Resumes are exaggerated… interviewees are coached on how to hide flaws and prior employers are warned against giving negative information. How then can you find the truth? I found this line of questioning highly effective in the interview process.
Truth Serum Set Up:
1- Who did you directly report to?
2- When I talk to (former bosses name), what will he say that you did well?
3- What will (boss) say about the areas that he wanted you to improve on?
Come back and use the Truth Serum for areas where the candidate has raised doubt. For example: What will (boss) say the reason for your leaving was? How well you taught yourself job skills? Your work ethic and punctuality? Your speed in getting things done? Your willingness to take on new responsibilities?
By always framing the questions in the form of what a third person will claim, the ability to distort the facts is mitigated. They have to align their response to the truth or risk their lie being exposed.