“I feel like I know absolutely nothing,” says fresher: 4 ways to overcome imposter syndrome at your job

Every new job begins with a visible transition. Offer letters, joining dates, first meetings, but there is also one thing less talked about. It sits in the mind of the person who has just entered the workforce and is trying to reconcile expectation with reality.

A young engineer talked about the same struggle in a recent Reddit post: “I started a new engineering job last week and I feel like I know absolutely nothing… I have cried everyday since that this is going to be so hard.”

This is not an isolated experience. Imposter syndrome, the persistent belief that one does not belong despite evidence of competence, often peaks at the start of a career. The first job is not just a test of skill. It is a test of self-perception.

For freshers, especially those entering small and fast-paced workplaces, the gap between academic preparation and professional demand can feel sharp. “It’s a small company so I fear it’s going to be extremely fast paced,” the user writes, adding that anxiety and financial pressure make the situation harder to navigate.

The question then is not whether doubt exists. It is how to work through it without letting it define the early years of a career.

Recognise that selection is not accidental

One of the most useful starting points is to question the assumption at the centre of imposter syndrome. The idea that hiring was a mistake rarely holds up to scrutiny.

It is important to remind yourself that recruitment processes are designed to filter for capability. For a fresher, the task is not to prove worth from scratch each day. It is to build on a decision that has already been made.

Track small evidence of progress

Imposter syndrome thrives in the absence of visible proof. Early in a job, achievements are often small and easy to dismiss.

The suggestion here is simple. Document them, and remind yourself of all of the work goals you were able to accomplish. This changes focus from what is not yet known to what is already working.

Over time, these small markers accumulate into a more stable sense of competence.

Build a support system inside and outside work

Workplaces can feel isolating at the start, particularly in smaller teams where expectations are high and time is limited.

Try developing a network. Having a core community is fertile ground for sharing both, your struggles and victories. This also does not require a large circle. A few colleagues, mentors or even peers outside the organisation can provide perspective. They help normalise uncertainty, which is often mistaken as personal failure.

Respond to anxiety without amplifying it

The user describes low energy after years of study and the strain of stepping into a demanding role. “How do I push through… when my energy is so low,” they ask.

The response is not to eliminate anxiety but to manage it with intent. Practical steps matter here. Taking breaks after stressful tasks, acknowledging effort and using simple affirmations such as “I am capable of completing this task” can create stability in moments of doubt.

The longer view

Imposter syndrome does not disappear in a single week or even a single year. It weakens gradually as experience builds and self-trust develops.

What feels like a personal shortcoming is often a structural feature of starting out. The first job asks individuals to operate before they feel ready.

“I feel like I know absolutely nothing,” the fresher says. That feeling may not vanish immediately. But with time, it begins to lose its authority over how one works, learns and stays.
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