How to Fake It

Faking it can mean learning to use a complicated computer application or technology that you have no experience with. For example, you might accept an assignment that requires you to use a Computer Automated Drafting system (CAD). Don't start by attempting assigned task. First design a few smaller practice projects.

Faking it can require an understanding your organization's processes. For example, you accept an assignment that requires you to write a specification. You'll need to get a copy of appropriate procedures manual. Sometimes most surreptitious source for this is a clerk or secretary.

- When attempting to conceal fact that you're faking it, one of your best sources of information may be a clerk or secretary. You would be surprised how knowledgeable these people are about how things get done in organization.

Faking it can mean managing a project or event when you have no management experience. You might think "acting like a boss" doesn't require any special skills. But if managing project requires cooperation of other people, you'll find that some people will be uncooperative.

To manage a project, you need to learn how to use a "pert" chart and a "Gantt" chart, and how to manage a budget. If team members feel that you have lost control and project is doomed to failure, everyone will abandon you.

- When attempting a task for first time, it's important to listen to other people's advice. You may not agree with, or understand what they are saying, but they may have been down this path before and can give tip that will prevent you from stumbling.

- When faking it, study previous work. Can you get copies of schedule used on previous project of this type? Can you get pictures of previous product or event? Can you get a copy of a similar specification? Don't plagiarize someone else's work, just use it as an example.

To fake it, you'll be required to put in extra time, usually your own time, to make up for your lack of experience. That's price you have to pay to succeed in "no stretch" organization. It will be worth extra effort because next time this kind of task comes around, you really will be experienced.

After you have successfully completed a task by faking it, you' be ready to handle even greater assignments. Tasks for which you have no experience. And you'll receive those assignments and succeed in those tasks - by faking it.

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#3: Get to know about interviewer

A key part of job interview success is about building rapport with interviewer. That's why it helps to find out something about him.

Learn about his background -- educational qualifications and career progression are good starting points. Get an idea about his reputation within organization.

Find out details like his professional affiliations, hobbies and family. Try to get a sense of his values and personal style -- what kind of person is he?

See if you have anything in common with him. Whether it's hobbies, city where you grew up or anything else. If there is, it's easier to build rapport. Even if there isn't, fact-finding you've done will allow you to conduct yourself appropriately at job interview.

#4: Be up-to-date on industry and profession

This is big-picture context you must be aware of. Know about trends and developments in career you've chosen.

This is particularly important if you're changing careers. In that case, your focus will be on your transferable skills. You need to prove that you know what you are getting into and how your existing skills and experience will help you in this new career / profession.

Apart from mainstream news media, trade publications are a great source of information. In addition, seek out someone in your network who can give you inside scoop on what's happening.

At job interview, you should be able to discuss trends, career paths and skill-set needed to succeed. You are aiming to convey that you have a firm grasp of what industry and profession is all about and that you are prepared to function effectively.

Learn all pertinent facts about industry. How profitable has this industry been over time? What are current growth trends? Is this a mature, slow-growing industry or one of newer faster-paced ones?

How important is your profession to this industry? Is it a core profession or something that's peripheral to industry's success?

What developments could disrupt growth and profitability? These could be related to technology, distribution, changes in market preferences and much more.

This information will allow you to talk intelligently about your industry and profession.

Research is base on which good strategy is built. Take time to do it well and you will have a considerable lead over your competitors.