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Discussion on: You're Not An Impostor

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rachelsoderberg profile image
Rachel Soderberg

I struggled with Imposter Syndrome for awhile, particularly since I was always kind of lagging behind my peers in college (but was somehow one of the first to land a Software job). I figured I just tricked the hiring manager and eventually they'd figure me out.

It has gotten better though, as I've begun to find my groove and tackled problems well beyond any level I'd seen in academics. Now I've accepted that I don't know everything I need to know, and that's actually re-ignited my insatiable hunger for learning. I'm always doing an online course now, be it in my current programming language, a new programming language, Salesforce, or the business/project management side (où Français!).

I've also already experienced knowing some things others more senior to me don't know, so that's helped as well. As long as I can bring value, I'm pretty happy.

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awwsmm profile image
Andrew (he/him)

I figured I just tricked the hiring manager and eventually they'd figure me out.

I feel like this is a common sentiment. But I also think that most people with sway over hiring decisions have a good idea of the knowledge (or at least potential for learning) that the candidate should have. And if they hire someone out of their depth, it's kind of on them, isn't it?

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andrewharpin profile image
Andrew Harpin

With fresh candidates you look for; enthusiasm, considered intelligence and fundamentally whether or not they listen.

They will always need to learn a lot, but you look for the capability of that learning. Not what they think they already know.

The main issue with fresh recruits, especially graduates, is arrogance.

They've got their degree and think they know it all. Typically the higher the grade, the worse the arrogance.