Blagged myself a job I'm not qualified for

[YellowRock]

I've been offered a job, that required a degree and experience within an area that I don't have. I have no degree, I don't even have a-levels. I do have 8 years experience in a very similar area, but not exact and at a basic administrative level. I'm going to be managing 3 people too, which I have no experience with.

This is a proper career opportunity, not just another admin job like I've gone between for years. I'm 27, so relatively young for such a good opportunity to arise especially as I've all done is admin and I've also got young DC. I've gone from being elated to feeling sick. It was a very good interview, I studied my arse off for it and they said how impressed they were with the amount of time I'd clearly put in to researching the role, so it's not a total mystery why they hired me but I do have complete imposter syndrome and I'm just thinking I won't be able to do it.

Not sure why I'm posting, reassurance maybe, Eeek!

I’d trust their judgement and go for it. Lots of degrees don’t prepare you for a job. I wouldn’t worry about the qualifications.

An enthusiastic person willing to learn is what most positions need!

Good luck! You'll be fine.

Oh you and me both OP. I was offered a job yesterday. I am qualified for it and they know I'm not experienced (just about to graduate) and all I can think is 'are you sure?' Good old imposter syndrome at its finest. We'll be fine. I promise you.

What you've shown them is your ability to be proactive to fill in any gaps in knowledge/experience and that you have initiative. They clearly value those kinds of skills you demonstrated more than a degree. Could be a great fit for you in terms of culture.

Honestly go for it. You will be fine. You got the job because they think you can do it. Congratulations 👏

I bet you will be amazing because you really care,

@AbstractHeart

I'd be concerned about why they couldn't fine someone that meets their requirements. It's a red flag when a job will take anyone! Is it sales?

Not really in this case. Skills can be taught, but attitude can't. They were obviously very impressed with OP's attitude and approach to the interview and feel that if she carries that into the job, she will manage to pick up the new skills well.

Congratulations OP! Be prepared to get your head down and work hard for the first few months so you get up to speed, it will be tough initially, but you are obviously capable. Believe in yourself!

The best manager I ever had the secret of recruitment was to trust your own judgement. Pick someone and then trust them to do it. Sounds like this is what they have done. You will be great. Just keep up the work you were happy to do for the interview. Congratulations.

Good luck with the job.

Remember what is desirable for a job is different to what is essential and you clearly have the latter qualities and impressed enough for the former to not longer be so desirable.

If they know you dont have a degree ,then that is fine surely.Well done on getting in, and dont think you are the only one with Imposter Syndrome!I think it was Jenni Murray who thought this for quite a while ! You sound keen as mustard which goes a long way .

@Enough4me

How did you get an interview if you didn't meet their key criteria in terms of qualifications or experience? Did you meet other essential criteria - unusual working hours?

This 👆

You sound capable and like a conscious hire so i wouldnt stress to much

My advice

1. Settle in slowly during the first 2 months - ask questions and be helpful. Stay calm and stay reasonable. Do not get up in your head and block yourself.

1. Don't tell the team you have never line managed before.

1. read askamanager (some of it is v American, some of it shocking / amusing) but a lot of common sense and it helped me hugely dealing with common line manager issues / staff problems as a newbie. People managing is basically common sense rather than a dark art...

Congratulations ! They chose you for a reason OP. You'll be fine and will grow in confidence as you settle into the role. Good luck

I think most people (men) blag it really. I'm pretty sure most of the managers in my local authority department have got there through some cock up.

See how it goes? As long as no lies have been told.

Well done! Congratulations - don’t you dare give into your imposter syndrome and be your own worst enemy

When do you start? Hopefully you have a few weeks to prepare yourself and practise looking calm yet authoritative.

Everyone feels imposter syndrome. Remember being under confident is an advantage as it means you are well prepared you think things through, you do your research.

The main thing is to recognise your weaknesses and build a team around those.

Congratulations OP

Well done OP! You'll be fine, don't even think about not taking it. You wouldn't have applied if you didn't like/want the role and they wouldn't have offered you the role (over the other candidate!) if they didn't think you were the right person. Just remember when you start that any new jobs can feel a bit odd to begin with so don't let imposter syndrome get the better of you.

Congratulations OP. You should be proud!

I did something similar in my company last summer - applied for something a few jumps up the ladder and got the job. I was also told it was close between me and one other person (who was more qualified than me on paper) but I got it because I stayed calm during a few issues and they felt my other experience would lend itself well - ie I would approach issues with 'new eyes.'

I have imposter syndrome but give myself a shake and get on with it.

Of the qualifications are essential they’ll ask for copies of your certificates or they contact the qualifications people(can’t remember the actual name) and they’ll confirm /deny your qualifications. And you could fired. Even years down the line if they decide not to check now

A huge well done.
I have never gone to a new job knowing how to do it.
Hard work and didication go a long way.
Build a team, you are all in this together, respect them and be loyal to them this goes a long way. Be honest, your job is to get your team to the next level. Give constructive feedback and push them. Give them space to grow but remember the buck stops with you and have their back.

I did not ho to university, i didn't do well in a'levels. I am a lot older than you but i took my leap of faith at 19 and then a complete career change at 31. I now hold a niche job in a large corporation and earn 130k+.
Have faith and go forth and shine. This is your opportunity take it with both hands and bext of luck.

Don't knock yourself, OP. You are right for the job. You can do it.

Whoops missed the bit where OP says they know she doesn’t have a degree

Congratulations OP! My advice would be to now read up on management skills; performance management and how to delegate effectively etc. Lovely to see such a positive thread - All the very best to you!

Skills can be taught, but attitude can't. They were obviously very impressed with OP's attitude and approach to the interview and feel that if she carries that into the job, she will manage to pick up the new skills well.

I totally agree with this. You obviously have the right attitude, and showed intelligence and resourcefulness in preparing for the interview. Bring that with you to the job.

In terms of people management, I would recommend trying to get yourself onto some training.

The main client I have right now took me on because although I didn't know the exact experience/knowledge, she knew I had the right attitude and would learn what I needed. 4 years later we're all very happy with the setup. It did take a while to get over the imposter syndrome but honestly, I think a huge proportion of people feel that.

You'll be fine. Most people only have the job they do because they applied for it, not because they're the best person for the job. I know several people who have the job they do because nobody else better applied. Including myself.

I'm actually super pleased for you! You got the job fair and square! You'll be fine!