My imposter syndrome with a hint of fear kicking in

17 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 6:03PM UTC

   You're right, they wouldn't have hired you if they didn't think you could do it.

   I definitely suffered from imposter syndrome when I started my current role. I still do occasionally. I'm like "did I talk that good of a game to get this role?" but I realize that no, that's not possible, my interviewing leaves some to be desired. The salary I was brought in at also had me doubting (higher than I expected). But along the way, I realize I can do this, I'm challenged and I'm thriving on that challenge. And I realize that compared to most of my colleagues in my department...many of which are paid higher than me...I really do know what Im doing.

2. sayantika mukherjeeJuly 14,2023 at 6:23PM UTC

   Congratulations on your new position! It's completely normal to have a mix of excitement and apprehension when starting a role outside of your past experience. Remember, the company saw potential in you and believed you were the right fit for the job. They wouldn't have hired you if they didn't think you could excel in this new role.

   Instead of letting fear paralyze you, channel that energy into embracing the opportunity for growth and learning. Use this as a chance to challenge yourself and expand your skill set. Trust in your abilities and the qualities that made you stand out during the hiring process.

   Remember, every professional journey involves stepping out of our comfort zones. Embrace the unknown, seek guidance when needed, and be open to learning from your colleagues and experiences. Your willingness to take on new challenges will not only help you grow professionally but also showcase your adaptability and resilience.

   Believe in yourself, be proactive in seeking support and resources, and stay focused on giving your best effort. Your determination and positive mindset will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on your new team. Best of luck on your new adventure!

   Here is an article I wrote about Imposter syndrome mostly in high achieving women, and funnily you asked this question here though about Imposter Syndrome, I actually included a quote one a very wise person told me that

   "Real Imposters actually do not feel Imposter syndrome"

   If you get a chance take a look at this article. I hope this will help relieve your anxiety a little bit.

   https://www.wwiseschool.com/blog/overcoming-imposter-syndrome-unleashing-your-confidence-in-the-corporate-jungle

3. Sheryl BrinkleyJuly 14,2023 at 7:23PM UTC

   They wanted and hired you and you are enough!! Lean into your past accomplishments to reaffirm to yourself that you are capable AND absolutely QUALIFIED to do this job!!

   Congratulations and much success to you in your new role!

4. AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 11:15PM UTC

   In a recent interview Quinta Brunson, creator of the hit TV show Abbott Elementary was asked if she had imposter syndrome. It was refreshing to hear her answer "Never". She pointed out that so many of her past experiences, all added up to being able to be the writer, show runner and actor she has become. I am sure that if you carefully recall all your knowledge and past experiences, you will find that you have everything required to be successful in this job. No one goes into a new job knowing exactly how that particular company completes its work, but as long as you understand what the work is, you will be fine.

   I'm sure that the interviewer saw your transferrable hard and soft skills and knew they were applicable to the job. Furthermore, they obviously wanted a fresh POV, otherwise they would have held out for someone with exact past experience as the job description.

   Lastly, as someone who has had a varied and successful career, in which I was always "fake it til you make it" I promise, you can do this. Just stay in the moment, ask for help when you need it and embrace the adventure.

   Now go forth and be awesome!

5. Susan MyersJuly 15,2023 at 11:11PM UTC

   Many times when managers and hiring staff are interviewing, they are not just looking for experience and knowledge. They are looking at personality! You can train people on tasks but can change people's personality and attitude. Sometimes they are also thinking about the future and new jobs coming up. They saw something in you so just give it your best!!

6. Alexis GladstoneJuly 16,2023 at 1:34PM UTC

   Congratulations! The manager sounds like they know that hiring for the "soft skill" is more important than the experience and technical skills, just like Susan said.

   I've been there. The last role I took before going out on my own was a big step for me, and for the organization because they had never had anyone do what I was hired for. Here is what I did:

   Before I started I began to map out a 30-60-90 day plan. I thought about how I was going to integrate myself into the team. I wrote down what I thought I needed to do to at least get started on the work. I reached out to a friend who had the knowledge and skill that this role needed and got her advice. I made a list to share with my manager of who I wanted to be introduced to outside of the team and why so he could make the introductions.

   I'm sure I did other things too that I can't remember, but just having spent some time thinking about it and doing a bit of planning made me realize that I could do the job.

   Remember you have a bit of time to get yourself up to speed. Take one day at a time.

   You've got this!

7. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJuly 16,2023 at 2:22PM UTC

   So first off, congratulations! I hope your first day is awesome.

   Next, yes, they could have gotten someone who is better, but would they have been who they wanted and was a fit? Of the candidates who were available, the company decided that YOU were the best fit, both with knowledge and experience and within the company culture. There was enough in your background to make them confident that you can do the job.

   And finally, there is a learning curve. Beside to sit down with my manager (and team) and make sure that everyone understands the expectations, needs and desires. That the values and visions are all in alignment and the team is all working towards the same goal. Set realistic benchmarks, and get a clear understanding of how communication is expected to flow. These structural pieces will help a lot.

   Trust that your new employer knows what they are doing and know that you are so much better than you think you are. You've got this.

8. Laura BrennanJuly 16,2023 at 4:57PM UTC

   So much great advice! I would only add to it this: that you can choose deliberately to think, "I can figure this out."

   You have figured out a lot of things up to this point, you will figure this out as well.

