Not lying. Society is not fully honest, because there are, in fact, softening jokes… Stuff should totally not be taken blatantly, as most human communication is not factual; it's based on opinions.
Even though some would like it, most won’t… I think silence is a better alternative because it avoids you having to decide whether it’s a good idea to lie to them.
Employer: "What is your motivation to study?"
Me:
"I need an A* in Business so that you won't consider me not academically capable enough."
Employer:
"Anything else?"
Me:
"The education system is so boring, so I didn't really study my subjects for pleasure; I just want to use my grades to increase the chance of getting a job, thus getting money. No money means biological death due to lack of ability to buy food."
Employer:
"Why even us?"
Me:
"No particular reason. I just applied for 600 jobs to increase the chance of getting at least one. I have an A* in Business, and one condition for your company is a sufficiently good educational background."
Employer:
"... Well then, have a nice day, sire."
Might need to… not lying, lying is bad, but just not say some information (ethically neutral)