There’s nothing quite like the first week in a new job to stir up imposter syndrome. But what if the secret to settling in is simply acting confident, even if you don’t feel it?
At Love Success, we often hear how the ‘fake it till you make it’ mindset has helped candidates thrive in their new roles. Here's how real people made it work.
Act Confident and You’ll Feel Confident
Saira, who now works in HR administration, told us, “I felt completely out of my depth at first. Everything was new - the systems, the jargon, even the dress code. But I reminded myself I’d been hired for a reason, and I chose to behave like I belonged. Eventually, it stopped being an act.”
Sometimes, confidence is a matter of perception. Connor, a team leader in a media company, said, “I didn’t know what half the acronyms meant in meetings, but I wrote them down and looked them up later. I nodded, asked smart questions, and within weeks, I sounded like I’d been there for years and people were turning to me as the leader I’d been hired to be.”
It’s About Being Authentic, but with a Little Twist of Self-Belief
It’s not about lying or exaggerating, but rather presenting your best self while learning on the job. “I wasn’t going to pretend I knew everything,” said Mei, who’s now in a large accounts department. “But I did walk in each morning with a smile, good posture, and the mindset that I could figure anything out. As I started to actually figure things out, it snowballed and I felt more and more like I could do this.”
Confidence can even help manage mistakes. “I messed up a calendar invite in my first week,” admitted Ade, an executive assistant. “But I owned it, fixed it quickly, and didn’t spiral into panic. That showed my boss I could stay calm under pressure.”
It’s Normal to Feel Uncertain in the Early Days of New Job
People from all backgrounds succeed in office support jobs in London using this mindset. Sophie, who moved from hospitality into a customer service role, said, “I was terrified at first. But I talked to myself like I was my own cheerleading squad and stayed curious. That ‘fake’ confidence helped me build the real thing.”
Liam, now working in compliance admin, had a similar experience. “There were moments where I thought, ‘What am I doing here?’ But I reminded myself that everyone was new once. I mirrored the professionalism I saw around me, and slowly, it became natural.”
Support makes a big difference too. “My manager knew I was new to the sector,” said Yasmin, who works in a really high-pressured client-facing role. “She told me, ‘If you don’t feel ready, act like you are - and the knowledge will catch up.’ She was right.”
We’re Here to Help You Succeed in Your New Job
For anyone starting out in office support jobs in London, remember that nerves are normal. But by stepping into the role with confidence - even if it feels a bit like acting at first - you give yourself the best chance of success.
We can help you feel confident as you take the next step in your career. Register as a candidate.