   Put the sentence "I can figure this out" on your phone. Have a reminder alert you to read the thought (and if you are someplace where you can say it out loud, do that) several times a day. Put it on post-it notes in your house. You have to practice this thought -- you're creating a new groove in your neural pathways.

   The beauty of this thought is that it works for so much: for the big-picture job, but also for the day-to-day tasks and even for figuring out where to get coffee at the new office. And it's true! You know that you have figured stuff out before. You can figure this out, too.

   Take the recommended actions from everyone's great advice so that you are prepped to go in, so that you have a plan. And start practicing the new thought.

   For more info on thinking thoughts on purpose, here's a podcast episode from a coach named Kara Lowentheil who specializes in this stuff. Highly recommend, it was a game-changer for me:

   https://thelawyerstresssolution.com/thought-ladder/

   Congrats on your new job!

9. AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 6:09PM UTC

   I found one of those little art box type things in my local Hobby Lobby on clearance. It simply says "Don't Look Back, You Are Not Going That Way" I put it up on my mantle and look at it every time I need a reminder. You got this. And if you don't, you will.

10. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 5:04PM UTC

    @Laura - thank you for your recommendation of this podcast. I loved it. It would be great to be coached by her.

11. Laura BrennanJuly 18,2023 at 6:11PM UTC

    So glad you liked it! If you want more, I recommend starting at the beginning with the earliest ones. She's still podcasting, and it's still interesting, but it's more in the weeds these days. The earlier ones are foundational.

    If you're looking for other voices on this, I also recommend podcasts by Kirsten Parker (https://www.kirstenparker.com/blog) and Brig Johnson (https://brigjohnson.com/podcast/) Obviously, I am a fan of thought work!

    But remember the key thing here is that, you've got this. You've figured things out before, you will figure this out.

    Congrats!

12. Clydene HorriganJuly 16,2023 at 5:30PM UTC

    I love this thread because everyone has been so uplifting! Congratulations in your new role and in getting what looks to be a forward-thinking boss who knows how to think outside the box. Your new boss was able to see your current skillset and understood that it can transfer to this new role. Congratulations in the opportunity to apply what you know to something new. - how exciting!

    I hired a woman last year who had experience using my company’s software as a technical support rep. She had no experience in tech support and was not particularly technical. What she did have was industry knowledge, end-user experience, and a curious mind that wanted to understand what happened behind the scenes. She has been a tremendous hire. I am sure you will be too ?

13. AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 2:06AM UTC

    The best thing you can do for yourself is stretch your experience. When you start at this new company let your manager know what you are afraid of and ask for their help in challenging you and focusing you in places where that fear lives. Let them know the best way for you to take feedback and ask for planned details for the first 90 days in your 1-1's. You have an army here behind your success! You got this sister!

14. AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 2:45PM UTC

    Do you believe in going to therapy? This might be a start to uncover some underlying concerns. You said it's eating away with you and that is concerning. What if those feelings hinder you on the job?

15. BeccaBossJuly 17,2023 at 3:51PM UTC

    So first thing, fear is the source of imposter syndrome. I deal with this personally. You often live in fear of being found out that you're not as good or skilled as they think you are. Fear is a self preservation response from the days when we were trying to survive in physically dangerous circumstances. Your body is responding as though you are taking an actual leap over a chasm instead of the metaphorical leap of faith. I recently changed jobs and it was scary as hell to leave a safe but unfulfilling position for greener pastures. It faired up all my insecurities and fears about worthiness. I cried every day for weeks about leaving behind people and relationships I cared about while being terrified of the change and having to prove myself in a new place to new people. But I took the leap and despite being scared I keep taking those steps, because the only way to stop being scared of new experiences is to do the thing that scares you until your body and your brain realize it's not a threat.

    Your friends are right, the employer chose you. YOU! Out of all the candidates they determined that you were the best fit, and they are excited to have you join their team. Remember that NO ONE is competent in a skill until they actually start doing it. They hired you not just for what you've already done, but for the potential they see in you to be able to grow into new skills.

    All that said, I highly recommend talking to a therapist to help you through the overwhelming feelings. I also recommend reading or listening to "The Imposter Cure" by Dr. Jessamy Hibbard. Every time I listen to it I take away a little more. https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Imposter-Cure-Audiobook/1783253339?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    You can get through this! You deserve this!

16. Kristie WhiteJuly 18,2023 at 3:00PM UTC

    IMO, no one should ever take a job that doesn't scare them. It is how we grow. Why would you want a new job if it didn't push you to higher heights, more challenge, more responsibility, better working conditions, greater pay? So your fear should be there - not because you are an imposter - but because you are "stretching"! And that is a good thing. Many times, I have taken a position where I found myself cleaning up from my predecessor or managing major changes. Look for ways to increase your knowledge - read everything, talk to your vendors and ask them lots of questions about things you don't know or aren't quite clear on, view webinars, interview other people in similar jobs (maybe outside of your current employer). Do the research and access the education - no one is born with knowledge or talent, you have to grow it. And you can!

17. Joann S. LublinJuly 19,2023 at 2:22PM UTC

    Of course it's scary to step outside your comfort zone. But before panic sets in, remember a prior experience where you did the same thing -- and succeeded! For additional tips about beating imposter syndrome, please check out my first book, "Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World." You'll be surprised to learn even successful female CEOs have dealt with same situation. And good luck in your new role.