Have you ever passed on applying for a job because you don’t feel qualified enough? Or did you settle for a role because you were too afraid to aim higher? You could be suffering from imposter syndrome. Discover what imposter syndrome is and how you can overcome it.
- What is imposter syndrome?
- How does imposter syndrome affect your career?
- Tips for managing imposter syndrome when job searching
What is imposter syndrome?
Impostor syndrome (also known as a psychological phenomenon) is a feeling of inadequacy despite evidence of success. Imposter syndrome can show up in different ways such as:
• Doubting yourself
• Critiquing your performance at work
• Having difficulty assessing your skills and competencies accurately
• Fear of disappointing others
• Fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’ despite success and competence
• Feeling intellectual inadequacy
Studies suggest that up an estimate of 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. Another study commissioned by Galaxy, polled 4000 adults finding that 53% of women are more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome when compared to men.
In summary, impostor syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt about intelligence, abilities, and accomplishments, regardless of your achievements. It can lead to ongoing anxiety and stress as you push to work harder not to feel like you’re tricking people and to feel more deserving of the role
How does imposter syndrome affect your career?
Imposter syndrome can affect your life and career in many ways such as:
• Burnout: Thinking you’re bad at your job can lead to increased levels of exhaustion, stress and cynicism which links to the symptoms of burnout. If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, we have put together a few useful tips to deal with burnout at work.
• Avoid seeking a promotion: Imposter syndrome can stop you from trying to achieve higher and go for a promotion since you don’t believe you deserve it.
• Taking on more responsibilities: Instead of taking on more responsibility, you may end up focussing on smaller, manageable tasks to prove your abilities.
• Unable to celebrate achievements: Since imposter syndrome creates a cycle of self-doubt, when you achieve a milestone or goal you may not be able to recognise it and celebrate your wins.
Tips for managing imposter syndrome when job searching
Now that we’ve explored what imposter syndrome is and the impact it can have on your career, here are five tips to help you overcome imposter syndrome when searching for a job:
- Recognise your achievements: Making a list of all your achievements can help you acknowledge them and recognise your success and abilities and build your confidence.
- Practise self-compassion: Identifying when you have negative thoughts and reminding yourself it’s okay to make mistakes and giving yourself compassion can help validate your skills, abilities, and help you avoid feeling like a fraud.
- Reach out for support: Don’t be afraid to contact friends, family, or mentors for support and encouragement. Talking about your feelings of imposter syndrome with others can help you gain perspective and realise that you’re not alone in this struggle.
- Continue to grow and learn: Instead of thinking about your shortcomings, focus on opportunities for learning and growth. Embracing new challenges can allow you to expand your skills and knowledge. Read ‘How to keep learning at work’ to get started.
- Set realistic goals: Setting achievable goals and breaking them down into smaller tasks can support you in celebrating your little wins and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
For more career advice and tips, visit our career advice section. If you’re looking for a job, start searching today by browsing our current vacancies.
Last updated on 5 June 2024
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