Feeling Am-Bitious, RU?  Plagiarists and other I'm-poster Sin-dromes

All a matter of degrees, in a matter of speaking (or writing): This is a post devoted to two things We -- those that fill out a (job) application and those that dare to try and decipher them, have in common -- the two special sections that can easily either make or (permanently) put on the brakes in a process of getting to the stage of "serious consideration" -- the ones that make You, the applicant, either stand out from the crowd or, get you tossed out ("You're out of the running...no longer being considered due to...") The two under consideration here, of course, what I'm writing about, speaking of, are the ones, the sub-sections of the longer job application that could, if it gets to the point of an actual in-person interview, become sticking points, at least a bit tricky, depending on how you filled out these sections, which become the basis for follow-up questions in the formal interview...that You "...best be prepared to answer" (see 7/30 for fuller account of what "being prepared" implies, applies here)...

"Back at Ya" This, after a protracted, pregnant pause, following my posing to you "Got any priors?" -- an admittedly, pre-arranged "cliff hanger" finish of the 7/28 post (go ahead and "take a sec" to re-read if you want to experience the big build-up) Assuming you were here with us or back with us now...now that you've had "more than sufficient" time to fully (re)consider your answer...I, your host or posing as the interviewer and you the interviewee...in our respective positions of re-pose and repositioning (squirming in your seat, more than likely)..."So can you tell me about these so-called prior experiences you write of, list under "Priors" -- the ones that are at least minimally relevant to the job for which you are applying...in the space that allowed for at least a little embellish-meant (come on, who hasn't done this, on such occasions, where it's almost expected?)...but pushing such an envelope too far could be seen as a breech of good taste, get 'returned to sender'...are you now, finally, prepared to answer these questions honestly and completely...?" 

"It's about time" Another commonality to what the interviewer and You the applicant, getting "grilled" are likely to experience, in your relative positions of power...As in "It's about time you finally came clean about the utter lack of qualifications that "You" bring to this interview..." While You, after prepping with your personal handlers, practiced, simulated (partly via so-called "friendly fire"😉😖😠) had you fully prepared for this moment, even anxiously anticipating..."I'm glad you finally asked that question" (after so many inane inquiries about other "priors"..."just in case"...Giving rise to the following (un)likely scenario:

Q: "It says here, you wrote that you were the top fundraiser in your organization...can you tell me more about that?" 

A: "Well, I think you heard wrong, or perhaps I added, subtracted a minor detail...what I meant to say, as in providing you a high-lite of things to come, if you see fit to hire me, is that I was a the very best FUN raiser in my grade school...at least that's what my folks and teacher used to say...that I had so much POTENTIAL, if I would only cease and desist from being the class clown...a real crack-up, I was...and I did finally began realizing my full potential, when I became, from their lips to your ears here..."a real hell raiser...and, by the time I finally graduated, endorsed, I mean nominated, as the most likely to..."

Interviewer: "What the ----?!"

Me: "Exactly" But if you ask a stupid question...you better be ready to get...nothing personal..."

I: "Well, it's about to get real personal, as in...your personal references here, none of which we could get hold of...so, who will vouch for you now...?" 

"Seriously?!" Yet another context and question that is likely to come up, after all the foregoing has been exhausted, which will likely find both parties in a state of...A mutual state of fatigue, both growing weary, after such a game of cat and mouse, hide-and-seek, ad infinitum...On the one hand, in the case of the party of the first part..."It's time to get down to business here; are you really serious about seeking this position, prior to us once again try to at least locate and inquire about your past...before I kick this application down the road, I mean upstairs, for further review...if not don't waste any more time than you already have here...it's like you're just toying with me, using this interview for practice" *** Your likely response, if ever in such a delicate position..."Well, are you ready to pay me what I'm worth? I agree, it's time to get serious here -- put up or shut up already!"

"Next!" 

***I always recommend that those seeking their very first paying (even "part time, seasonal") job or going through a so-called "make-over" (sometimes a cover for getting laid off...or else...) -- to go on interviews, assuming your application has not been dis-carded, including for jobs, careers for which you may have little interest (thus, not as much skin in the game, where you may find yourself more at ease)...It's simply an oppo to fine tune your interview skills, meet someone new (who may in turn know...) and, who knows, YOU may walk away surprised, with an interest you never knew your-Self had...But do yourself and the interview a small favor...PLEASE, especially if you make Me a reference, to come prepared, having done at least a Google search, for some background, to ask a few intelligent questions...

"Is that too much to ask?"