If you're about to embark on the job-hunting process, it's important to be as upfront and honest as possible with recruiters.

Whether you were let go from your previous job for unsatisfactory performance or you have social media skeletons in the closet, starting a new job with a clean slate is the best way to get the ball rolling.

Here are 5 things you should always tell recruiters during the interview process:

1. How Long Do You Plan on Staying?

Interviewing for a long-term position is one thing, but if you're just looking for a job to fill your unemployment gap, this is something a hiring manager needs to know. It costs companies a lot of money to recruit and they want their efforts to be as long lasting as possible.

If you're interviewing with hopes that another job will come along, simply tell the interviewer. You may still get the job or the job might go to another candidate who is looking for a long-term career. Either way, at least you aren't entering a new position on false terms.

2. Why Did You Leave Your Previous Position?

Sometimes you leave a job because it's unfulfilling and sometimes you are let go for other reasons. As the following article shows, whatever the terms are, the reason why you left your last job is just 1 of 5 things to ALWAYS tell a recruiter during your interview. 

Quitting on good terms with two weeks’ notice and good luck handshakes are something every interviewer would like to hear, but that's not always the case. Even if you quit on short notice or were fired, the interviewer will appreciate your honesty.

3. Do You Have a Clean Social History?

More and more companies are looking into candidates' social histories before hiring.

According to Social-Hire.com's CEO Tony Restell, "For candidates, social media can certainly "backfire" if there's anything on your social profiles that causes the recruiter to question your professionalism or that doesn't tally with what you've stated on your resume."

Because of this, you might need to make some social changes in order to make yourself a more attractive candidate. Restell goes on to say, "Nowadays, you should assume that your social profiles will be looked at every bit as much as your actual resume and cover letter, so you should invest in cleaning them up and perfecting them accordingly."

4. Do You Have a Criminal Record?

Although many companies do their own research, coming clean about any criminal history you may have is better than letting the employer discover it on their own. Chances are you'll have to state whether you've ever been arrested on the employment application.

Whether it's a DUI or a greater offense, letting the hiring manager know your background will help them understand you better. Likewise, being upfront and honest about your past will avoid any surprises down the road for your new employer.

5. Honesty is the Best Policy

At the end of the day, honesty is always the best policy during the interviewing process.

If there is something in your life or on your résumé you feel you need to lie about, then it's probably something the hiring manager needs to know. Put honesty first and your truthfulness will go a long way.

When you're ready to pound the pavement for a new job, make sure you put everything upfront.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including job hunting and résumé writing.