Are you having feelings of imposter syndrome when applying for jobs or when at a new job?

 

Imposter syndrome at work is especially damaging and can affect you in many ways. Holding you back from promotions, being known as the person that can't be handed an extra task, long hours at work, and overall added stress. Imposter syndrome needs to be dealt with before it derails your career entirely. 

 

Almost everyone has suffered from imposter syndrome at one time or another. 

 

When having this feeling, you need to analyze why exactly you have this feeling. Are you in the wrong department, do you not understand the assignment, are you in the wrong career, or do you not understand the assignment right now? Once you know why then you can address the problem. Create a plan for your particular reason. Maybe you need more training, or you might have a bad manager, or you need time to settle into your career, or it could be time to look for a new job? 

 

Having imposter syndrome can cause us to overcompensate and set unrealistic goals. This creates a self-feeding cycle of failure. Start by setting small goals to get your confidence going. 

 

Always get advice and find a mentor. Find someone who has accomplished the things you want to achieve or someone "higher up" than you. 

 

Recognize what you have achieved. Track your accomplishments to look back on as reference when the feeling of imposter syndrome comes on. 

 

Your career can take over your life if you let it, especially with imposter syndrome. These feelings can have you working long hours to overcome your own perceived shortcomings. The lack of balance can take a toll on your physical and mental health. 

 

When you don't know the answer, ask for help and get clarification. Getting clarification will help ensure you are on the right path to do what needs to be done. You can't do your best if you lack details. When in doubt, ask questions. 

 

If you are feeling derailed by imposter syndrome, consider this. You came into this job with a specific purpose in mind. Whatever that may be, allowing feelings of insecurity to pull the rug out from underneath you won't help you accomplish your goals. Take a step back recenter your vision, and move forward with that.