Q:

Should I omit very early programming experience and/or a job that required clearance?

So I recently had a problem with an employer that I never expected to have... They accused me of lying about my experience. 
The first issue was the "How long have you been programming?" question. I answered honestly; I've been programming since I got my first computer at 10, starting with MySpace layouts (yeah, yeah) then moving my way up. I totally understand that it would seem like I'm lying, but I'm not. I have code that I wrote that I could furnish as proof, although I'd really rather not (it reads like a how-to on 90's text talk...) Pretty much everyone who has ever met me knows my passion for programming, but an interviewer isn't trying to get to know me, only assess me. Should I lie about this/just not mention it? Or should I show them my awful kiddie code? It's a HUGE part of who I am, so I feel like I shouldn't have to hide it??
Then came the real kicker: one of my jobs required a security clearance, so I couldn't really discuss my project work in-depth, and it happened to be my most recent--and only--post-undergrad job. I was still able to answer all of the typical interview questions, I just couldn't give specifics or show code snippets (ha!) from the projects I worked on at that company. The interviewer thought I was making it all up, and couldn't believe that I would want a 'normal' job after something like that. How do I handle a job that I can't really discuss? (I'm trying really, really hard not to use the "If I told you, I'd have to kill you" line, I promise.)
I ended up not working for them (who wants a company that distrustful?) but it got me wondering--should I lie about my experience? I'm proud of what I've done, but I don't want to seem like a liar or an overachiever. Is there a better way of handling this situation than lying about my experiences?
(Additional info: I'm a 2014 graduate, I had recent code samples prepared, and I was applying for an entry level developer position, if that helps.)

A:

This is going to be an unusual situation.  Most employers will take "My work at my last job was confidential so I can't discuss many aspects of it" at face value so long as they have confirmed with HR that you did in fact work there.  If an interviewer won't accept what you are telling them as truth, state it as clearly and sincerely as possible.  If they still won't accept it as truth then you are unlikely to get that job anyway.
As a side note probably don't include the code you wrote as a kid in your programming experience.  In a professional environment they are likely looking for your years of professional coding experience.  An answer of "I first picked up coding 15 years ago and loved it.  I have been doing it professionally now for 2 years." likely covers your desire to show your love for it and still answers their intended question.

A:

An interviewer whose only concern is that you may be outright lying can always verify references, I think there may be something more.
If you come across as saying "I did some stuff with MySpace when I was 10 and have held a job for less than a year - but I can't tell you about it"... It's not necessarily that they think you're lying, but there might still be a different sort of credibility problem.
Nobody cares how young you started, and nobody can assess things you can't talk about. Nobody is going to look at your "kiddie code". What matters is how you can demonstrate that you, today, can do the job they are hiring for, to the standard they need. That means experience doing similar things (and ideally being paid to do it), insight when presented with real problems, and a professional demeanour. Let your enthusiasm show but don't let it dominate.
Find examples of past coding (undergrad, hobbies, whatever) which show a) you have tackled reasonably complicated problems and b) there were real-world demands driving these things (especially working for others). Ask yourself what you have achieved rather than revelling in the fact that you enjoy what you do. Consider what non-secret elements of the job you can talk about. If they ask you about past problems you've solved, explain that it'll be hard, but turn the question on them, ask them about the real problems they've got and talk them through options - that will show interest in what you're doing.
This might be a one-off bad interviewer who genuinely thught you were lying and didn't think it through, so keep trying. But it could also be that you gave a poor impression in the interview. Think about what your weaknesses might be - be realistic and perhaps ask a friend - and how to address them.

A:

I would think that you summed it up near the end:

I ended up not working for them (who wants a company that distrustful?)

If that's the way the company is, then it's good that they raised the red flags for you. Don't get upset over one company and just try your hand at the next.

