When you apply for and get a new job, do you actually consider whether or not you can do it?

Posted by Queasy-Ice-2575@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 12 comments

Or do you just think "If I mess up their stuff then idgaf"? I think maybe I worry too much that I'll be a liability and this might be hindering my job search but I dunno if others think the same.

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12 Comments

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TheUnSungHero7790@reddit

Steve jobs did say when it comes to jobs then apply for it and figure it out afterwards. I don't think he quite meant a security guard should apply to be a brain surgeon but more in your respective field you should go for promotions with greater responsibility, more risk, scrutiny, pressure etc etc even if you are not totally confident you will excel at it. Getting thrown in the deep end at something can be brutal and some sink instead of swim but it can also be the best way to learn.

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hunsnet457@reddit

I used to. After experiencing multiple workplaces and the amount of incompetence that exists, now I just see a role I want to do that seems vaguely relevant to me and apply - I can learn to do anything, and I learn *very* fast.

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Least_Cloud9296@reddit

I used to, but I find that companies love to talk themselves up about how they're doing everything right and perfect. And I find that 9/10 it's far from reality

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Polz34@reddit

If you think you can do the majority of the things listed in the job description that would be a good start! Everyone has some sort of learning in any new job, as each company has it's own software and processes. So being 'day 1 ready' doesn't really exist unless you are literally doing exactly the same job or the same (or very similar) company.

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Baby8227@reddit

Imposter syndrome sufferer here. Every fkng time.

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Arnoave@reddit

I mean, I usually assume I won't start off knowing how to do the job, but I consider whether I think I can learn it. Even "unskilled" office jobs usually take around 6 months to get to basic competence and 12-18 months to actually get "good" at it. On the other hand I'm not going to apply to something that sounds completely out of my wheelhouse either.

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MFA_Nay@reddit

Usually I ask myself if I can do 80% to 90% of an essential job spec. Sometimes companies over egg their job adverts to be honest. You never really know until you settle in a bit.

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Elegant-Fisherman-68@reddit

Depends, if it has training then no. If it's like just so clearly something I can't do then no. I get anxious starting new jobs as it is, no way am I making that even worse by trying to bullshit my way into and through a job I can't do. I'd be having panic attacks from the moment I set foot in the interview to the last day I work there

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_StormwindChampion_@reddit

If you didn't lie (or, at least, didn't lie excessively) when you applied or interviewed, they gave you the job because they thought you could do it. You might have to find your feet during the initial period (who doesn't?) and they may provide you with some training but you should be fine

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Otherwise_Koala4289@reddit

I wouldn't apply in the first place if I didn't think I can do it.

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MountainMuffin1980@reddit

Usually at first yeah. But then I remember everyone has to start and learn from somewhere and if the employers don't have a good on boarding process then that's their problem

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