Anyone in an important well paid job and winging it?

[BudgeUpAnne]

I've been asked to apply internally for a role that pays much better and is high profile. Working along side execs, financial sector if that's relevant. I've all of a sudden developed imposter syndrome and wondering if I can actually do the job. I'm sure I can but I'm still anxious. My friend says I absolutely need to apply because people take well paid and important jobs all the time and just wing it.

most of my male colleagues 😂
it's exactly these fears that stops women progressing up the career ladder. go for it!!

I was pushed into interviewing for an impt and well paid job and was successful. I winged it for a bit - but am now rather good at it. As long as you are ruthlessly honest about your qualifications and experience (ie there’s no deception) I say go for it.

They absolutely do. Impostor syndrome I've had for twenty years doing variations of the same job! The better question is do you want the extra pressure and is the lifestyle lift your get worth that?

Oh yes I've turned down one promotion twice and not gone for things - I would feel a bit of an impostor but mostly because the additional stress and hours weren't worth it - execs in my company get called and emailed at all hours, travel lots etc.

I'd say the vast majority of people take jobs that require a certain degree of learning on the job, otherwise what's the point? I always use jobs to improve my skill base. Just crack on, you'll be fine. They wouldn't have asked you to apply if they didn't think you were up to it. Identify the areas you need extra training in and seek out opportunities to acquire it. Definitely do not let it stop you from applying!

Not me, I'm pretty good at my important job, but yep 90 per cent of my male colleagues have absolutely no particular skill or competency that makes them deserve to be in the positions they are. They are just good at talking shit and taking credit for others' work (usually competent women who are junior to them).

I'm serious. In finance.

Me! Well I was anyway…
I have a pretty big job, Head of a section of a large publicly trading company. Report to the CEO. I NEVER would have applied for the job as it was a huge step up, but I was approached by a recruiter and was so miserable at my last company I thought sod it. Spent the first 6 months convinced I was going to be sacked for being useless. Now I’m 2 years in and I can do the role in my sleep. It’s done wonders for my self confidence and am in conversations with my boss about stepping up another level. Honestly, if you want it and the money is right then back yourself and do it, you will learn as you go!

I feel like I'm winging it but sometimes things happen that make me think I'm actually just doing it.

Well yeah, just apply

Unless it's something completely alien to you like brain surgery then just go for it

Yes! I have a senior nursing post and a colleague doing the same role at another site said it will take 5 years until you are properly established. Am over 2 years in and think they were right although it’s better then it was!!

Lol, yeah me. And every single one of my senior colleagues, tbf.

Lol, yeah me. And every single one of my senior colleagues, tbf.

Thank you! I need to grow a pair and stop doubting myself. I've applied 👍

I am in a senior position in banking. My main skill is having been in the bank so long I know a lot of people and networking is so important for getting jobs done. I am also really good at recruiting and building good teams and delegate jobs to the right people. I have brilliant peoples skills and I am really good at bullshitting on calls and in meetings too.

I guess this post gives me hope. I've been in admin for 15 years but have never done minutes.

I'm currently looking for work and see so many jobs that I'd love to apply for but don't because it says "minute taking" as essential so I skip past those 😢😢

100%!
Someone is bound to find out soon just how shit I am!!!

@SnapCrackleandExplode

You just need to be good at listening and taking notes, then producing a concise summary of what you heard. Have a look at meeting minute templates online... If those documents look like something you could produce, apply for the job(s)! Make sure to highlight transferable skills... e.g. good note taking, listening skills, accuracy, document presentation, etc.

Yesss! You applied!!

I find that an excellent remedy for imposter syndrome is a good look at my colleagues. Very few of them are anything to write home about.

If not you, then who?

Yes lots of men where I work! Isn't there a statistic that men will typically apply with 60% of the skills and women with 90% or something?

@SnapCrackleandExplode watch some Minute taking tutorial videos on YouTube then you could practise writing down the main points of Ted talks or similar to put the skills into action.

When I apply for jobs I think nothing ventured, nothing gained. The jobs I've ticked every box for I haven't got but the ones where I'm lacking in areas and need to develop skills I've gotten. People get bored and move on if there isn't any room to grow.

@BudgeUpAnne I would go for it but as its at your current employer could you ask to try out the role on secondment?