Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back
Do you sometimes feel like a fraud? Or fear being outed for lacking the abilities, experience or qualities needed to properly do your work or shift to something new?
If yes to any of these questions, you’re in great company. Such high achievers as Serena Williams, Tina Fey and Tom Hanks are just a few prominent people who admit to occasional fraudster feelings. A LinkedIn survey found that 75% of professionals have experienced “imposter syndrome” at some point in their careers.
According to Inc. magazine, imposter syndrome is “the feeling that people believe you're smarter, more skilled, more experienced, or more ‘something’ than you think you are.”
I have a coaching client who’s worked more than a decade at a small nonprofit. Like all of my clients, she impresses the heck out of me. She’s an expert in a highly specialized field, possesses excellent interpersonal skills and is passionate about her work. Recent changes at her organization mean she has to re-interview for her current position — an anxiety-provoking prospect. She reached out for coaching before interviewing to gain self-assurance in negotiating a higher salary. In our first session, I suspected she might suffer from imposter syndrome. More about my client in a moment.
It’s not well known, but there’s a flip side to imposter syndrome.
That Inc. article cited research that people who occasionally feel like an imposter instinctively try to shift attention away from themselves to those around them. That tendency makes them more effective interpersonally than people who don’t sometimes feel insecure They listen more, ask better questions and are more likely to recognize and praise others. This may lead them to be more effective in their jobs overall.
However, when you’re looking for a job or seeking a higher salary (like my client), imposter syndrome is a liability. Putting yourself out there and presenting yourself in the best possible light is inherently stressful. But it’s tougher when you don’t believe you deserve what you’re seeking. You may be listening to negative self-talk that leads you to underestimate your skills and experience and not give yourself credit for your accomplishments.
A recent LinkedIn article notes that job seekers with imposter syndrome often avoid applying for jobs they are well qualified for, fearing they won't meet the employer's expectations—thereby limiting their career growth. It can also make interviews especially stressful.
Strategies to overcome fraudster feelings in job hunting and especially in preparation for interviews and other important career negotiations include:
Ask yourself what you bring to your work. Then write a “personal impact statement” that highlights your strengths and accomplishments and articulates your purpose and passion for the work. You also want to include your career goals.
Practice talking about your personal impact with trusted people until you are comfortable sharing about it without embarrassment or blushing.
Be kind to yourself when self-doubt shows up. Remind yourself you’re not alone—nearly everyone experiences feeling less-than at some point.
Surround yourself with people who appreciate, respect and admire you and put distance between yourself and those who don’t.
I suggested my client ask trusted colleagues and friends to offer their comments about her strengths as an employee. When she read some of these “tributes” in our second coaching session, I could see and feel her increased confidence. Her voice was stronger, she smiled more and said she now planned to ask in her upcoming interview for the top end of the salary range for her position.