How to identify – and overcome – impostor syndrome

Do you go to work every day, terrified that your boss will uncover the terrible truth – that you just aren’t worthy to do your job? Even when you excel at something, do you feel like you’re faking it? If you answer “yes” to these scenarios, you could have impostor syndrome.

What is impostor syndrome?

As the name suggests, this phenomenon is all about feeling like an impostor. Many people experience this in the workplace, and it’s perfectly natural. Regardless of how high you climb the career ladder, you may feel like you don’t deserve your success. When people tell you that you’ve done well, you don’t believe them.

A recent study from the Executive Development Network (EDN) reports that 50% of UK adults have suffered from impostor syndrome, with more women (54%) reporting it than men (38%). Younger workers report even higher rates: 66% of Gen Z and 58% of Millennials, compared to 41% of Gen X and 25% of over-59s.

There are many ways this issue can manifest. You may feel anxious when you have to give a presentation or secretly think you can’t do your job. If that sounds familiar, take some solace in the fact that you're not alone in harbouring these fears – and that there are ways to address them.

What causes impostor syndrome?

Impostor syndrome can strike any of us. When you start to experience it, you may wonder what’s causing it. While there are many potential reasons for feeling unworthy of your job, chances are it’s all in your head, and not what your colleagues actually think. 

If you’re wondering, “Do I have impostor syndrome?” you may have been a high achiever at school. If so, you might now be putting too much pressure on yourself to excel. In the workplace, there’s often no measure of how well you’re doing, especially if you’re not getting much positive feedback. Without the reinforcement of A grades, you might feel insecure. 

Impostor syndrome is also closely linked to specific personality types, such as high levels of neuroticism, perfectionist tendencies, and low self-confidence. 

Signs you may have impostor syndrome

If you’re worried that you’re experiencing impostor syndrome in the workplace, recognising these often familiar signs can help you take action:

You have persistent self-doubt 

People with impostor syndrome are often plagued by self-doubt. This is one of the biggest signs and likely the first you’ll notice. No matter how accomplished you are in your career, you may worry that you’re not good enough. You won’t trust your own judgement and think someone else will realise you’re a fraud. 

You dismiss praise

When your supervisor or manager tells you that you’ve done well, how do you react? Do you believe their words or do you think they’re just being polite? Do you shrug it off? If you find it hard to accept or even believe positive feedback, you could be experiencing impostor syndrome. 

You try to hide your flaws

When you secretly think you don’t deserve your job, it can make you paranoid. You may feel like you’re constantly trying to conceal your weaknesses. For example, if you believe that you’re poor at writing reports, you go out of your way to prevent your boss from noticing this. 

You feel guilty for “tricking” people 

Consequently, you may feel guilty for supposedly deceiving your co-workers and manager. If you truly believe you’re not right for the job, you may feel as though you’re conning your way through life – a negative thought pattern that can be deeply damaging. 

What are the 5 types of impostor syndrome?

According to the Impostor Syndrome Institute, impostor syndrome types can be categorised as follows:

1. The Expert

This worker feels like an impostor because they don’t know everything about a particular subject, and feel they ought to. Due to this supposed lack of knowledge, they don’t feel that they’ve gained the intellectual level or expert power they should have.

2. The Natural Genius

This employee feels like a fraud because they don’t believe they are naturally competent or intelligent enough for the role. If they don’t get something right straight away, they feel like an impostor.

3. The Perfectionist 

Everybody makes mistakes at work, but the perfectionist worker thinks they shouldn’t. When they do, they see it as proof that they’re an impostor and not as good as everyone else.

4. The Soloist 

This worker thinks they have to do everything by themselves; if they have to ask for assistance, they see it as a failure. If they can’t complete a particular task without help or working with a team, they begin to question their own abilities or competencies. 

5. The Superhuman

This worker thinks they have to be the most diligent employee in the world or achieve the highest level of achievement every time; otherwise, they believe they’re a fraud.

How to get over impostor syndrome at work

If you feel impostor syndrome is holding you back at work, there are some strategies to help you overcome it.

Top tip: This syndrome can be linked to overthinking habits, anxiety, and other mental health issues, so it’s worth visiting your doctor if this is the case.

Follow these tips: 

Talk to someone you trust

Speaking to a trusted friend or family member can offer a huge relief. Chances are, they’ve felt the same way at some point. Sharing your experiences and fears with someone who believes in you may help to dispel those doubts and anxieties.

Look for mentorship at work 

If you’re worried you’re not making the grade, one of the best things you can do is find a mentor. Learning from a professional may help to give you the confidence boost you need. Not only will you invest in your professional development, but you’ll also gain feedback from them as you learn and grow. Speak to your manager about this as an option.

Challenge negative thoughts

One of the biggest lessons you’ll learn is that thoughts are not facts. When you have a negative thought about yourself or your core skills, understand that it’s not necessarily true. Make a habit out of challenging these negative thoughts as they arise.

Revamp your CV

Even if you're not job hunting, it’s worth updating your CV. This is a great way to see how far you’ve come. When you’re struggling with impostor syndrome, it can be easy to forget all your accomplishments. But seeing them on paper changes the narrative – you can’t ignore the awards, training, education, and professional experience you’ve gathered throughout your career. 

Regain control of your confidence

As we can see, impostor syndrome isn’t a permanent state of being – there are ways to deal with it. While overcoming it might not happen overnight, taking small steps every day will make a big difference over time. Heed our advice to move forward and take back control of your career and sense of self-worth.

Ready to take your next step on the career ladder? TopCV can help banish negative thoughts with a free CV review, by drawing out your successes and giving you – and hiring managers – the confidence that you’re capable of fulfilling the role. 

This article was originally written by Charlotte Grainger and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw.

Recommended reading:

• 7 intrapersonal skills that can shape your career

• How to overcome burnout: reclaim your energy at work

• What is “low-quality work” and how does it affect your health?