- This anonymous source lied on their job application to get a start in the media industry.
- They lied about the equipment and software they knew.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a media professional located in Europe. They've asked to remain anonymous for professional reasons, but Insider has verified their identity and employment with documentation. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
When applying for jobs in the media industry, I've always lied about the equipment and software that I know how to use. I truly believe that these lies have helped me get my foot in the door of this industry and that my lies will continue to help me get more jobs in the future.
Before applying to jobs, I'd research what the industry-standard equipment and software were then I'd simply show, on my CV, that I know how to use them. Sometimes it was a complete lie and I had never even picked up the camera. Other times, I'd only used it once or twice but would say I was proficient.
A month into my job, I was asked to use a camera that I'd lied about on my CV
I've been doing this for nearly three years, ever since leaving university, because I knew that I'd be able to learn on the job — or do research beforehand.
A month into my job, I was asked to use one of the main cameras the company uses. I was in the office, at one of the biggest media companies in Europe, so I had to look like I knew what I was doing. In reality, I had my phone between my legs with a YouTube video showing me how to turn the camera on.
Throughout my whole media career, YouTube has taught me pretty much everything I know
YouTube has taught me more than my degree. I'll just find a YouTube video on how to set up a camera, how to expose an image correctly, or how to use a piece of software.
There's such a barrier to getting into the media industry because the equipment and software are expensive. So even if you go to a university, you won't be able to use every type of camera the industry requires. But throughout your career, you learn how to learn new equipment and software.
A lot of skills are transferable. This means that you can confidently walk into a job with skills you've lied about, knowing that you can just learn them with the help of the internet.
Most of the time I'm given a few days notice on what equipment I'll be using
The notice gives me some time to watch YouTube videos — either at work (if no one is around) or at home. I'm also sure to always test out the equipment before the shoot starts to familiarize myself with it and to ensure that everything is working as it should.
Applying to jobs in this industry is seriously depressing, you could apply to 50 jobs and only hear back from three of them. I've seen my boss sift through hundreds of job applications and it's a shame, but being brutally honest on your CV will just fail to make you stand out.
I also made certain parts of my career and education seem bigger than they ever were
Let's be honest, everyone lies on their job applications a little bit.
I've taken some responsibilities off of the director on a shoot, a couple of times — despite it not officially being my job — and I will 100% be saying that I directed shoots on my next job application. It's just part of applying for jobs, everyone does it.
For that reason, I believe the traditional job application process is outdated. Portfolios definitely display your skill in a much better way, but even then it's not necessarily about what you already know, it's about your mindset.
I wouldn't be in the position I'm in now if it wasn't for my attitude towards learning. If every time I didn't know how to do anything at work I gave up, I would've been fired by now.
When I have time to prepare, my lies have never caught up with me
My lies have only pushed me further in my career — forcing me to go outside of my comfort zone.
In the first six months at my company, I was given a lot of big opportunities that scared the hell out of me because of the people I was filming or the equipment I was using. When given these opportunities, my first instinct was 'Oh my god, I'm going to mess up.' I ignored those thoughts and I agreed to do it to prove myself wrong.
The only time my lies have been slightly exposed is when I talk with one guy in the office who is a tech wizard. He'll talk to me about things, expecting me to know it all, and I just have to blindly lie to him. There's been a few times that he's noticed and taught me about it. Luckily, he's not my boss.