How to Extract the Truth Out of Anyone

The Bluff Method for Recruiters and Hiring Managers

In recruitment, truth is currency. Every interviewer wants to know who’s really sitting across from them — not just what they’ve rehearsed. But most interviews reward performance, not honesty.

That’s where The Bluff Method comes in.

It’s a structured way to reveal how someone truly thinks, reacts, and prioritizes when they believe they’re making a genuine decision.

1. What Is “The Bluff”

The Bluff is an interview technique that simulates a real scenario to observe authentic responses.

Instead of asking direct, predictable questions, you present a realistic situation — one that feels unscripted — to see whether the candidate’s behavior matches their words.

This isn’t manipulation. It’s a professional tool for truth verification.It allows recruiters to assess integrity, adaptability, and problem-solving in a way traditional Q&As never can.

2. When to Use It

Use The Bluff during mid to late stages of the interview process, once you’ve already confirmed technical qualifications.

It’s most effective when:

• Candidates are giving overly polished or “perfect” answers.

• You need to confirm commitment levels (e.g., schedule, workload, relocation).

• You’re evaluating real-world thinking for technical or operational roles.

3. How to Apply the Bluff

There are two common types:

a. The Schedule Bluff

Used to verify commitment or work ethic.

Example:

“We’re finalizing between two openings — one’s Monday to Saturday with overtime and higher pay, the other’s Monday to Friday, less hours but lower pay.Which would you prefer?”

✅ What this does:It forces a genuine decision. You’ll see their real priorities, not what they think you want to hear.

b. The Skill Bluff

Used to observe practical ability and problem-solving.

Example:

“Our team’s been troubleshooting this issue all week. Would you like to take a look and see what you’d do differently?”

✅ What this does:It disarms the candidate and places them in a natural, problem-solving mode.You’re not testing knowledge — you’re observing how they think when stakes feel real.

4. Why It Works

Most interview questions signal what the interviewer values, and candidates adapt their answers accordingly.

The Bluff removes that signal. It places candidates in a real-feeling situation where instinct takes over.

This reveals:

• Honesty — Do they respond truthfully or tell you what you want to hear?

• Composure — Can they think clearly when they believe they’re “in the moment”?

• Character — How do they approach uncertainty or pressure?

5. Guidelines for Ethical Use

✅ Always debrief after.Explain that the scenario was hypothetical and clarify the reasoning behind it.

✅ Keep it professional.The goal is truth, not entrapment. Never use bluffs that could embarrass or corner a candidate.

✅ Use sparingly.The Bluff is powerful precisely because it’s unexpected. Overuse dulls its effect.

6. When Done Right

A well-executed bluff helps you:

• Filter out candidates who can’t deliver on their promises.

• Identify genuine, high-integrity hires.

• Build teams on trust rather than assumption.

Because the best recruiters don’t just listen — they observe truth in motion.

📘 Free Resource: Download the “How to Extract the Truth Out of Anyone" Guide — a step-by-step checklist on how to use scenario-based truth testing in your next hiring process.

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