Saffron Wildbore
~ 4min read
~ 4min read
Do you often find yourself wondering if you’re truly qualified for your job? Do you secretly fear being “found out” as a fraud, even when you’ve worked hard to earn your role? If so, you’re not alone. These persistent negative thoughts are known as impostor syndrome, and they can be paralysing if left unchecked.
But here’s the good news: with the right mindset and practical steps, you can learn how to overcome impostor syndrome and build a rewarding, confident career.
Let’s start by understanding what causes impostor syndrome. Despite the clinical-sounding name, impostor syndrome is not a formal mental health diagnosis. Rather, it describes a psychological pattern where people doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as a “fraud” even when there’s clear evidence of their competence.
Impostor feelings often arise in environments where there’s intense pressure to succeed, but this feeling of inadequacy can also be entirely internal. High achievers, perfectionists, and people entering new roles or industries are particularly susceptible. Impostor syndrome at work may stem from comparing yourself to colleagues, or stepping into a fast-paced, competitive field.Interestingly, research suggests that up to 82% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lives. You might assume that only junior employees or those early in their careers face this challenge, but the truth is, even experienced professionals, including CEOs and academics, often battle self-doubt. Knowing you’re not alone can be a helpful starting point.
Recognising the signs is key to dealing with imposter syndrome. Here are some common experiences:
Feeling like you don’t belong: You might question whether you truly earned your place at work, or whether you just got “lucky” in landing the job or opportunity.
Discounting success: Do you put your achievements down to external factors, such as good timing or help from others, rather than your own hard work and skills?
Fear of failure or being found out: You might worry that one day, colleagues or managers will realise you’re not as capable as they think you are.
Perfectionism and overworking: Driven by the need to prove yourself, you may over prepare or work excessively long hours to cover up supposed inadequacies.
Comparing yourself to others: Looking around the office (or on social media), you may feel that everyone else is more talented, accomplished, or confident.
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t worry. There are practical steps you can take to push back against these negative patterns!
Here are some tips to help you challenge self-doubt and build resilience at work.
Impostor syndrome thrives on perfectionism. You might feel that unless you deliver flawless work every time, you’ll be exposed as incompetent. But here’s the truth: most tasks at work don’t require 100% perfection.
In many cases, 70% is good enough. Learning to distinguish between tasks that genuinely need your best effort and those that simply need to be done competently is a game-changer. Step back, assess each task, and ask yourself: “In the big picture, how critical is this?” This mindset helps break the vicious cycle of overwork and anxiety.
Job descriptions can be intimidating. You might hesitate to apply for a role because you don’t meet every single requirement. But remember, most hiring managers treat job specs as a wish list, not a rigid checklist.
They’re looking for someone with a solid foundation and a willingness to learn. Embrace a growth mindset: you don’t need to know everything on day one. What matters is your ability to adapt, pick up new skills, and apply feedback.
We are naturally wired to focus on what’s going wrong, rather than what’s going well. Combat this by keeping a record of your wins - both big and small.
Save encouraging emails, jot down compliments from colleagues, and note moments when you stepped outside your comfort zone or handled a difficult situation. You can use a digital folder, a journal, or even sticky notes on your desk. When doubt creeps in, reviewing this positive feedback can help anchor you back in reality.
Does everyone else you encounter seem to have it sorted? Do your fellow graduates and coworkers all seem to be high achievers, whilst you feel sub par?
We all know the perils of social media for not showing the full story, but this also applies to colleagues at work and other graduates you’ve met. You never know what’s going on behind closed doors, or what struggles they’ve had in the past. Half of the time the people around you are also experiencing impostor syndrome too!
No one expects you to know everything, especially if you’re new in a role or industry. If you hit a roadblock, ask a colleague, manager, or peer for guidance.
In fact, asking questions demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn - qualities that employers value highly. Remember, industries like technology, finance, and business evolve so rapidly that even senior leaders are constantly learning on the job
One of the most powerful antidotes to impostor feelings is having someone you can confide in. A mentor can offer reassurance, share their own experiences of overcoming impostor syndrome, and help you see your strengths more clearly.
Look into official mentoring schemes through your workplace or professional networks, or informally reach out to someone you admire. Having a sounding board makes it easier to put challenges into perspective
You don’t have to apply to companies directly. Instead, you could choose a graduate programme like ours. We believe you’re good enough – you just need a hand to unlock your potential.
At mthree, we give you specialist training to help you gain confidence and prepare you for a role in technology, banking, business or the public sector with a leading global employer. Afterwards, we give you ongoing support to help you succeed over the long term.
Are you ready to ditch the imposter syndrome and kick off your career? Apply today to begin your career with mthree!
Saffron Wildbore is a Senior Marketing Executive at mthree. She has worked in marketing, specialising in creating content for over 5 years. Saffron focuses on writing tips for graduates, Alumni interviews and more!
