Impostor Syndrome: How To Overcome It as a Job Seeker

Despite its troubling name, Impostor Syndrome isn’t considered a diagnosable mental illness. It was first identified and used by psychologists Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in a paper published in 1978. It’s a serious issue that can get in the way of many people, particularly professionals in most industries.

Impostor Syndrome is when people question their abilities and qualifications in their fields, despite achieving numerous successes. Simply put, you think your accomplishments are fake and don’t deserve achieving them all.

Among the most common characteristics of Impostor Syndrome include:

• Overachieving
• Self-sabotage
• Criticizing own work
• Doubts about living to expectations
• Crediting others for own success

It’s become a significant problem among job seekers in Canada and anywhere in the world looking to apply for better opportunities. One review suggests that 9 to 82 percent of people experience such thoughts, signifying that it’s a global occurrence that hinders people from landing perfect jobs despite being qualified.

If you’re a job seeker currently experiencing such an issue, keep reading below to help you conquer your Impostor Syndrome and ace your next job application.

Keep Track of Your Achievements

A record of your previous wins can help remind you of your worth in the field and reinstate your confidence, especially when looking for new work. Whether it’s a digital or a physical collection, keep all your professional achievements and organize them so you can quickly go back and see how you’ve improved since day one.

Some of the things you can collect include work feedback, goals achieved, and previous promotions to tell you that you were positively evaluated in the past.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Remember that each individual has a path to becoming successful. Never compare yourself to others because it might push you to find more reasons to blame yourself or feel like you don’t belong. We all differ in skills, strengths, and opportunities. Focus on what you’ve achieved so far, and appreciate the lengths you’ve taken to get to where you are now. If you keep seeking comparisons, you’ll never run out of things to nitpick about yourself.

Have a Strong Support System

Constantly calling yourself a fraud again and again and feeling guilty for it may trigger anxiety and depression over time. Never keep this feeling to yourself. Gather a support system of friends, family members, and colleagues to provide guidance, validation, and encouragement.

Recruiters also make excellent support systems for job applicants. Professional recruitment agencies help coach job seekers, especially those highly qualified for their desired jobs. That’s why if you’re looking for recruitment agencies in Toronto or any major cities in Canada, go for those that help applicants find the right opportunities and stay with them throughout the process. They’re well aware of Impostor Syndrome and are prepared to assure you that, with your fantastic record, you’re right where you need to be.

You’re a Qualified Achiever

Impostor Syndrome is a challenging problem to face, especially for various professionals.

However, most people experience it after reaching a high-level role in their companies, one they never thought they’d achieve since they began their careers. If you ever doubt your qualifications, know that you’re in that position because you’ve earned and deserved it, and there’s no reason to feel like a fraud.