How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Job Search?

Hey, you! let's talk your journey without being judgmental. You are scrolling through job listings. Your heart skips a beat when you found one post that literally excites you,,, but then a little voice came from your inside which is, "Am i even qualified for this position?" or "what if i ace the interview and then can't actually able to do the responsibilities?"

Do it feels like familiar voice? yeah, that's the imposter syndrome!

And this syndrome has the bad habit of showing up at the moment you actually need that courage and confidence. But relax. A-lot talented and capable people feel like they don't have that potential to get big chance. Specially when looking for a job, switching careers or entering a new field.

And don't think like something is wrong with you, it simply means your brain is behaving a little dramatic. So, let's just unpack this topic together and even let's blow it away from your mind.

But before, understand what is Imposter Syndrome?

In simple terms, Imposter syndrome is the feeling or being scared that I am not good enough, that i have somehow tricked people into thinking that i am more capable than i actually am. And any day now, i will get revealed and they found out about my incapability.

And you know what the truth is? It's often the most competent people who feel this syndrome the most. Asking why? Because you care a-lot about perfection, you want to serve the best performance, you are growing to do more finely and accurately, the upgradation feels weird sometimes.

So, How do you Actually Deal With It?

1: Call it Out, Out Loud
This technique might sound silly, but it can help you trick your mind back when it start tricking in your important decision time. So when the thoughts pop up, "I am not that qualified or capable for this," immediately try saying to yourself, "See, here comes again, that imposter syndrome started talking again."

It creates space between you and the thought. And you don't have to believe everything your brain says, it love being in comfort zone, and when it sees that you are about to enter in a challenging position, it start dragging you back, so you keep being in your comfort zone.

2: Flip The Script on Job Description
Job descriptions are mostly the wish list of hiring managers, not a checklist. No one checks every single box. They generally expect candidates to meet 60 to 70% of the requirements. So if you see that those descriptions' meeting with half of your skills, you should apply. Let the recruiter decides whether you are fit for that role or not.

3: Track Your Wins
Imposter syndrome thrive when you forget what you have achieved in your life with your skills and expertise, so keep a brag doc, a simple note where you wrote down project you finished on your own, positive feedbacks of your clients, skills you taught yourself, even others too.

And when this try to visit again to hack your mind, just read these and say to yourself that you have done hard things before, you can do this too.

4: Talk To People
Chat with you former colleagues and friend, specially whom you guided in some situation or anyone who knows your work closely. And trust me you'll be surprised how many will say things like, "Wow, i have felt the same thing, but trust me you are so much talented, i am inspired by your work at some moment," and sort of things, you get to hear.

5: Detach You Worth From Outcome
Don't think too much of it my dear! Getting a job or not getting it. Doesn't say anything about your worth as a person or a designer, marketer or a painter. Just understand one thing, it didn't align with your skills, that's it! Don't let your mind overpower you. You are valuable, Still growing. Still deserving.

If you are questioning yourself, it probably means you care a-lot and that's a good stuff, not a weakness. So, never get tricked by your mind or stuck in any doubt, apply for that role, even when it feels scary.

jobdekhao.com is here to provide you as much job opportunity as you want, so don't skip, just apply without being scared and get a job which mates your skills!