Boss, you look so young... "I lied when trying to find a part-time job"

Survey of Part-Time Job Seekers and Current Workers
Job Seekers Distrust Hiring Phrases
"Family-Like Atmosphere", "On-Time Departure"

The majority of part-time job seekers revealed that they have lied either while looking for a part-time job or during their employment. The phrase most commonly distrusted in job postings was "a family-like comfortable atmosphere."

On the 30th, the part-time job portal 'AlbaCheonguk' conducted a survey of 1,682 part-time workers who are either seeking jobs or currently employed, in celebration of April Fools' Day. The results showed that one in two respondents (56.1%) with part-time job search experience admitted to having lied during the job search process.

A sticker indicating 'Apple Pay' payment availability is attached at the entrance of a convenience store in downtown Seoul on the 20th, one day before the launch of the 'Apple Pay' service. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

The main reason for lying was "to increase the chances of passing (51.3%, multiple answers allowed)," followed by "it was cumbersome to explain the situation in detail (32.7%)," "did not want to answer rude questions honestly (17.4%)," "was momentarily flustered (15.8%)," "could not think of an appropriate answer to the question (15.3%)," and "to create a good interview atmosphere (14.9%)."

The most common specific lie during the job search was related to availability and duration of work, with "I will work for a long time" ranking first at 52.3% (multiple answers allowed). Other common lies included "I might have difficulty coming to work due to circumstances (26.9%)," "I have relevant part-time experience (24.9%)," "I have no problem with overtime (13.7%)," "I might have difficulty attending the interview due to urgent matters (12.6%)," and "Compliments on the boss’s appearance and personality (11.9%)."

Among all respondents, 7 out of 10 (72.9%) said there were lies or unbelievable statements in part-time job postings as well.

Specifically, "a family-like comfortable atmosphere (59.1%, multiple answers allowed)" was overwhelmingly ranked first, followed by "simple and easy tasks anyone can do (47.3%)," "a friendly older brother or sister-like boss (38.2%)," "incentives based on ability (32.2%)," "possibility of leaving work on time (28.6%)," and "meals or meal allowances provided (5.1%)."

When 928 part-time workers currently employed were asked about their experience with lying, 74.1% admitted to having lied during their work. The situation where lies were most frequently told was "when quitting (28.6%)," and the targets of lies were ranked as "boss (56.5%)," "customers (32.1%)," and "part-time colleagues (10.3%)."

The top lie told to the boss was "It's okay! It's not hard at all (40.4%, multiple answers allowed)," followed by "Something came up suddenly, so I think I have to quit (32.0%)," "I have something at home, so I might have difficulty coming to work (20.1%)," "I am not feeling well and cannot come to work (19.3%)," "I can do it (13.1%)," "I was late because of traffic (11.8%)," "An urgent matter came up, so I have to leave early (11.3%)," "It wasn’t my mistake (10.3%)," and "I was wrong, I’m sorry (9.3%)."

The most common lie told to customers was "We are currently out of stock, so it is difficult to use (34.7%)," followed by "I’m sorry (24.0%)," "Please come again (22.2%)," "Please wait a moment (20.6%)," "It’s okay, I’ll do it (18.5%)," "It’s almost closing time, is that okay? (17.6%)," and "Thank you (13.1%)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.