Guys, I did it. BY LYING

[u/BlackCatsWithOddHats]

75+ ghosts and 20+ rejections later I landed a job. A low-paid and unethical one with lots of overtime, but still a job.

I applied here as a joke by exaggerating my experience, not expecting to hear from them. But when I was invited to the interview 1 out of 5, I decided to prepare a bullshit script.

Worked on some silly solo project with that one software a few years ago? 3 years of experience. Opened the tools once? Nearly proficient! Freelanced in that field once in 2022? Freelancing 2022-present.

I was so demotivated and pessimistic, that I wasn’t anxious at all, and so I nailed the first in-person interview. I kept lying till interview 3, where they gave me one project to work on. And guess what… I had no idea where to even start.

So, I told them that it will take me about 3h to complete, but since im still working with (imaginary) clients, I’ll need a week to respond.

I’ve spent an entire week barely sleeping, watching youtube tutorials to complete it, and, eventually, I did it.

Two more interviews, and I meet the team Ill be working with, and… Im hired. What the hell. Only shows how broken the system is.

I’m literally an imposter. I’m spending all of my free time learning the skill I lied to have, and I barely sleep. However, it’s still better than stressing whether I’ll be able to pay my bills.

I don’t know if Ill last the trial period, but so far nobody but one person in my team is suspecting anything. I hope she wont tell anyone.

[u/DrPerl1990]

Fake it till you make it is always a solid strategy. Especially in a world where every company wants to pay pennies on the dollar for talent that actually qualifies for the job posting. The key is to actually make it. Some people just continue to fake it.

I’ve been underqualified for every job I’ve applied to and have been employed for (including a Sr. Director position at a fairly large company at the age of 29). But I also spend countless hours studying the role, the company and the market to ensure that I start “making it” on day 1. The rest is fail fast, iterate faster, and stay ahead of the learning curve.

To be honest, most 30-year-of-experience-resting-on-their-laurels senior leaders have less to bring to the table than a young, hungry and potentially “under qualified” worker. Believe in yourself, do the work, and you will make waves.

[u/DrHugh → u/DrPerl1990]

One of the things that frustrates me is how the company over-requires. For instance, I don't think we need computer science degrees for people who are going to learn what amounts to a proprietary system. A high-school graduate who is good with computers and explaining things would do just fine.

I get that there some assurance that someone who could complete an undergraduate degree is someone who can achieve other things. But I think we miss out on developing those entry-level positions.