Unless your sphere is honesty, there's nothing wrong with telling a mortal leader what your character knows he wants to hear. Especially after a poor first interview. Figure out what he's looking for and tell him a good story. Just try not to forget it or:

Commander: You fought well, Jisco. You would have made your sister proud.
Jisct: I never had a sister.
Commander: You told me mages killed your sister!
Jisco: (sweating) Oh. Oooohhh, THAT sister.
Commander stares at you.