Member-only story
How I Got A (Writing) Job Without Any Qualifications
And I changed my career without lying or faking it
I remember when my new boss said, “Welcome to the team.”
I couldn’t believe it—I got the job. This company wanted to hire me as a copywriter, and with four little words, I had my first paid writing job.
But here was the kicker because there is always a kicker.
Before I interviewed, I wasn’t a working writer, had zero experience as a copywriter, and had no writing qualifications. My Bachelor of Performing Arts meant very little to this job opportunity.
Yet, I had the job.
That day, I realised that getting a professional job you’re unqualified for was possible.
In 2016, I started working as a copywriter for a tech start-up company. Here’s how I “duped” my future employers into hiring me and what I know about getting jobs you don’t think you deserve.
Unintentional schmoozing
I wouldn't say I had a step-by-step strategy for getting a job for which I wasn’t qualified. But if I did, it would start with strategic yet unintentional schmoozing.
I met my friend Sally through mutual friends. She played tennis with my then-boyfriend. I watched him play, and Sally and I began talking during breaks on the court.
After three meetings and lengthy yet casual conversations, I learned that Sally was a job hopper. She hunted down start-up businesses to lend her entrepreneurial mind to. The latest was a digital marketing start-up offering tailored tutoring to companies trying to grow their online presence.
I listened to her, really listened, and asked her questions about her life. Without thinking about it, I remembered everything she said. I also found her accounts of her professional life undeniably entertaining.
The next time I saw Sally, I asked her about everything she said and asked for updates on her latest job. We did this dance for several months.
Conversations about doing business
One day after tennis practice, Sally talked to me about her trouble with one aspect of the…
