Imposter Syndrome before I’ve even started the job

[Idesofparchment]

I’ve recently been successful in securing a promotion in my field but already I’m getting anxious that it’s too big a step up and that I’m going to fail.

To preface, at no point during the recruitment process did I lie about my skills, and actually I was so honest in my interview about my limitations in certain areas that I felt sure I wouldn’t be given the job. But, lo and behold, my feedback was great and I’m due to start in the next month.

I realise nerves are normal but I’m just so full of doubt that I’m starting to wonder if it’s the right decision. It’s a fair jump in pay, and a few people that I’ve told about the job have made comments along the lines of how ‘senior’ I’ll be, and I just can’t shake the fear. I was elated initially and now I just don’t know how to feel.

I suppose I’m writing this to ask if anyone has ever felt similar and if they could share their experiences of how it went, how they overcame it…or if it did indeed go as terribly as they’d feared?

Thank you.

I am a bit reluctant to post as I am about to start something which is a step up too but I am now feeling intimidated as you are clearly in a completely different field than me and I am wondering if my experience is valid. But I keep reminding myself how much I have wanted the experience I am moving too, I don't know how it will go, I don't know if I can do it, I can't know any of those things until I actually start doing the job. However, I just want to give it a go. I try not to take in too much the views of anyone else, everyone is going to have their own take on news like this. Good luck OP!!

OP this is very normal, I would say embrace the nerves as Nature's way of making sure you get to the new job on time and apply yourself diligently!

As long as you are transparent and professional (and it's not some nightmare headfuck workplace full of bullies and poorly behaved people!) you'll be fine. A bit of insecurity and adrenaline helps you put in the extra effort to make the best first impression you can.

In six months you'll be back here telling us your new manager wants you to develop yourself for the NEXT role up!

It is completely normal to feel this with a new job or promotion. You won't be expected to 'know everything' from day 1. Feel comfortable asking questions and getting to know the job,company and those you'll be working with. I dare say the skillset will be somewhat different so once you start to get more comfortable regularly reflect on what you can do and what might be expected from you to get the most out the job. In all likelihood the mere fact you feel this way means you'll succeed.

It’s completely normal to feel this way. I have moments of this every so often even though I’ve been in my current role for a year and definitely do know what I’m doing!

Just keep reminding yourself of what you’ve said here - you were completely honest in your interview and they still have you the job. They believe in you. And, with the job market the way it is, I bet there were a fair few competitors for the role. Think about why you applied for the role and remind yourself of exactly why you are qualified to do it.

I do contract work, so frequently have to step into new roles at new companies. My approach is never to bullshit. Be explicit about the things you will need support for, and where you will need additional training, and make sure that training does not get forgotten.

good luck.

Congratulations. You will be absolutely fine. It might help to remind yourself that almost everyone feels impostor syndrome, especially in high-ranking roles. And those who don't are usually the arrogant types who actually don't have the skills and got there through bluster and misguided self-belief. I know so many truly excellent people, high up in their professions, who confess they keep wondering when someone will find them out. They are all so well-respected and definitely in the right position. Imposter syndrome is just that: a syndrome. It has zero bearing on your capacity to do a job well. It's just a tricky mindset you need to navigate and hopefully overcome.

Don't doubt your new employers ability to make the right choice. They went through a careful selection process and chose you. You may not be perfect because no one is. But you were the best fit for the job, so others were less perfect. You might make mistakes. Everyone does. But you clearly have the skills to learn on the job, set right any mishaps and take the company forward in your field, or they wouldn't have hired you.

My advice is: plan for the first few weeks. Don't agree to do much socially as you might feel extra tired. But do something fun and physical at weekends to offload stress. Get healthy ready meals in from Cook or similar, get any appointments for teeth, eyes, hair, GP etc in now and start taking supplements because the shock of a high level new job can upset your immune system and the last thing you want is to be sub-par when trying to make a good first impression and taking in a stack of new info.

Sort out your wardrobe now with several outfits you feel really confident in.

Trawl the company website - your department and their overall policies and vision statements. Get to know their ethos, their recent projects etc. Do whatever you can to familiarise yourself with that world.

I agree with the PP - this is natural, the employers know what they were looking for, plan your first few weeks etc

I would also add as someone who is retired after a long and successful career - most women have imposter syndrome
Most men believe they can do the job - whatever it is and are less bothered about their skill set.
I watched in amazement at the number of men who spent so much time, not in developing the skills, but honing their bullshit skills. Unbelievably they then made rapid progress and earnt much more than me.

It taught me a lot about the hang ups we have been handed

You applied for a job, you were honest - they offered it to you. Believe in yourself. A few nerves are not a bad thing especially when entering a new job.

You will be fine - enjoy your career - it goes by faster than you think

One step at a time.
Write everything down or record notes so you remember processes. Read everything you can around the subject before hand. Do any relevant software training courses. Keep your mind busy. You will be great!

Some excellent advice here already, I would continue as you did in your interviews regarding being highly honest about your skills and seeking guidance in areas you are unsure of. 'My last role didn't cover this could you show me how you do it?

I'm finally in an area of work i feel vaguely confident in, landscape design and can go from from first client meeting to first spade in the ground in terms of skills but I am very clear that I am not a plant expert, nor an engineer. The skills you do have are impressive enough, you don't need have every skill or know everything.

Thanks all for the words of encouragement. They really have perked me up and made me have a little word with myself.

I suppose part of my self-doubt comes from not thinking I had what it took when I applied. It was one of those situations where I remembered that thing about how a man will apply for a job if he only meets x% of the essential criteria, whereas a woman won’t apply if she doesn’t meet them all. So I saw the ad and thought ‘fuck it’, I’ve got nothing to lose’. And by some miracle not only did I not lose anything, I got the bloody job!! So, it’s kind of a mix of shell shock and Imposter Syndrome.

I’m going to take some of the advice on here on board; get my head down, throw myself into it and not be afraid to be honest about the gaps in my knowledge. I’ll also do as much prep as I can over the next month, both on myself and for the role.

Thanks again!

And also, @coffeeisthebest, congrats on your ‘step up’ and best of luck with it too!! X