How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome & Nail Your Next Job Interview
Impostor Syndrome Strikes Again
I'm about to start the interview process for a new, more senior role, and I can't help but feel like an impostor. What if I don't actually have what it takes to succeed in this position? I know I've got the skills and experience, but that nagging voice in the back of my head keeps telling me I'm not good enough.
Does this situation sound familiar? I recently sat down with J.T. OâDonnell to talk about impostor syndrome and how it affects individuals and their careers. Itâs common to experience impostor syndrome at some point in your career, but how you overcome this feeling is whatâs critical in this conversation.
The Truth About Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is totally normal, and, in fact, it's a sign that you're on the right track. J.T. explained to me that anytime you take a step up in your career, you will have impostor syndrome. It would actually be a little weird if you didnât. While we want you to be confident when you interview for a new job, we donât want you to appear like a narcissist or completely desperate for the role (yes, this does happen).
Feelings of impostor syndrome are 100% normal here. So how do you present yourself as the confident, capable candidate you know you are? The key is preparation.
The Job Matching Matrix: Your Secret Weapon
J.T.'s go-to tool for conquering impostor syndrome is the Job Matching Matrix. This simple framework helps you systematically compare your qualifications to the job requirements, giving you the clarity and confidence you need to ace the interview.
Here's how it works:
1. List out all the job requirements in the first column.
2. In the second column, explain why each requirement is important for the role.
3. In the third column, detail how your experience and skills match up.
By completing this exercise, you'll not only identify any gaps in your qualifications, but you'll also be able to clearly articulate how your background makes you the perfect fit. And as an added bonus, you'll banish those pesky impostor syndrome gremlins for good.
What this document does is prepare you for the conversation around how are you a match for this job where you're a step up. This is going to give you the clarity and the confidence you need to be successful.
Sell the Benefits, Not Just the Features
Once you've mapped out your qualifications, the next step is to shift your mindset from a "feature-to-feature" comparison to a "benefit-driven" approach. What does this mean?
At Work It DAILY we believe you are a âbusiness-of-oneâ or a service provider selling your expertise. And as a service provider, you have both features and benefits. However, employers donât hire you for your features; they want to buy the benefits!
When employers interview, they want to understand the benefits you can offer (i.e. What problems will you solve? What pain will you alleviate?).
So instead of simply listing your years of experience or level of expertise, focus on how those qualifications will make you successful in the role. How will your skills help the company solve key challenges? How will your unique background allow you to hit the ground running?
By highlighting the benefits you bring to the table, you'll not only demonstrate your fit for the job, but you'll also position yourself as the clear choice in the eyes of the hiring manager.
Ready to Conquer Impostor Syndrome?
If you're ready to take the next step in your career but are being held back by impostor syndrome, I encourage you to try out our Job Matching Matrix. You can access the template and a video tutorial on how to use it by signing up for a 7-day free trial of Work It DAILY.
With this powerful tool in your arsenal, you'll be able to overcome self-doubt, present yourself with confidence, and land the job of your dreams. What are you waiting for?
Youâve got this!
Cassidy OâDonnell
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