What job are you starting?
I worry that when I was younger and in a job role above my years / experience and due to people above me being fired or moving on, instead of appearing weak, I went too far the other way and was actually a complete asshole to compensate for it. However, I was in control and it worked. I think it was Pratchett who said, "being in charge isn't about knowing what you're doing, it's about sounding like you do." I think that as I've matured I've reigned in my management style and whilst it's still forceful, I'd be so upset if anyone thought I was a bully or a candidate on The Apprentice.
Bullies bully because there is an aspect of their personality of which they're ashamed and they overcompensate by picking on someone they perceive as weaker. If they're challenged they usually back down. If they don't see you as weak (not that you are) then they will move on. Remember, it's all about perceptions.
- make a list of your strengths. If anything, you will be underestimating yourself so the list should be longer. Think about how those strengths can be used in your new job and capitalise on them. If organisation is your forte then be the most organised. If it's attention to detail then find things others have missed and solve them - but don't be an ass pointing it out.
- make a list of your weaknesses. Think how they apply to your job and how you can bypass them. 'Turning your weaknesses into strengths' is too American. Just work out how to stop them being weaknesses.
- check in with your boss. Don't fish for compliments but make sure they know what positive contribution you're making. If you feel you need training / are under-performing in an area then tell them.
- keep a list of things you've done successfully. Either to use in performance reviews or simply to remind yourself that you're doing well.
- have a positive attitude. Be cheery. Walk with a stride. Shoulders back. Look up. Eye contact. Act like you went to stage school.
- I literally kept an index card for every employee, line manager (and up) and acquaintance I may have met again professionally. Maybe a sport they played. Name of spouse. Children's interests. For peers and juniors, I also kept a list of their fuck-ups, weaknesses etc. Most was used professionally for things like performance reviews. Occasionally for giving as good as I got.
- If someone is directly bullying you then stamp it out immediately. Take 5 minutes to plan your thoughts and then approach them. If it continues, take it to your line manager. The bully will find an easier target. If it was in front of a customer then take it to your line manager immediately. By allowing it to continue, you will stay the easy target.
- If someone is being a bully, then sometimes the only language they will understand is their own. A phrase I used heard spoken calmly and quietly was "That was nasty, unprofessional and a disgrace. Do it again and I swear to actual fuck I will fucking..." (cue walking away with hands slightly shaking), but it worked.
- Hire a billboard across the road from your workplace that shows you wrestling a bear. Point to it occasionally.
The interviewer wanted you there. They are the person that matters.