You remember all those childhood tales that tried to teach you the perils of lying? Pinocchio and his nose or that one kid who ended up getting eaten by a wolf? While these may have been excellent role models for helping you become a model citizen, it turns out they weren’t exactly 100% accurate when it comes to job interviews. Now, don’t get us wrong. There are certainly a few no-no’s such as making up a degree or inventing a job to fill in a work gap (those will always come back to bite you in the end). As it turns out, there are a few areas where a small fib or two are allowable, and even helpful, when it comes to career advancement.

Salary Expectations

When it comes to stating your expected salary range, feel free to treat the interview period as a poker game. Don’t be afraid to bluff a little on your absolute minimum acceptable salary or reach a touch for an upper range. Budgets for open positions will often have a bit of wiggle room and it won’t hurt your chances to come in at the higher end if you have marketable skills and are a highly-qualified candidate. Be careful about pricing yourself outside of market price and be sure to never lie about prior compensation. Both of these could have you losing a job you otherwise may have gotten.

Reasons for Leaving

You know that pesky little question you are always asked regarding your last employment? Here’s one area where you should never tell the truth, especially if its ugly. Regardless of how awful your boss is or was, how mismanaged the company finances, paste on a smile and use the “upward mobility” or “career growth opportunities” line. Your perspective new employer, and all those unburnt bridges, will thank you.

Interest in Position

Speaking of that new position, is it really the “perfect fit”? How many jobs have you had where you honestly were “excited at the opportunity” to work there? Maybe you just needed a job and the salary and benefits were better than your other lackluster choices. Exaggerating your interest during the interview for a job you need or want is an acceptable lie. We’d go so far as to say its expected. After all, have you ever heard someone say “well, this place isn’t my idea position, but it’ll pay the bills for now.”

Long Term Plans

Sure, we all go into an interview telling our prospective employer that we’re looking for stability and a place to call home for the rest of our careers. The truth of the matter, though, is a little bit different. Career opportunities, changes in company structure, or flat out better opportunities all mean that you’re likely to move up the corporate ladder a few more rungs, with a few different companies, before you call it a day on your career.

Familiarity with New Company

While a big lie in this department may be disastrous, fibbing just a teensy bit about how well you know the business of your potential new company won’t hurt your prospects. Avoid broad statements and instead, focus on small areas. If you’ve done the proper research, as you should before any interview, you’ll know at least a couple of facts about the new gig. Sprinkle these in and let your employer infer the rest to come off as prepared and enthusiastic.

Filler Info

Into collecting hand puppets and haven’t jogged a day in your life but list your hobbies as fitness and gardening? Perspective employers aren’t exactly hiring you for your marathon skills so feel free to claim you thoroughly enjoy that round of golf, even if it is from the comfort of the cart. Though, if the topic does come up, don’t wane enthusiastic unless you’re prepared to hit the tee with your semi-pro boss once you’ve got the gig!

You call them lies, we like to call them exaggerations, or shellacking over less desirable traits. Honesty certainly is the best policy in life, but, like all things, is still best used judiciously. Don’t fib on the major accomplishments, skills, education or background facts and you’ll avoid that Pinocchio nose like embarrassment that comes with being caught in a whopper.