Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Proven Strategies for Confidence and Success
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities, skills, or accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud." Despite evidence of their competence, those experiencing imposter syndrome believe they do not deserve their success, and often attribute their achievements to luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more capable than they perceive themselves to be. While imposter syndrome is not a recognized mental health disorder it is very common, with an estimated 70% of the workforce experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their career. It can be found at every level of the organization and it does not discriminate by gender, race or age.
This article will dive deeper into the various aspects of imposter syndrome, from what it looks like to how to cope and leverage it to your advantage.
What Does Imposter Syndrome Look Like?
The first step to dealing with imposter syndrome is to recognize it and understand what’s going on. Some of the most common characteristics are;
Self-Doubt: If you’re constantly questioning your abilities and feeling inadequate, or even comparing yourself unfavorably to others, this is a sure-fire sign of imposter syndrome.
Low Self Esteem: On a similar note, feelings of low self confidence or low self esteem can be an indicator – in other words, berating yourself when things don’t go as you would have liked.
Fear of Exposure: Intense feelings of being "found out", exposed as a fraud or of not living up to expectations are another way to identify you’re experiencing imposter syndrome. Being sensitive to constructive criticism often goes along with this, as it feels like people are beginning to see through you.
Attributing Success to External Factors: Believing that success is due to luck or external factors rather than your own skills or efforts can be another unfortunate effect. Downplaying your own expertise in a situation, even when you are clearly the more skilled or experienced person, puts you in a position where you are unable to realistically assess your competence and skills.
Perfectionism: Setting excessively high standards and feeling like a failure when those standards are not met means you often agonize over the smallest mistakes or flaws in your work. Yes, this is another sign!
Overworking: You may find yourself putting in extra effort to compensate for your perceived inadequacies to avoid being exposed. This could look like you setting yourself overly challenging goals and then feeling disappointed when you fall short.
Burnout: Due to this overworking, the level of stress and anxiety that you might be under – as well as all the other emotional effects that accompany imposter syndrome – will be hard to maintain and is likely to lead to burnout.
Feeling isolated: Based on all of the above, you may believe that your colleagues are coping fine, and are not wracked with the same self doubt, and this can cause you to feel alone and to begin to isolate yourself from the rest of the team.
We're now more in the know about how to spot signs of imposter syndrome on a personal level, that's take a look into how that could manifest in your professional life.
Career Limitations of Leaving Imposter Syndrome Unchecked
Imposter syndrome can impose limitations on your career, affecting both professional growth and personal satisfaction. For one, the fear of failure or being exposed as a fraud will leave you reluctant to take risks, and can lead to you avoiding new challenges, roles, organizations or projects. You may not apply for promotions or leadership roles, due to not believing you are qualified or deserving, and you may find yourself hanging onto an unsatisfactory job from fear that you will not be able to get a better position.
What's more, doubting your abilities in this way can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors, such as procrastination or not putting in full effort. It can reduce focus and productivity, as energy is spent on worrying rather than working effectively, and mean that you have less of an influence over decisions due to being reluctant to voice your ideas, opinions or questions for fear of feeling foolish. This self-sabotage can start to cause a negative downward spiral, with the avoidance of progression opportunities resulting in slower income growth. Individuals with imposter syndrome may also be less likely to negotiate for higher salaries or better benefits, believing they are not worth it. Such stunted professional development can manifest itself in other ways, including avoiding performance reviews or constructive criticism, a lack of seeking out further education or training, and downplaying your achievements.
Due to all of this, working relationships suffer, creativity is stifled, and burnout can often occur. If you find yourself in this position, you'll need to adopt some coping mechanisms to mitigate these limitations – let's walk through those now.
Coping Strategies for Imposter Syndrome
Managing imposter syndrome involves acknowledging it, understanding its impact, and adopting strategies to control and mitigate its effects. Here are some practical steps to help you cope:
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Recognize and accept your feelings of imposter syndrome, taking the time to understand that feeling like an imposter is common and normal.
Identify Triggers
Common situations that trigger feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt include moving into a new role, performance review time, trying something new or unfamiliar, applying for new jobs, a new boss or organizational change and restructuring. Take particular care around these moments to address what you're feeling.
Share your Experience
Discuss your feelings with trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors who can offer support and perspective. Just verbalizing your feelings can help, and cultivating supportive relationships allows others to share their experiences, provide guidance and constructive feedback. If imposter syndrome goes beyond periods of self doubt or is negatively impacting your life in a larger way, you should also consider therapy or counseling to explore and address underlying issues.
Set Realistic and Tangible Goals
Divide large projects into smaller, manageable steps to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Set yourself small tasks and realistic expectations and take pride in achieving them. For example, make an agreement with yourself that you are going to voice an opinion, idea or question in the next meeting, celebrating it as a small win to acknowledge your achievement. It’s easier said than done but you should also aim for completed, high quality work over perfection. Try to accept that perfection is unattainable and that mistakes are a natural part of growth and learning.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and realistic self-assessment that is based on objective evidence rather than feeling. Remind yourself of your achievements and strengths and write them out, imagining successful outcomes in challenging situations to build confidence in your abilities.
Practice Self Care
Imposter syndrome is a form of anxiety and as such creates high levels of adrenaline. Exercise can help to release all that built up energy, while making time for hobbies, interests and relaxation can help to improve your mental state and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Develop Competence and Confidence
Engage in ongoing education and training to build your skills and knowledge, while also taking on new challenges and responsibilities to build confidence in your abilities. It's also a good idea to seek out feedback and use any constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a reflection of your worth.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
View social media wisely so as not to make yourself feel worse or inadequate. Time box or remove yourself from platforms if access is doing more harm than good and, Instead of comparing yourself to others, try to really listen to what they are saying.
