Job Desperation Leads Man to Fake Resume, Lands Role and Becomes ‘Core Team Member’
After facing repeated rejections during his job search, a man decided to drastically alter his resume, adding fictional roles, skills, and projects. In a candid Reddit post, he shared how his frustration with the job market led him to fabricate a work history that eventually landed him a remote job with a decent salary and full benefits.
“I was broke and desperate. So, I rewrote my resume like I was building a fanfiction character,” he admitted. Among the fake additions was a consulting gig that was really just him helping his cousin with a website.
To prepare for potential interviews, he dove into YouTube tutorials and familiarized himself with industry buzzwords. “I just hoped no one would dig too deep,” he said.
Much to his surprise, one company hired him.
Initially gripped by imposter syndrome and panic, he eventually adapted. “First month was rough… googling everything, faking confidence. But I kept showing up,” he wrote. Over time, he proved himself, and his manager even called him a “core team member.”
Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, “If I hadn’t lied, I never would’ve even gotten the chance. Maybe the whole system’s broken if the only way to get in is to pretend you already belong.”
The post sparked debate online. One user commented, “Resumes and cover letters are often puffed up anyway.” Another bluntly added, “You weren’t experiencing imposter syndrome. You were an imposter.”
Yet many others applauded his determination, saying it shows that skills can be learned and gatekeeping in hiring often prevents capable people from getting opportunities.
