UAE: New job anxiety? How you can overcome impostor syndrome

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Question: I’m one month into a new job and often feel anxious about my performance. I constantly double-check my work and worry about making mistakes. How can I manage this anxiety and build confidence in my role?

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Answer: Starting a new job can feel like being the new kid at school — exciting but uncomfortable. One month in, you might find yourself double-checking every email and bracing for mistakes.

The good news: These jitters are very common. In fact, nearly 70 per cent of people report feeling like an impostor at some point in their careers. Even Albert Einstein confessed that he sometimes felt like an “involuntary swindler” in his work. The key is channelling that nervous energy into actions that build your confidence.

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Normalise your impostor feelings

First, recognise that your anxiety is normal and temporary. That nagging self-doubt is called impostor syndrome/phenomenon and tends to fade as you gain experience.

Remind yourself that you were hired for a reason. Your background and skills earned you this role. Nearly everyone feels unsure in a new position — it means you’re pushing your boundaries, which is how growth happens. High achievers often worry about their performance, but if managed well, this drive can fuel hard work and improvement. If left unchecked, however, anxiety can make you unhappy and even hurt performance so it’s important to address it proactively. When self-doubt creeps in, recognise it and remind yourself it’s the “new job wobble” rather than a sign you’re not up to the task.

Reframe mistakes as learning

Nobody expects perfection in your first month. Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities. Harvard research shows that the best teams aren’t those that make zero errors, but those with a climate of openness where people feel safe to admit and discuss mistakes. Instead of deliberating on a slip-up, ask, “What can I learn from this?” Then take action to improve. Adopting this growth mindset will ease your fear of mistakes. It also signals to your colleagues that you’re eager to learn, which is exactly what most managers hope to see in a new hire.

If you’re unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seeking clarification or feedback is a sign of strength, not weakness. In psychologically safe workplaces, people know that asking for help or voicing concerns is welcome which prevents bigger problems down the line. By being open and coachable, you turn anxiety into a drive for continuous learning.

Build confidence with small wins

Confidence comes from experience. Break your work into small, achievable goals that you can deliver on. Each small win — whether it’s finishing a report or resolving a customer issue — gives you proof that you can succeed in your role.

Psychologist Albert Bandura noted that mastering even minor tasks is the most powerful way to boost self-efficacy (your belief in your abilities). Make sure you keep a log of these wins and the positive feedback you receive. Over time, this record will counteract negative self-talk and remind you of your progress.

At the same time, don’t do it alone. Seek out support from colleagues and mentors. Building relationships early can create a personal safety net at work. For example, consider asking a trusted team member to review a big email or project draft — not because you can’t do it, but to gain perspective. You’ll often find your work is better than you thought, and if there are improvements to make, you learn faster with guidance. Look out for your company’s Employee Assistance Programme, most companies provide access to confidential support.

Proactive communication with your manager can also help set your mind at ease. A quick check-in about priorities and expectations can reassure you that you’re focusing on the right things. It also shows initiative. Many organisations have formal 30 or 60-day check-ins, use these as opportunities to ask, “what am I doing well, and what should I focus on next?” Constructive input will reduce uncertainty and give you clear direction.

Lastly, be patient and kind to yourself. Building confidence is a gradual process.

That colleague who seems perfectly at home in every meeting? They were new once too, and likely had their own anxious moments. By normalising your feelings, reframing challenges as learning, and celebrating incremental successes, you’ll steadily replace anxiety with confidence. In a few months, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come and you’ll be ready to support the next newcomer with empathy and hard-won insight.

Roujin Ghamsari is an accomplished HR practitioner and fellow of the CIPD, a professional body for HR and people development. Named among the 'Most Influential HR Practitioners 2023', she excels at collaborating with C-Suite leadership to craft and implement robust people plans, enabling organisations to deliver their strategic objectives.