Should You “Fake it ‘Til You Make It” in Your Career?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “fake it ‘til you make it” when people are talking about their careers. This is often passed around as advice, but is it a viable strategy for those who are moving into a new role or interested in taking on more challenging projects? Today we’re going to examine the “fake it ‘til you make it” philosophy and provide some tips to help you build confidence in your career. Let’s begin.

What Does “Fake It ‘Til You Make It” Actually Mean?

At its core, the “fake it ‘til you make it” philosophy is about projecting confidence in situations where you feel uncertain or inexperienced. The idea here is that if you act the part, you’ll eventually grow into it. Depending on the situation, this philosophy could take many forms. For example, you might speak with confidence during a job interview despite feeling nervous on the inside.

Other examples might include taking on a leadership role before feeling fully prepared, or volunteering for a particularly challenging project at work, even in the face of a steep learning curve. The bottom line is, “faking it ‘til you make it” is about stepping outside of your comfort zone, which can be beneficial depending on the circumstances. That said, it’s important to know where to draw the line between self-improvement and outright deception.

When “Faking It” Can Work in Your Favor

In certain cases, “faking it” can actually be a useful strategy. Here are some instances where it could help:

Building Confidence in New Situations

When stepping into an unfamiliar role, you might not feel 100% ready, but that doesn’t mean you’re incapable. Confidence can help you gain the trust of colleagues, clients, and employers. For example, if you’re transitioning into a managerial role, you might not feel like a leader right away. If you’re able to project confidence (even before you feel it) you can establish authority and earn respect from your team.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Many professionals, especially young job seekers, struggle with imposter syndrome. This manifests as a feeling that they don’t belong or aren’t qualified. In this situation, “faking it” doesn’t mean lying—it means recognizing that self-doubt doesn’t define your actual abilities.

Let’s say you’ve just landed your first job in a competitive industry. Here, you might feel like everyone else around you is more experienced. Instead of waiting to feel “ready,” you can act the part, speaking with confidence, asking good questions, and taking initiative.

Adapting to a Learning Curve

No one walks into a new job knowing everything, and it’s important to keep this in mind throughout your career. Sometimes, professionals have to take on challenges before they feel fully equipped. For example, if you’re asked to lead a client presentation but haven’t don’t one before, saying “I’ve never done this, so I can’t” won’t get you very far. Instead, a confident, prepared approach (even if it feels like “faking it”) allows you to develop real skills on the job.

When “Faking It” Can Backfire

While there are healthy ways to “fake it ‘til you make it,” there are also dangerous pitfalls that can damage your career. Here are some examples of times when “faking it ‘til you make it” isn’t recommended:

Exaggerating or Lying About Your Skills

There’s a fine line between projecting confidence and misrepresenting your qualifications. For example, listing that you’re “Fluent in Python” on your resume when you’ve only taken a single coding class (or zero classes) could be disastrous. If you get hired based on this claim, you’ll be expected to perform at a level you can’t meet, and it won’t be long before someone finds out.

The best approach is to be honest about your skill level while showing that you’ve got a willingness to learn. When dealing with an interviewer or a hiring manager, you might say, “I have a foundational knowledge of Python and I’m actively working on building my expertise.”

Neglecting Real Growth

Faking confidence is fine, but you still need to back it up with real skills. If you rely too heavily on pretending, you might not take the steps needed to truly improve. Let’s say you accepted a job that requires financial modeling expertise. Here, if you don’t actually develop that skill, your lack of knowledge can and will catch up to you.

When taking on a role that requires new skills, make a commitment to learning and developing those skills. There are many ways to do this, including online courses, mentorship programs, or good old hands-on practice. In certain cases, your employer may provide opportunities for professional development events. The point is, you can’t simply pretend to have skills because when the rubber hits the road, you’re going to have to prove it one way or another.

Damaging Trust and Reputation

If you “fake it” too much, you risk losing credibility with colleagues, clients, and even potential employers. If you keep overpromising on what you can deliver but consistently fall short, it could lead to damaged relationships over time. It could also lead to the loss of a job, and in more serious cases, a bad reputation can make finding additional work difficult.

Honesty is the best policy. You should always try to strike a balance between confidence and transparency. For example, you might say, “I’m eager to take this on, and I’ll make sure to research and ask the right questions to get it done right” instead of simply taking on a task that’s out of your depth, promising a perfect outcome, and missing the mark.

Instead of “Faking It”

If you’re struggling with confidence in your career, here are some tips to help you approach the problem the right way:

Focus on Learning and Preparation

Rather than pretending you know something, put in the effort to actually learn it. Take online courses, pursue mentorship, and build expertise so that your confidence is real, not just projected.

Own What You Don’t Know

It’s okay to say, “I’m still learning, but I’m confident in my ability to figure it out.” This shows honesty, initiative, and a growth-oriented mindset—these are traits that all employers value.

Ask for Help

Always remember: everyone has to start somewhere. High performers aren’t afraid to seek guidance and feedback. If you don’t know something, ask a colleague, manager, or mentor. This builds trust and will help you learn faster.

So, is “faking it ‘til you make it” a good strategy? Well, the truth is, it depends on how you use it. As a confidence booster, it’s a great strategy. If you’re nervous but projecting confidence, eventually you’ll find that you’ve already built the confidence you need to succeed. You may also use this strategy as a learning tool. It’s okay to take on new responsibilities before you feel fully ready, as long as you’re putting the work in and actively learning.

On the other hand, you should never use it to deceive or exaggerate. If you overstate your skills you’ll eventually be exposed, and the consequences could hurt your career. The best way to “make it” in your career is to focus on growing into it while actually doing the work.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.