Fake it til you make it?

[MrsWhirly]

Does any believe in this in the work setting?

I have been headhunted and asked to apply for a senior role, but I am genuinely surprised.

Is it career suicide not to apply?

It's probably not career suicide, but might be a barrier to progression if you don't apply.

How much does the more senior role differ from your current position?

I would say that if you can do over half of the new role, go for it!

I’m worried I’ll fail to be completely honest.

If you asked your current boss if you would be capable of it, what would he/she say? (Not suggesting you actually do this!)

Men don't think like this.

Women only apply for roles where they think they can fulfill 80-100% of the criteria. Men have a threshold nearer 50%.

This is part of the reason there are so few senior women.

If you have been headhunted THEY think you can do it. So, what have you got to lose?

You’re right about the men thing.

I think my current boss would say I could do
It, but she has a lot of faith in me I honestly don’t think I always deserve.

Men would apply. Go for it!

I'd go for it! What have you got to lose? They obviously honk you can do it, you say your boss would say you can do it...

Agree that most men wouldn't think twice.

Do you think there's maybe a touch of imposter syndrome? (Not a criticism, I really get how you feel)

Assuming you succeeded, would you enjoy the role?

Absolutely apply! You have nothing to lose and the interview itself will be a useful experience if nothing else.

I’ve worked for a number of years headhunting for senior roles. Without a doubt the biggest gender difference I’ve noticed is when I call people to discuss a role with them, women need far more persuading (on average) than men. Men are much more willing to just go for it and see, women want to be really sure they fit every criteria.

Headhunters don’t go around approaching just anyone, we go for the people we really think fit the role. That’s how we please our clients and do a good job. There’s no benefit to us to lead someone up the garden path just to have to disappoint them later.

Go for it! Be honest about what you think the learning curves will be, also be honest about your skills and why they think you’re right for the role. You can do this! Good luck

Fake it until you become it. Watch Amy Cuddy’s TED talk. They are asking you to apply. Unless it’s a job you will hate there is no harm in applying

Thank you wise women in my phone.

To be clear, I have been approached and asked to apply/interview for the role. Rather than offered it outright.

I don’t know if I would enjoy it to be honest? I suspect I may spend a lot of the time panicking (if I did get it) that I was doing a good job! I am terrible for that.

I do agree the process would be good experience though, and I have nothing to lose.

Go for it! Good luck

Imposter syndrome is a funny one isn’t it? I just looked it up and can totally relate! X

A great ego boost though. Apply for the experience. If they offer it to you, if it doesn't feel right, turn it down.

Yes, huge ego boost! Particularly as I have spent the last two weeks being particularly stressed about my workload/skills/ability.