Job hunting - imposter syndrome help

[Paddybare]

Just looking for some experiences if anyone is kind enough to share.

I’ve been at my employer for about 12 years and have finally decided it’s time to move on - and hopefully up. I’m extremely comfortable where I am, I line manage 2 delightful employees and I know the job inside out. However - I am so so bored. The kids are a bit older and I feel like I’m entering now or never territory in terms of career progression.

I have applied for two more senior jobs in the same field but both would involve managing larger teams and it is this that terrifies me. I’m picturing being ‘found out’ that i’m completely incompetent that worries me the most. I don’t doubt that I could do the actual job but stepping out of my comfort zone has really held me back, until now hopefully.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom to share of taking a jump and how it actually turned out? Is it normal how I’m feeling?

It’s very common in women. I heard something like men will read a job advert and if they can do 20% they’ll apply but for women it’s 80%. No idea if it’s true though.
Reading your post you don’t sound like someone taking a chance, you sound like you know deep down you will be more than capable.
For me, my recent promotion has been really empowering.
Do it!!

Thanks, yes I have carefully considered which jobs to apply for. I also know that job descriptions are really as difficult as they make out. Just finding it very hard to shake the self-doubt and I haven’t even had an interview yet!!

Congratulations on the promotion

so its not the technical / knowledge component but rather managing a larger team that worries you?

if so, I would recommend that you write on the left hand side of the page all of the skills required to manage a larger team, and then on the right hand side against each skill, list all the things you've done / accomplished that line up against that skill - this is a great way for you to objectively view your achievements and get rid of the feeling that you don't have the experience to run a team

additionally, you might like to think about all the attributes of a manager that you have admired and list those and then against each attribute list how you emulate that attribute yourself

Thanks Ladybrienne, that is excellent advice. I will do just that.

But yes, you’ve summed it up well. Technically I know I can do the job, just a massive worry that I would turn up on day one and my new team be incredulous that I was their new boss. It feels silly to write down but finding it really hard to overcome.

I get this feeling all the time. Take a deep breath and do it anyway! Everybody's winging it

Are the two people you currently manage actually 'delightful', or is it your style of management that enables them to be so? Rapport is a huge part of being a manager. It's an undervalued skill, but makes a huge difference. Sounds like maybe you've mastered it.
Don't doubt yourself! My first management position saw me take on a team of 20. I had no clue what I was doing and was taking over from another team member who had been rolled back to a more junior role. It was tough, but I kept at it. I'm thriving now and so are my team.

Thanks Waving, that’s a very good point actually and not something I’d properly considered until now. We do have a very good rapport and maybe I’ve overlooked how key that is in day to day work life. Well that’s definitely made me feel a bit better, thank you. Definitely something I can bring up if I get an interview.

Thanks all for your input, it’s really helped me to think I can do this.

Have you had to manage under performance? Have you had to manage difficult/awkward employees? I would make sure that you touch on how you would.

I would also focus on how you will time manage your line management as well as managing your daily role,as there will obviously be some busier line management times and some staff maybe on probation needing more intense support or others potentially on pips, all of which are time intensive.

Good luck.

Thanks solo. Yes I have in the past had to manage someone on performance review, challenging- and it didn’t work out but I’m happy I did my best for them.

Thanks again!