Start my first ever office job next week, imposter syndrome is setting in

[whataworldd]

I start my first ever office job this week. It's my first job in the area I want to go into as a career (I'm a fairly recent graduate).

I'm feeling really nervous with a lot of imposter syndrome. I keep going over my interview in my head and thinking how have I managed to convince this company to hire me. It was a Zoom interview too so I have never set foot in the office building nor met anyone in person yet so I feel quite detached from the company and like they don't really know me and my flaws.

I had to do an assessment before I was invited and received really positive feedback on it, to the point where I feel like the interview wasn't really an interview, it was very relaxed. I feel like I have somehow duped them with the assessment, was it a one-off fluke that I did well? Did I spend too long on it? etc.

I'm also nervous about being in an office environment and all that entails. I'm struggling to know what to wear and to know what to expect with regards to office dynamics. I'm used to being in academia which was very laid back being able to wear jeans and trainers, manage my own workload and schedule and be independent to an extent.

First of all, well done! The first few days will be nerve-wracking while you work out the job and the people (and their flaws). Hopefully they will have a an induction programme, and maybe even a mentor. Is there an HR department you can contact with regard to appropriate clothing?

OP I could have written this too. I’m starting in a completely new field and keep second questioning how I’ve managed to get the job. Also panicking regarding what to wear so I’ve no advice but you’re definitely not alone. And good luck!

I had similar. I applied for an office managers job, (I'd volunteered in the office briefly before) mostly because people told me I should.
Got to the interview and could see another CV on the table that was hugely more experienced than me, so assumed I wouldn't get it.

However got a phone call that evening offering me half the hours as assistant as the other person was also applying for another role and didn't want full hours.

So I took it. Absolutely terrified and convinced I couldn't do it. I wrote pages in a notebook on how to do everything.

Three years later the other person moved on and I was offered the office manager. I still feel terrified from time to time especially at the moment as we come out of lockdown, but I don't think I've been as dreadful as I was convinced I would be. I even enjoy it most of the time.

Congrats on your new job!

Did you have a point of contact when your were interviewed? Someone you can ask the basic questions in order to calm your nerves?

"Hi it's my first day next week, can you tell me where I go when I arrive? do I have a point on contact? What are the canteen facilities like? What is the office dress code?" Etc...

On the other hand, the staff at the office will be used to having new people start and might be relieved they have an extra pair of hands to help!

My go to outfit for an office is a smart dress that covers my tits and is knee length. Alternatively, trousers and a nice top, always best to opt for shoes instead of trainers and avoid jeans in the first few days until you suss out what the dress code is.

I do have a point of contact but tI'm just waiting for them to respond to my email. I'm having a virtual meeting with my manager sometime this week before I start but they haven't said when yet.

I also feel stressed as they keep telling me I'll be working flexibly, some times in the office and sometimes at home. I want to know what to expect with regards to this, is it my choice or will it be set days and if it's set days where will I spend the majority of my time - at home or in the office.

The dress code I've been told is smart casual but I will also need smarter clothes for meetings. I'm going shopping this weekend so hopefully I'll manage to get some stuff.

There is a great book The First 90 Days which covers exactly that, I found it very helpful when taking on a new role. Good luck!

Well done and good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine. Take a pad and pen and make loads of notes even stupid things you think you'll remember, I even did a desk plan with people's names! The first couple of weeks are information overload and you might feel fit for nothing by Friday night but it will soon get easier.

I'd wear something smart but comfortable, trousers or a skirt and a nice top. Only wear heels if you're comfortable in them, the last thing you need is to be stressing about a too tight outfit or shoes rubbing you on top of everything else. Maybe get a couple of basics this weekend and then treat yourself next weekend when you're more familiar with the dress code.

Take a glass for drinks, lots of offices post covid don't share glasses / mugs etc and take a packed lunch first day before you know correct meal arrangements. Make sure you have your break, its easy to forget!

Be friendly but don't be tempted to share your life history, you don't know who the office bitch is yet! Oh and keep on side with receptionists, security and cleaners. They can be your best friends or worst enemies.

For the days in the office and days at home, perhaps choose some and ask if this is OK with them. If you can set some boundaries it helps (it works both ways though, you need to be reliable).