Civil Service - Imposter syndrome! Help!

[87SPD]

I have recently been looking for new jobs after realising there is no possibility of further progression within my organisation.

I had 3 interviews and got offered the job for each one. The one I wanted the most is the one I accepted but I am SO nervous - it’s in the civil service as at SEO level. I have never worked for the civil service before and with my start date fast approaching (as in next week) I am becoming so unsure of myself and the change that it’s making me sick!

It is a big step up from my current role but one I feel/felt ready for. I am so scared of being thrown in at the deep end and sinking! I am scared I will be ‘found out’ why am I suddenly feeling this way? Can anyone relate?

My role now is very ‘comfortable’ I have pretty much created my own role and have definitely worked way above what I’m paid for which has provided me with invaluable experience and knowledge. I am completely confident and respected where I am now.

I know if I get over these nerves I will be more than capable I am just ridiculously anxious about being incompetent.

Has anyone else entered the civil service at this level? I’m how did you find it? Is it supportive? Are they flexible when it comes to having a family?

Ahh I was basically you 3 years ago! Made the switch to CS at SEO level after a looong time elsewhere. Was convinced that I'd sink and that everyone would be much cleverer/more assertive/know their stuff etc.

But...everyone was lovely. And even the clever/intimidating ones I realised weren't really that much better than me. I did have horrible imposter syndrome at the start but I recognised it for what it was, and just tried to shut it out and do the best job I could do until it eventually subsided. I'm doing well now and considering going for a promotion in a different department.

Also generally very supportive - encouraged not to work long hours etc.

Good luck :)

@TheMildManneredMilitant ah that’s lovely to know!

So glad you settled in and everyone has been really nice. I honestly don’t know why I feel this way, I know I am capable but there is still this voice inside me saying I’m not as good as the rest and they will think I am stupid or regret having me 🙈

I wonder if men feel this way lol!

It’s great to hear they care about work/life balance as my current place really does and it’s one thing that’s kept me there so long. I have children and the usual things that come with that as in constant winter bugs, school plays and sports days etc!

Do you mind me asking if you wfh mainly or attend an office?

I‘m a SEO and have mixed feelings tbh. At that grade you’re expected to travel around to network etc and have no training; I’m experienced but essentially just winging it

In my experience it can vary a lot depending on your team/department. In some areas you’d be really well supported as a new entrant SEO, but others can be a bit more sink or swim.

My advice would be to see the interview as a chance to assess them - ask lots of questions, see what kind of vibe you get from the line manager.

I think it depends on which department/service you are in. I moved from local authority to CS a few years ago and was amazed at how much training and development is on offer. Nowhere is perfect and all teams have issues but overall I have found it offers a lot more opportunities.

I think it’s easier to enter CS as an external candidate anyway. Due to the nature of some of my previous (apparently undesirable) roles, I get judged in an elitist way. Whereas in private sector they don’t have a rod to beat you with, as my manager can literally use my staff number to see my previous role
titles and salary and judge me because they don’t like my old manager or old directorate etc.

My experience has been great!

I joined at the start of 22 as an SEO and got promoted in January to a grade 7.

My team are awesome, so supportive but I've also found the higher ranks in my agency are just the same, just as kind and supporting. It's been a really great experience so far!

I have days of feeling like an imposter but I just take each day as it comes when I'm feeling like that and if soon passes 🙂

Good luck in your new role!

This mainly sounds really positive - thanks so much for the responses!

This may sound stupid but what happens during an election period? Does activity slow down? Could be an exciting time to join considering a GE is on the cards next year (or possible just after)

The team seem lovely from the initial chat I’ve had with them and my line manager is such a friendly and approachable person. I need to give my head a wobble, take on the challenge and stay as positive as possible as I really want this to work out.

I will take on as much training as possible and really hope it’s a good culture!

You'll be fine. There is nothing special about civil servants - we are just ordinary people making it up as we go along half the time!

