Techniques for overcoming imposter syndrome during your job search: So you applied for a job and all of a sudden you started doubting your abilities, feeling like you don’t have what it takes to function in the needed capacity. Well, for starters, you should know you have been plagued by the Imposter Syndrome. It is something most job seekers and professionals experience. Imposter Syndrome is a mental state of self-doubt, inadequacy, or incompetence that causes you to think to yourself, “I am a fraud?” Individuals suffering from imposter syndrome frequently believe they are not as competent as others perceive them to be.
Diving Deep
Dr. Pauline Rose Clance, a psychologist, was the first to investigate this unjustified sense of insecurity. Imposter syndrome, also known as perceived fraudulence, involves feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite your education, experience, and accomplishments, according to Healthline.
People who are highly skilled or accomplished frequently believe that others are equally skilled as them, and thus they believe they do not deserve opportunities. This feeling, however, is not limited to highly competent individuals.
Techniques for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome During Your Job Search
The fact that you are currently reading this article, shows there is a great chance you are currently facing the imposter syndrome or have dealt with it in the past.
There is often no level of achievement that can put these feelings to rest, but there are ways to deal with them. These remedies / techniques are outlined and discussed as follows:
1. Recognize Your Emotions
The first step in dealing with imposter syndrome is to recognize it. Instead of trying harder to change your self-image, acknowledge how you’re feeling. Accepting that the feeling of fraudulence is due to self-doubt rather than how you perform at work will help you deal with it more effectively.
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Determine what is causing you to lose confidence. An interview, a job offer from your dream company, or a promotion could all be on the table. When you try to pinpoint the source of your lack of confidence, you’ll most likely come up with reasons like “I only got this interview call because of good luck.” There are so many people who are far more accomplished and talented than I am. It’s only a matter of time before my interviewers find out.
Once you know where the problem is, you can find a solution.
2. Maintain an Accomplishment Box!
Remind yourself of your successes. Working toward a goal is far more difficult than setting one. And it’s natural to feel as if you haven’t accomplished enough during the process.
Add to your accomplishments box whenever you make progress. Your resume was chosen for consideration by your dream company? Put it in the box. Have you received an interview invitation? Put it in the box. Have you met anyone from your dream companies? Put it in the box. Everything you’re proud of should be included in the box. Every time you make progress, celebrate to remind yourself how consistent you are. When you can see how far you’ve come, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to achieve your goal. Your achievements box.
3. Learn to Trust Yourself and the People Who Have Helped You Get Here
It’s easy to delude yourself into thinking you’re a liar. But do you believe those who chose to give you a chance are as well? Impossible.
Keep in mind that you got the interview or job offer because you’re good. The hiring managers who reviewed your resume believe you are talented enough to advance to the next round. They see you as a potential employee in their company and have chosen to interview you over other candidates. You got the job because you demonstrated to them that you are the best at what you do. The people who vouched for you are extremely knowledgeable in their fields, and the company who chose you knows you’re good.
If you’ve gotten this far in the hiring process, congratulate yourself. You’re incredible!
4. Consider mentoring
Mentoring does not always have to involve teaching a group of students. It could be as simple as assisting those around you with questions about job searching or your field of work. There are two major advantages to assisting others: You gain confidence as a result of the accomplishments of others. Seeing someone advance as a result of your mentorship will help you realize how good you are at what you do.
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During your job search, you’ll discover the skills that will help you stand out from the crowd. You’ll realize that the skills you didn’t think were important before were the ones you used the most when helping others.
5. Discuss your feelings with someone you trust
As previously stated, everyone experiences the feeling of ‘I feel like a fraud at some point in their lives, whether at work, at home, or in the company of friends. However, most people choose not to discuss it for fear of appearing weak or vulnerable, which is not the case. This frequently leads to pluralistic ignorance, in which each of us believes we are the only ones who feel a certain way because no one else expresses those feelings.
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So, the next time you experience impostorism, talk to someone about it. This will lessen the imposter feeling’s hold on your thoughts and allow you to think more clearly. We are often our harshest critics. Hearing it from others can sometimes boost your self-esteem. Ask about your performance the next time you need reassurance about how you got to where you are. Take feedback and figure out what got you here.
There may not be a completely foolproof way to get rid of these imposter feelings, but there are things we can do to alleviate them. Having open conversations with yourself and accepting your strengths and weaknesses can help you become more aware of your abilities.
When you feel like an imposter, tell yourself, “You have talent.” You have the ability. You have a place.