By implementing these strategies, you can better manage imposter syndrome, reduce its negative impact, and enhance your overall well-being and performance. If you're experiencing imposter syndrome at the same time as looking for a new job, we have a few more specific strategies that could come in handy.
Strategies for the Job Hunter with Imposter Syndrome
Dealing with imposter syndrome during a job search can be particularly challenging. Imposter syndrome tells you not to take risks, not to put yourself out there, that you are not qualified. However with the right strategies, you can navigate the process confidently and effectively. Don’t let opportunities pass you by or stay in a toxic job because of imposter syndrome. Follow the steps below and you'll be well on your way!
1. Apply!
You might not have all of the qualifications, but you may be the closest fit. Very often the successful candidate did not tick every box on the job requirements, but they went ahead and applied anyway. Do the same, and you never know where you might end up!
2. Prepare Thoroughly
Research Companies: Understand the companies you’re applying to, their culture, and what they value in candidates. This will help you tailor your applications and feel more prepared for interviews.
Know the Job Requirements: Match your skills and experiences to the job description to see where you meet or exceed the qualifications. This can boost your confidence.
Create an Impactful and Tailored Resume and Cover letter: A resume and cover letter that is focused on your achievements and suitability for the role will quieten your self doubt and remind you of your success so far.
Practice Common Questions: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, prepare stories that showcase your skills and achievements. Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or mentors to build your confidence.
3. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Remind yourself of your skills, strengths, experience, and the unique value you bring to a role. Understand that it’s normal to feel self-doubt and that many others experience imposter syndrome so when negative thoughts arise, question their validity and replace them with positive affirmations instead.
5. Build a Support Network
Find mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective on your job search. It's also worth seeking out professional organizations or job search groups to share experiences and gain support from peers. Knowing people in the fields or jobs you’re aiming for can help ease your nervousness about moving forward.
7. Use Positive Visualization
Visualize yourself succeeding in the job interview and performing well in the role you are applying for, using positive feedback you’ve received in the past to reinforce your sense of competence.
8. Develop Resilience
With all the best intentions, it's important to remember that rejection is a normal part of the job search process, and not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Aside from anything else, view each application and interview as a learning opportunity to improve your skills and approach rather than the be all and end all of your professional success.
9. Set Realistic Goals
Break Down the Process: Divide the job search into manageable steps, such as updating your resume, applying to a certain number of jobs each month, and preparing for interviews. Set realistic expectations for how long it will take to get a job. Understand the timescales posted for the recruitment process and keep in touch so that you know what is happening rather than filling a void of information with, “I didn’t get it - I’m not good enough.”
Create Smaller Goals: Set smaller goals for a successful job search. Set a goal to spend a certain amount of time on networking, researching organizations, outreach or updating your Linked In profile each week.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate small milestones, such as getting invited to an interview or receiving positive feedback.
10. Stay Informed and Skilled
Engage in ongoing education and skill development to stay competitive, boost your confidence and silence the nagging thought that you are under qualified for each position. It's also worth keeping up with industry trends and developments so you can demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during interviews.
11. Seek Professional Help
Consider working with a career coach to help you navigate the job search process and build confidence. If you'd like some expert help gaining confidence and improving your application materials, we'd recommend our Candidate Confidence course and coaching materials.
12. Network Strategically
Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and engage with content to build your professional presence. Conduct informational interviews to learn about different roles and industries, which can provide insights and reduce feelings of inadequacy.
Managing imposter syndrome during a job hunt involves preparation, self-compassion, and leveraging your support systems. By acknowledging your achievements, challenging negative thoughts, and building confidence through practice and continuous learning, you can overcome imposter syndrome and successfully navigate your job search.
Another thing to remember is that it's not all bad! There can be some positives that come out of having imposter syndrome if you come at it from the right angle…
Harnessing the Power of Imposter Syndrome
While imposter syndrome is generally seen as a negative experience, it can bring some unexpected benefits when managed appropriately. A sufferer may experience a few of these benefits along with the effects we mentioned above. You may:
Be strongly motivated to achieve high standards.
Find that you're more approachable and relatable due to it creating a healthy dose of humility.
Have meticulous attention to detail and preparedness.
Feel more empathetic towards others feeling the same way.
Develop the grit to move beyond self doubt and build resilience.
Find that opening up about it can foster stronger personal relationships.
Hold yourself to higher ethical standards and integrity.
Gain increased levels of self awareness.
While imposter syndrome can be challenging, recognizing and leveraging these potential benefits can help you turn a difficult experience into an opportunity for growth and success. Many successful and well-known individuals have publicly spoken about experiencing imposter syndrome in their careers so you are definitely not alone! The renowned physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Albert Einstein reportedly described himself as an “involuntary swindler” whose work didn’t deserve as much attention as it had received. The former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, has also spoken openly about her struggles with Imposter Syndrome – in her memoir "Becoming," she describes feeling out of place in various stages of her life and career. If they can be successful despite experiencing the dreaded imposter syndrome, so can you!
Imposter syndrome is uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and can lead to periods of self doubt and low self esteem. It can hinder your performance, reduce your influence and hold you back from taking opportunities. However you can take steps to manage imposter syndrome by recognizing it for what it is, implementing coping strategies and leveraging some of its powers to your advantage. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back from achieving your true potential, it's something a lot of us experience and you can be sure you're not alone!