by Optimum
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by Optimum
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As we begin 2025, some of you may have started a new job. It’s a fresh start, and with that comes new challenges and opportunities. For me, after two years of recruiting in the blue-collar sector, I took the leap and joined Optimum in October 2024 to focus on white-collar recruitment.
Even though I had prior experience in recruiting, stepping into this new role had me questioning my own value as a recruiter. I was surrounded by a team of experts in Melbourne, each with 10+ years of experience, and I couldn’t help but feel that I might not measure up. I was irrationally consumed with the fear of making mistakes or not being good enough.
Though I’ve worked through a large portion of those feelings, self-doubt still creeps in from time to time. However, I’ve learned how to manage it, and it no longer paralyses me the way it used to.
Here’s how I would recommend overcoming imposter syndrome:
- Reaching out to your support network: Sometimes you just needed to vocalise you concerns let all the negative energy and feelings out of your system. It helps to ease the weight of those irrational thoughts.
- Validating your feelings: It’s essential to acknowledge that what you’re feeling is valid, even if it seems illogical. Imposter syndrome is normal!
- Lots of reflecting: Take the time to look back at how far you’ve come. You got here for a reason, and that reason is because you’re good enough! Refocus from self-doubt to growth.
- Recognising the value of your actions: Even if you feel like what you are doing is providing a small contribution to your company – everything adds up! It matters more than you realise!
- Practicing self-forgiveness: Mistakes happen all the time. It’s meant to happen for you to grow and learn. Remember, they don’t define your worth – take it easy on yourself, you are adapting to a new environment after all.
Since overcoming that hurdle, I’ve been able to approach my job with greater presence and confidence. I’m now more comfortable making mistakes, knowing they are part of the learning process. I’ve become more willing to take calculated risks to grow! These steps have helped me not only feel more confident but also more capable in my role.
It’s perfectly normal to feel unsure or to struggle when settling into a new environment.
However, resilience—the ability to pick yourself up and keep moving forward—plays a critical role in this process. The more you practice it, the stronger it becomes.
So, as we face new challenges this year, remember: Conquer and seize the day!
Janny Hoang
Associate Consultant
Janny joined the Melbourne team in October 2024, after 2 years of successfully working for a national generalist agency, where she focused on both blue and white collar recruitment. She is keen to develop her skills and gain more in-depth consulting experience…
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