Your experience will depend on the role/department - in some depts SEO is practically entry level, in others you'd be running an operational region of offices. What sort of role is it - operational, policy, finance etc?

Re the general election- again, it depends on what dept you're in. If it's a policy led one, expect merry chaos especially if it's a change of party after the GE. If you're in an operational dept you probably won't notice it unless you're in a policy or private office role tbh - the rules is the rules until they get changed (for instance if you're processing benefit claims).

There's a great book called 'Secret thoughts of successful women' which is all about dealing with imposter syndrome. I'd highly recommend it. Brene Brown is also good to read - lots about how when you do anything which makes you feel vulnerable/challenged it is going to make you also feel uncomfortable for a bit but doesn't mean that it's wrong.

I mainly WFH but will travel in for meetings. I think each department is dealing with this differently though - definitely something to check if it's a deal breaker.

Civil servants go into Purdah for elections periods. Basically we try to keep the basics going, but no decisions get made and external meetings are often cancelled.
And we all study who our potential new bosses will be.

Your experience will depend on the role/department - in some depts SEO is practically entry level, in others you'd be running an operational region of offices. What sort of role is it - operational, policy, finance etc?

This is pretty key. I saw a thread here recently where someone described SEO as “senior management”. I’m guessing that poster was in operations because it’s definitely not the case in policy.

I'm sure you'll be fine. If you're not do an internal move rather than leave. Once you're in a lot more jobs are open to you as they usually recruit internally first.
It depends on where you are but mostly it's very flexible. They keep a lot of good people on fairly low salaries because of the flexibility.

Sorry to hijack your thread OP but I’m curious whether your continuous service in the LA was recognised in the CS or whether you started from scratch in terms of leave entitlement/redundancy rights etc?

I’m pretty sure you start from scratch based on colleagues who have joined from LAs.

That was my assumption too, thanks for confirming. Curse being in local gov for so long!

I can confirm that too - joined CS from LA and it all resets. You can combine the pensions though if you want to.

Reading this thread with interest as I am currently doing some serious job hunting. Applied for an SEO level today and it feels daunting. The whole thing does, if I’m honest, but I’m aware my current job has absolutely killed my confidence which is why I need to get out.

Congrats on the job, OP. I’m sure you’ll be amazing. Any advice for interviews?

Thanks for the replies sorry I have only just managed to come back on and check them.

@TheMildManneredMilitant that book sounds very interesting I will look that up for sure thank you!

@youveturnedupwelldone I don’t think it’s an operation role, it is more of a cross department specialism so not sure where that stands?

@turkeyboots I am sure there will be quite a bit of merry chaos in all government departments with the next GE have a feeling it’s not going to be as clear cut as previous ones. We currently go into Purdah where I work now and it basically is a fantastic opportunity to catch up on some back logged work!

@SunsetOverParadise well done for taking the leap and applying! It was daunting looking at all the requirements and the selection process but once in the interview I was put at ease straight away, I was so nervous (had The Thick of it characters in mind 🙈) but the panel were amazing and the communication since the offer has been great too. The interview was very much ‘tell me about a time when…’ type questions. Just really prepare, research the area you’re going into, ask them questions and come across as positive and confident as possible!

I am going to give myself pep talks each day and tell myself what I am capable of and try to boost my confidence! Will definitely look at that book too.

I joined CS as an SEO earlier this year. Like you I was really nervous, and I suffer massively with imposter syndrome. It has taken a while to settle in, but the attitude of my line manager and the wider team is that it takes 6 months to be fully up and running in a new role, so there hasn't been too much pressure.

I've found the work pretty similar to what I was doing previously, however it is taking far longer to get my head around the ways of the CS. This I think is the biggest challenge.

@Poblano thank you, glad you are settling into the job. Are you in the office much or do you wfh? I think I’m nervous that everyone will be used to CS ways and it will take me a while to adjust. Hope I’m not thrown in the deep end straight away 🙈

How did you job go!?