The job hunt always felt like a rigged game—until I decided to play it differently. A few months ago, I landed a high-paying position I technically wasn’t qualified for. The posting wanted a “unicorn” with 10+ years of experience in tools that hadn’t even existed half that long. I had maybe two. So, I stretched the truth. I reframed small freelance gigs into bigger-sounding roles, claimed I was proficient in software I’d only dabbled with, and polished my résumé until it looked bulletproof.
The real trick, though, came from a Reddit thread: a leaked list of interview questions from that same company. I memorized them, rehearsed answers until they sounded like lived experiences, and walked into the interview prepared. I nailed it. They offered me the job—with a salary I’d never dreamed of.
Here’s the twist: once inside, I thrived. I picked things up quickly, asked smart questions, and soon was outperforming people with more experience. The hustle got me in, but the work proved I belonged.
Looking back, I don’t see myself as a fraud. I see someone who stopped waiting for permission and bet on herself. That job didn’t just change my finances—it changed how I see success.
