Do You Know Who That Worker You Just Hired Really Is?

Employers love to talk about “authenticity.” But psychologists say nearly everyone uses some form of deception to get a job.

It was as if a “Seinfeld” plot met John le Carré.

Kristin Zawatski, 44, who works in information technology, in a department of about 70 people, was helping to conduct a virtual job interview. She said she was impressed by the candidate’s sharp understanding of the technical skills required for the position. But about 15 minutes into the conversation, one of her colleagues muted the video call.

“The person answering the questions isn’t the person on camera,” he declared, according to her recollection, prompting an audible gasp from his teammates.