Thanks for the kind comment. I also want to be a great writer when I grow up. The problem is that I am not sure I want to grow up.

I think that trust and relationships are becoming far more important online. Those long sales page are probably losing their effectiveness because there is no real person and dialogue behind the sales pitch. However, even the ‘trustworthy’ blogging celebrities use deceptive marketing tactics. Those tactics obviously work and if you don’t do them you are at a disadvantage.

I agree that people respect honesty however, as your example shows, there is still a lot of lying going on. I think it is a fine balance. If you say, “I don’t know anything about this job but I really want to learn,” you are not likely to get the position. A little creative exaggeration goes a long way.

I hope that you don’t have to lie to be successful and I’m convinced it’s not the case. I recall years ago, when interviewing for my first programming job, I was asked a question to which my response was “I don’t know.” The person interviewing said that was the best answer he heard all day and that on the job that would lead to the most efficient result (teaching me how to do X right away) rather than fumbling around thinking I knew what I was doing in that particular case.

If you ever see me go on the pimp wheel, remind me to re-read this post.

Cheers, Sam

The problem is that authenticity takes time to prove and lies sound good now. Just look at how we are drawn into titles on blog posts and magazine articles.

Check out a magazine rack and you will likely find that the content of the articles seldom match the expectations the titles created. I am frequently disappointed after reading an article because the great copy writer managed to mislead me.

People exaggerate or misrepresent information because it works.

Which title would you rather click?
How I built a Successful Business with little money and no experience.
OR
Ten years of hard work and sacrifice to create a job that I don’t particularly like anymore.

One more point that is worth mentioning is that these types of exaggerations are cultural. In many countries, especially my current home of Japan, modesty is highly valued. Resumes are for facts not marketing spiel. Over-the-top self-praise is primarily a Western idea that is probably worsening by Hollywood.

Do you need to exaggerate and lie to compete? I would say yes. If you don’t, you will be screened out before you have a chance to prove yourself. Is it fair? No, but that is reality.

One positive note is that credentials, experience and education are becoming less important. Smart companies are starting to look only at the things you have done. What you say is becoming less important. A teenager can often have more experience with an Internet application than a veteran IT person.

Talent will play a larger role, but we will always see the hyped-up personal promotions. I’m afraid that it might be necessary to play that game to compete at the same levels.