Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Navigating your Job Search with Confidence

The pursuit of a new job can be a challenging time. When you’re aiming to break into or advance within the charity sector, imposter syndrome can rear its head with intensity. During a recent discussion at our internal Mental Health Forum, we discussed our own experiences of Imposter Syndrome. We thought it could be helpful to share our tips as recruiters for overcoming these negative feelings when searching for a new role.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome when job searching

Imposter Syndrome was the first topic of discussion in our internal Mental Health Forum, led by Awais, Dan, Paulo and Rhys. The forum was created to have open, and honest conversations about Mental Health, in a trusting and supportive environment. The goal of the forum is to make strides in breaking the stigma surrounding Mental Health in the workplace.

First coined by psychologists in 1978, Imposter Syndrome is a relatively new phenomenon. It is an internal experience of feeling like a phoney in some areas of your life, despite the success you have achieved. Most commonly, it is related to work and work accomplishments, and the self-doubt surrounding whether you deserve to be in the position you are in or the success you are enjoying.

Commonly associated with work, Imposter syndrome can have a big impact on those searching for and applying for new roles. The feeling of being a ‘phoney’, or the ‘self-doubt’ that comes with Imposter Syndrome can lead to the belief that you are simply not a worthy enough candidate. By not applying for positions, or only applying for those positions where you meet all the requirements, you may allow great opportunities to pass you by!

When applying for new roles, Imposter Syndrome is especially prevalent in women. According to a Hewlett Packard internal report, men apply for a job when they meet 60% of the qualifications, whereas women only apply if they meet 100% of them. Furthermore, according to a LinkedIn Gender Insights Report, women apply for 20% fewer jobs. This suggests that the persistence of self-doubt leads women to not have confidence in their skills, experience or accomplishments to apply for new roles.

These feelings can also continue even after you’ve been offered the position. Despite having undertaken a multiple-step recruitment process, starting a new role can induce feelings of fraudulence. Much of this can stem from the idea that you were hired because of ‘luck’, or that your new peers are far more qualified than you might be.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome during a job search

Imposter Syndrome is a common experience for many job seekers and overcoming, or managing those feelings when looking for a new role is possible! Below are our top tips to navigate your job search and recruitment process with confidence:

Challenge your feelings: If you start to have feelings of not being good enough, or question if you deserve to be in the position you are in, take a moment to question these thoughts. Often, the irrationality of these thoughts will shine through. Reflecting on your achievements and the skills you bring will help challenge these negative thoughts too.
Share the problem: Talking to those around you can be incredibly eye-opening when dealing with imposter syndrome. The prevalence of these feelings among your peers will help put things into perspective and provide context to your feelings, along with guidance and reassurance.
Stop comparing: Obviously, this is far easier said than done! Comparing yourself to others either within a social or a work situation really fuels feelings of inadequacy. Remember that everyone is unique and will do things differently. Focus on being the best version of you.
Celebrate your successes: When you achieve something, no matter how small, celebrate it! It could be as simple as completing a challenging application, or securing an interview – you’ve worked hard and earned these successes.
Prepare for interviews: Before an interview, thoroughly research the organisation, practice answering common questions, and have examples ready to illustrate your skills and experience. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Find more info on how to prepare for an interview in our guide here.
Embrace continuous learning: Embrace the mindset of lifelong learning – always seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. After interviews or rejections, ask for feedback – this could help you understand areas for improvement and validate your skills.

Understand that you are not alone in experiencing negative feelings when looking for a new job. Remember that you have valuable skills and a genuine passion for making a positive impact. By implementing some of the above strategies, you can navigate the charity sector job search with confidence and authenticity.

Find further resources for support here: