People May Know If You Fake Knowledge
By OBP in Business | 5 comments
I saw an ad recently for a webhosting company that was looking for writers. I checked out their website and it looked legitimate so I applied for the job. However I wanted to make sure that they really knew what they were doing so I asked them some basic questions about things like dedicated server hosting. They did indeed know what they were talking about so I was willing to take the job. If they hadn’t been able to answer those questions then I would’ve moved on to other work.
One of the first things that I learned when I entered the business world after college was that a lot of people live by the rule of “fake it ’til you make it”. For a long time I also lived by that rule. I won’t lie; it did get me into a lot of job positions that I wasn’t qualified enough to get if I’d been truthful about my level of experience. In spite of the benefits that I gained from faking knowledge and experience that I didn’t have, I generally don’t think that people should fake too much when it comes to business. That’s because others in the industry are going to know when you’re faking it. You may be able to get by with doing this as an individual employee but if you own a company (or are starting one) then it’s probably a mistake.
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Tomas | Jun 15, 2009 | Reply
Yeah, I don’t really get this mentality. I always thought those who “fake it til they make it” are posers and taking jobs they aren’t qualified for from people that ARE qualified who have a hard enough time getting honest work.
Keana | Jun 15, 2009 | Reply
Why would you want to fake it? It seems like this philosophy is all about money and cheating, and that’s kind of a ridiculous way to live. Work at what you love and take pride in it; there’s no other way to live.
Trina | Jun 15, 2009 | Reply
Faking anything is the quickest way to an empty soul and unfulfilled dreams. Your short changing yourself, your coworkers, and your company. There is honest work available for you, and you won’t feel pressured and guilty every day.
Cliff | Jun 15, 2009 | Reply
Everyone needs a little on the job training! I hear you, buddy. Faking it is just a mode of confidence and it’s the American way! Plus, if you’re quick and clever you’ll learn quickly, earn a better salary, and be smarter over all for having “faked” it.
Catie | Jun 15, 2009 | Reply
Ha! This always happens to me. Seriously, even if I fib about knowing what alehouse mustard is (just to keep the conversation flowing!) I get called out on it, which is very embarrassing and really just terrible. Get caught out once and you won’t do it again!