5 Easy Ways to Get Over Imposter Syndrome to Get the Job You Want
For anyone who’s currently struggling with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or general networking & career struggles, here are 5 quick tips that that I hope can help:
1. Learning Happens Quickly.
It takes under 24 hr to become better-versed in a topic than 99% of all the people on this planet.
2. Reference is Relevance
All you need to do to get a glowing referral (to a job, a mentor, etc.) is to be the most relevant data point that pops into someone’s mind when the referral opportunity comes up. It doesn’t matter that you’re not the “most” qualified. All that matters is that you’re perceptibly more relevant than anyone else on that person’s immediate attentional radar, which is actually a surprisingly simple thing to do, when considering #1 above.
3. Positivity Creates Progress
The core thing need to do to make good on a referral is to be earnest, engaged, and overwhelmingly positive. If you talk to the person you’re referred to and it turns out you’re not fully qualified, that’s OKAY. Be honest about it. Say, “Oh, shit, I actually don’t know much about that thing in particular, but it’s intriguing and I’m excited to look into it after this call! Seriously, thank you for giving me this info. Do you know of any good resources for learning?”
4. Every Connection Counts
There are no dead ends in networking. Finding out that you’re not the right person for the job isn’t the end of the world. Don’t apologize for your past. Double down on your future. Replace feelings of shame with gratitude and curiosity. Earnestly thank the person for illuminating an area you previously didn’t have much perspective on, and ask them about other things they’ve heard of where you might be an awesome fit, given your interests and experience.
Maybe you’d be a stellar referral for one of their friends’ projects or companies. Maybe they’re planning to quit the very company you’re applying to, and they enjoyed chatting with you so much that you’ll be the first person they call when they start something new or move to a new company.
5. Perception is Reality
Speak your skills, your interests, your frustrations, and your truth into the world. You never know when your personal values, skills, struggles, or perspective will turn out to be incredibly valuable to others, so don’t let your own self-doubt cripple all the ripples of opportunity that surround you.
With that said, I ask you: what would help you most right now?
