Imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome. Have you experienced it? I have. Multiple times. We often attribute imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy to those early in their careers and just starting out. Newbies, finding their feet, battling the feeling that they’re out of their depth and trying their best to demonstrate that fake it ‘til you make it nonchalance that we’ve all heard so much about. However, imposter syndrome isn’t exclusive to 20 somethings, graduates, and new starters. According to research conducted in 2011, approximately 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, even in situations where they are extremely experienced and accomplished.
This makes sense on understanding that there are actually different ‘imposter types’. Dr Valerie Young, a global thought leader on imposter syndrome has categorised these into subgroups. The ‘Perfectionist’ is perhaps the most classic and widely known type, so instead and for this example, we’ll use the ‘Natural Genius’. Dr Young states in her award-winning book, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It, “Like the Perfectionist, the Natural Genius has set the internal bar impossibly high. But instead of the key measure being flawlessness, you judge yourself based on ease and speed. You expect to know without being taught, to excel without effort, and to get it right on the first attempt…. When you’re not able to do something quickly or fluently, your imposter alarm goes off”.
Does this sound like you? Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t, but when we understand that imposter syndrome is experienced differently for different people, we realise that even the most seasoned among us can feel like a fraud. So, what can we do about it? Here are my quick-fire tips:
Reflect and Reframe: For me, imposter syndrome is usually triggered by one event. One single negative event in what could be a series of very positive events. An event that might have even been out of my control. Taking time out to reflect on the good and reframing the bad into something more workable and constructive is my go-to tactic. Focus on facts rather than feelings.
Moderate Social Media Use: Social media deserves its own special place in hell when it comes to making you feel inadequate. However great you’re doing, there’s always someone doing better, looking better, or giving you advice on how you can also earn six figures a month from the beach. Scroll with caution.
You do You: If you’re following me on LinkedIn, you’ll likely have noticed I’m not quite your ‘average’ recruiter. In fact, I’m quite confident in saying I wouldn’t fit in at a typical agency, and I’m sure they’d hate my attention grabbing TikToks, no matter how many roles I fill. But this is how I do things, it’s me, and it works, so why would I change that to fit into someone else’s mould? Be you and embrace it!
Talk it out: Sharing your feelings with those you trust can help you gain perspective and regain your confidence. I’m a big advocate for talking it out; open up and be vulnerable, you’ll feel better for it!
– Martin Norris, Head of Recruitment