume or in a job interview. But is it ever a good idea to bend the truth a little? Under certain circumstances, some leaders say that there are four lies to tell in job interviews to land the position.

Four Lies To Tell In Job Interviews To Get Hired

There are at least 15 types of lies, for example, lies by mistake, deceitful lies and lies of omission. And then there are little white lies–also known as fibs–that we tell with good intentions so as not to harm another person. According to Avery Morgan, chief Human Resources officer at EduBirdie, there are times when a little white lie might actually work in your favor. She shared with me four strategic lies you MUST tell to land the job.

1. Lie about your ex (boss). According to Morgan, your old boss might’ve been the literal worst. Nevertheless, she suggests keeping that tea for the group chat. “When asked why you’re leaving your current position, sprinkle some sugar on it,” she advises. “Try something like: ‘I’m looking for more growth opportunities, and this new role aligns perfectly with my goals.’ Let the HR read between the lines that your boss micromanages you to death.” She mentions that employers seek positivity, not drama, and recommends that if your last gig was a toxic nightmare, make it look like a paramount learning experience.

2. Claim you’re in demand. “You might be desperate for this job,” Morgan states. “It might be your dream job. But please don’t say that out loud. Instead, play a little bit hard to get. You can casually mention something like: ‘I’m exploring a couple of great offers right now, but I’m really excited about this one.’” Why? she asks, explaining that nobody wants the candidate ghosted by dozens of other companies. “They want the hot stuff everyone’s chasing,” she insists. “Even if this is the only interview you’ve landed, give them some FOMO.”

3. Hide your entrepreneur ambitions. If this position is your stepping stone towards starting your own thing, Morgan recommends that you keep that to yourself. “A potential employee saying, ‘I’m planning to start my own business eventually,’ screams flight risk,” she points out. “You can re-frame your ambitions to sound more like ‘I’m focused on growing my skills within a strong team like yours,’ which doesn’t suggest you’re here forever, but you’re not waving a giant red flag about it, either.” She advises that relocating or taking a gap year to “find yourself” are to keep under wraps for just now, too. ”If the interviewer asks about your five-year plan, don’t overshare the dreams of backpacking through Europe,” she declared. “Instead, focus on skills you want to develop and things you want to accomplish. Or hit them with something like ‘In five years, I see myself thriving here and contributing to the team’s growth.’ It’s not even lying; it’s strategic editing to show the commitment an employer wants to see.”

4. Fake “dream candidate” energy till you make it. Morgan asserts that job listings often come with a mile-long list of requirements, adding that the truth is, no one expects you to check every single box. “Read between the lines, focus on the most essential skills they’re looking for (don’t lie about them though) and show confidence in your ability to learn and grow,” she stresses. “Instead of, ‘I don’t have direct experience with this software,’ pivot to: ‘While I haven’t done this, I’ve successfully tackled similar challenges like this and that, so I’m confident I can learn quickly.’”

A Final Thought On Four Lies To Tell In Job Interviews

I have written for Forbes.com in the past about how poker strategies can give you a leg up on a job interview. Now, Morgan reveals certain acceptable lies everyone should tell in a job interview known as “smart positioning” versus lies based on dishonesty. She distinguishes the difference this way: “Think of it like makeup versus plastic surgery—fabricating hard skills or experience is like getting a whole new face, while framing your story right is like using contour to sharpen your best features.”

Morgan considers an interview to be a high-stakes game with a time limit and notes that you can’t expect HR to truly see the full picture of who you are in just an hour. “So the lies I’m talking about are just about playing the game strategically,” she clarifies. “Say your ex-boss was toxic (even if true), and the interviewer hears: ‘I’m hard to work with.’ Mention your plans to start a business or fail to sell yourself, and they think, ‘You’re not committed.’ Come off too desperate, and your value drops. Smart positioning isn’t about faking it—it’s about presenting yourself right.”

At the end of the day, interviews are all about perception and making the right impression. And “fake it until you make it strategies” are legitimate for career success. Morgan’s advocacy for telling lies in an interview is based on what she calls “smart positioning.” She emphasizes that your story should be grounded in the framework of your actual hard skills and tailored to highlight your strengths. In that context, she concludes, there are four lies to tell in job interviews to help you ace the challenge.