agree.. honesty is impt. However, still need apply some white lies maybe in other questions.

As for unemployment gaps, just provide honest answer why jobless. If the interviewers ask you what other positions or companies you applied, you shd only say out the similar positions that you previously applied in same industry to show your interest in this job field/ industry. For e.g., if you apply for healthcare executive in nhg, you may say that you applied for other executive positions in singhealth etc because you really have passion in healthcare industry.

From my personal experience, can tell from the interviewers' questions or expressions that they like your profile from the start or not since they would have your application form or resume. When I applied for one position in a ministry, they asked just one question and quickly asked me whether i had any other questions for them.