Fake It 'Til You Make It

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Why enthusiasm can open doors, even if you're not 100% sure you want the job (yet).

Let’s talk about something jobseekers rarely admit out loud:

Not every interview you go to will be your dream job.

Not every interview you go to will be your dream job.

Maybe you applied because it was a referral. Maybe it looked decent, and you were on a roll sending CVs. Maybe you’re just trying to get back in the market.

Whatever the reason, here’s the problem:

Interviewers can tell when you’re just “going through the motions.” And in a highly competitive market, that alone can cost you the offer.

Context: Why Interviews Deserve Your A-Game

Let’s zoom out for a second:

A job post in media, marketing or digital gets 100, 150+ applicants on average (LinkedIn, 2024).

Only 12% make it to interview (Zippia, 2023).

In tech, it can take 10, 15 interviews to land a single offer (HBR, 2022).

Interviews cost companies time and money, often £500+ per candidate once you factor in internal resources (Glassdoor, 2024).

So if you’re in that chair (or Zoom box), you’re not “just another candidate”, you're one of the very few they’ve bet on.

And trust me:

No one is inspired to hire someone who seems uninspired.

No one is inspired to hire someone who seems uninspired.

Science Backs This Too

Let’s throw in a little behavioural psychology.

"Enthusiasm bias" is real: People are more likely to rate candidates positively when they appear passionate, even if they have the same qualifications (Psychology Today, 2023).

Research by the University of Zurich found that perceived motivation outweighed even technical skill in final hiring decisions (2020).

And according to a 2024 Talent Trends survey, 72% of hiring managers said they rejected candidates because they “didn’t seem interested enough.”

Translation? Even if you’re not 100% sure about the job, showing genuine curiosity, energy, and prep can get you hired.

The "Fake It" Framework: How to Sound Like You Want the Job (Even If You're Unsure)

This isn’t about lying or being disingenuous. It’s about committing to the moment and showing respect for the opportunity.

Here’s how:

1. Research Deeply: Beyond the Homepage

Go beyond the basic “About Us” blurb. Look into:

Recent campaigns, product launches or partnerships.

Thought leadership from senior leaders on LinkedIn.

Glassdoor reviews (to tailor questions).

Your prep should make it feel like you already see yourself there.

Say this in the interview:

“I read your CMO’s piece on ethical AI, it really resonated. That approach aligns with how I’d love to work.”

“I read your CMO’s piece on ethical AI, it really resonated. That approach aligns with how I’d love to work.”

2. Prepare Impactful Answers

Craft clear, engaging answers to:

“Why us?”

“Why this role?”

“What drew you to apply?”

Even if your internal answer is “I need income,” reframe it as:

“I’m excited by the chance to grow my [X] skills in a team that’s clearly forward-thinking in [Y area].”

“I’m excited by the chance to grow my [X] skills in a team that’s clearly forward-thinking in [Y area].”

It shows intention, not just desperation.

3. Use Power Body Language (Even on Zoom)

Amy Cuddy’s famous research showed that holding a “power pose” for 2 minutes increases confidence and decreases cortisol.

Sit upright. Speak with purpose. Smile. Make eye contact. Use open hand gestures.

These non-verbal cues subconsciously signal confidence and interest , which interviewers are trained to pick up on.

4. Ask Smart Questions

Poor example: “What’s the salary range?” Better example:

“What does success look like in the first 6 months?”

“How do you support creativity and experimentation on your team?”

“What’s something the team has achieved recently that you're proud of?”

These show you’re picturing yourself there, even if you haven’t made a decision yet.

5. Close with Intention

Don’t leave the final moment vague. Say:

“Thank you for your time, I can genuinely see how I’d enjoy working here, and I’d love to be considered for the next stage.”

“Thank you for your time, I can genuinely see how I’d enjoy working here, and I’d love to be considered for the next stage.”

It’s simple. But it sticks.

Final Thought

Not every interview will be for your dream job , but it could be your dream stepping stone . And the energy you bring can completely shift how an employer sees you.

Even if you're still figuring it out, Show up like you want it. You might just convince yourself , too.

Need help nailing your narrative for interviews? Let’s prep together, book a session and I’ll be your Recruitment BFF behind the scenes.

https://calendly.com/dan-thebffgroup/30min