Unpacking the 'Fake It Till You Make It' Approach
The "fake it till you make it" aspect of interviewing refers to the practice of projecting confidence, competence, and a positive attitude, even when you may not feel fully qualified or experienced for the position. It involves presenting yourself as the ideal candidate by emphasizing your strengths and downplaying weaknesses or gaps in your knowledge or experience. While this approach can be useful to some extent, there are potential benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits of "Fake It Till You Make It" in Interviewing:
1. Confidence Boost: Adopting a confident and positive demeanor can help alleviate interview anxiety and project a more capable image.
2. Positive Impressions: Interviewers often favor candidates who exude confidence and enthusiasm. Your attitude can influence their perception of your qualifications.
3. Motivation: The act of "faking it" can motivate you to strive for continuous improvement and enhance your skills over time.
Drawbacks of "Fake It Till You Make It" in Interviewing:
1. Misrepresentation: Exaggerating your skills or qualifications beyond reality can be unethical and may lead to potential issues if you cannot perform as expected on the job.
2. Short-Term Strategy: Relying solely on this approach without actual qualifications or experience may lead to job dissatisfaction and potentially jeopardize your career in the long run.
3. Lack of Authenticity: Authenticity is valued in the workplace, and projecting a false image may hinder genuine relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
It’s a Balancing Act:
To make the "fake it till you make it" approach work for you in interviews, consider these tips:
1. Always be truthful about your skills and experience. Avoid exaggerating or lying about your qualifications.
2. Emphasize transferable skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to adapt and learn quickly.
3. Express your eagerness to acquire new skills and your commitment to personal and professional growth.
4. Invest time in preparing for interviews, researching the company, and understanding the role's requirements. This can boost your genuine confidence.