Job searching is stressful enough without that nagging little voice in your head whispering, “You’re not good enough. You don’t deserve this job. They’re going to find out you have no idea what you’re doing.”

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If that sounds familiar, congratulations! You've met imposter syndrome. And trust me, you’re not alone. Even the most accomplished professionals have moments where they feel like a total fraud. The trick isn’t to eliminate those thoughts (if only!), but to learn how to silence them enough to go after what you deserve.

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Imposter Syndrome Is a Liar—Don’t Listen to It

That little voice in your head? It’s a drama queen. It thrives on exaggeration and negativity. You’re not “lucky” to have landed that interview — you earned it. Employers don’t hand out interviews for fun. They saw your CV, your skills, and your experience, and thought, This person could be the right fit. Stop doubting what’s already been confirmed.

Think about the last time you got positive feedback at work. Did your boss tell you that you did a great job on a project? Did a colleague thank you for your help? These moments prove you’re capable. Keep a running list of them and pull it out when self-doubt kicks in.

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Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (They’re Probably Faking It Too)

Social media has turned comparison into an extreme sport. You see someone announcing their new job at a top company, and suddenly, your own achievements feel small. But what you don’t see is the 15 rejection emails they got before that offer. Or the years of hard work behind the scenes.

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Reframe Your Failures (Because Everyone Has Them)

Failure isn’t a sign that you don’t belong—it’s a sign that you’re trying. Every successful person has a list of jobs they didn’t get, interviews that went horribly, and moments they’d rather forget. The difference is they kept going.

Steven Spielberg was rejected from film school three times before becoming one of the most influential filmmakers in history. Imagine if he had decided, “Maybe I’m not good enough” after rejection number two? Jurassic Park as we know it wouldn't exist and, I don't know about you, but that would be a true tragedy.

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Act Like You Belong (Because You Do)

Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t — it’s something you practice. Start acting like you’re the right person for the job, and soon enough, you’ll believe it too. Stand tall. Speak with certainty. Walk into that interview like you’re meant to be there.

Ever noticed how some people seem incredibly confident, even if they don’t have the most experience? It’s because they carry themselves that way. If you adopt that mindset, employers will notice.

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Work with VANRATH (Because We See What You Can’t)

Sometimes, you need an outside perspective. You might overlook your own strengths, but we won’t. At VANRATH, we help job seekers see their real value, match them with roles that fit their skills, and give them the confidence to go after opportunities they might have otherwise doubted.

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Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away overnight, but it does get quieter the more you push past it. The next time self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself: You’re capable. You’re qualified. And most importantly, you belong in that room.

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Now go get that job!

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Are you currently experiencing Imposter Syndrome at work? Click here for advice on how to deal with it.