Recruiters expect and will demand honest answers. Any applicant found to knowingly mislead the recruiters will be rejected. This doesn't mean applicants should disclose every act of indiscretion they ever committed. Total disclosure is not the goal, but total honesty is. If the recruiters don't delve into detrimental aspects, the smart applicant certainly doesn't volunteer additional information.
Recruiters also expect the applicants to be honest with themselves.
All of the recruiters talk to each other and they already know the answers to self critiquing questions, so fluffing up a dismal performance only makes things worse. They also expect an applicant to express a strong desire for the job. If an applicant's natural state of mind is subdued, impassive logic, he should at least state with enthusiasm he wants the job offer. If an applicant is challenged by the recruiters with requests for additional training or ratings or perhaps more experience in the left seat before getting an offer, he should be willing to discuss and commit to the requirements suggested. He must show a willingness to do what it takes to get the offer.