Highlights
Tech Worker’s CV Lie Sparks Discussion on Imposter Syndrome
Tech workers are often on a journey where what begins as a minor embellishment on a CV can lead to unexpected promotions, raises, and many sleepless nights fueled by caffeine. A Reddit user shared a raw account of how a deceptive résumé led them into a programming position, igniting a significant reaction from the online community.
In a widely-discussed Reddit post, the user under the alias zaenova revealed, “I fabricated my CV and somehow convinced everyone that I was a code expert.” They lamented their predicament, expressing regret over finding themselves in a cycle of frantic web searches and long coding sessions driven by coffee.
Zaenova, despite lacking coding skills at the outset, successfully landed the job and more. “The highlight? I received a promotion and a raise, essentially meaning ‘we’re compensating you more for maintaining the charade,’” they noted.
This account resonated within the developer community, especially among individuals battling feelings of imposter syndrome or those who have navigated self-learning in their careers. One commenter intriguingly suggested, “Transform your imposter syndrome into infiltrator syndrome. ‘Haha, these people don’t even know I’m out of my depth.’”
Crafting a Facade while Learning
For zaenova, survival in this role meant mastering the skill of sounding knowledgeable while hastily sourcing answers online. “My browsing history reveals numerous searches for ‘how to rectify syntax errors’ and ‘what does this error message signify?’” they shared. “When asked to elucidate my code, I typically dive into an elaborate monologue filled with jargon, in the hope of bewildering them with technical jargon.”
Although the journey began with untruths, it has gradually transitioned into an authentic learning experience. “Surprisingly, I’ve absorbed the material quickly, realising that the truth of my ability is reflected in my output. It’s about actions, not mere words. Maybe I can finally consider myself a bona fide programmer?” they reflected.
Others joined the conversation to recount their experiences, revealing varying results from similar situations. One user expressed, “I once deceived my way into a job and was shown the door within 24 hours :)” Another compared the scenario to military tactics: “It’s akin to executing psychological operations to affirm your position… quite similar to the methods used by Green Berets.”
This discussion also highlighted methods to convert such high-stakes beginnings into legitimate career paths. Recommendations varied from “rebranding your work experience” at the current organisation to shifting towards managerial roles. One user pointedly remarked, “If you’ve lingered long enough to ascend to a management position, your past might not raise eyebrows.”