Applying for a job that you know nothing about?

[Kelthaz]

I'm applying for jobs around town, and I've seen a few that sound neat, but I'm really not educated in, but I have experience along similar lines. For example one is about designing web pages, though I'm an ace at computers, hardware, tech support and dabbling in programs like Photoshop, I know I'm not knowledgeable about doing that job.

Interviewer: So it says here on your resume that you're an experienced web designer. How much experience do you have with PHP?
Brent: None at all. I don't touch drugs.
Interviewer: ...

I can understand exaggerating your achievements a bit in order to get a job, but flat out lying to get a job you know you're not qualified for? I can't imagine how you'd even pass the interview, let alone keep your job. Real life doesn't work like Three's Company.

 

[Holdfast]

I can understand exaggerating your achievements a bit in order to get a job, but flat out lying to get a job you know you're not qualified for? I can't imagine how you'd even pass the interview, let alone keep your job. Real life doesn't work like Three's Company.

You're thinking of the wrong kind of jobs. There are plenty of jobs focusing on non-technical areas that one could easily blag one's way into, assuming you could think on your feet, with the appropriate fabrication of a CV and setting up some fake references from friends. It would of course be very unethical, but it would not be difficult to do. I even suspect you would last in the job without getting fired, provided you were reasonably bright and could get up to speed quickly. Many jobs draw on the same set of basic & highly transferable, people, leadership and communication skills and having experience with the actual subject matter is pretty irrelevant, even if the interviewers ask for it.

The most obvious high-profile example is how senior executives, including CEOs, can move smoothly from one Fortune 500 company to another, even though they don't know anything about what the new company does. It's all soft skills (the business side is pretty straightforward accounts reading). If you have those, you could lie about the actual experience, and still do the job.

Of course, once you're eventually caught, you better make sure you've dug up enough dirt to ensure they still give you your golden parachute!

 

[Brent]

I'm applying for jobs around town, and I've seen a few that sound neat, but I'm really not educated in, but I have experience along similar lines. For example one is about designing web pages, though I'm an ace at computers, hardware, tech support and dabbling in programs like Photoshop, I know I'm not knowledgeable about doing that job.

Interviewer: So it says here on your resume that you're an experienced web designer. How much experience do you have with PHP?
Brent: None at all. I don't touch drugs.
Interviewer: ...

I can understand exaggerating your achievements a bit in order to get a job, but flat out lying to get a job you know you're not qualified for? I can't imagine how you'd even pass the interview, let alone keep your job. Real life doesn't work like Three's Company.

I think you are misunderstanding my post, I'm not saying to lie.

 

[Colonel Green]

I'm applying for jobs around town, and I've seen a few that sound neat, but I'm really not educated in, but I have experience along similar lines. For example one is about designing web pages, though I'm an ace at computers, hardware, tech support and dabbling in programs like Photoshop, I know I'm not knowledgeable about doing that job.

Interviewer: So it says here on your resume that you're an experienced web designer. How much experience do you have with PHP?
Brent: None at all. I don't touch drugs.
Interviewer: ...

I can understand exaggerating your achievements a bit in order to get a job, but flat out lying to get a job you know you're not qualified for? I can't imagine how you'd even pass the interview, let alone keep your job. Real life doesn't work like Three's Company.

I think you are misunderstanding my post, I'm not saying to lie.

And we're telling you that you should lie. Tell them you invented the internet, nobody would believe you'd be dumb enough to try and make something like that up.

 

[Kelthaz]

I can understand exaggerating your achievements a bit in order to get a job, but flat out lying to get a job you know you're not qualified for? I can't imagine how you'd even pass the interview, let alone keep your job. Real life doesn't work like Three's Company.

You're thinking of the wrong kind of jobs. There are plenty of jobs focusing on non-technical areas that one could easily blag one's way into, assuming you could think on your feet, with the appropriate fabrication of a CV and setting up some fake references from friends. It would of course be very unethical, but it would not be difficult to do.

Yeah, you're right. When Brent mentioned the web designer job I got way too fixated on technical jobs. I suppose, if you're quick on your feet and well prepared, you could bullshit your way through an interview for a job that requires few, if any, hard skills.

Jeez, what a tangled web of lies you'd have to weave to keep that up though. George Costanza would envy you.

I think you are misunderstanding my post, I'm not saying to lie.

You're right, I did misunderstand your post then. Of course, telling the truth makes even less sense. If you're going to apply for a job you're woefully inadequate for the only chance you have is to lie. I suppose the interviewer could be impressed by your honesty and gumption, but that's one hell of a long shot. I'd take my chances with lying.

 

[Owain Taggart]

I'm actually currently doing this somewhat. I have a volunteer job at the local science center with a temporary dinosaur exhibit, and I don't know all that much about dinosaurs. Though that may not be the exact kind of thing meant. I mainly got it because I have connections, my uncle being a paleontologist with a National Geographic miniseries coming up soon. Much of the details surrounding dinosaurs with specific things that I've got to remember like chewing habits is a bit too much for me. Granted, volunteer positions are more lax.