Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Career Killer No One Talks About

Have you ever sat in a meeting, second-guessed your ideas, or worried someone might "find out" you're not as capable as they think you are in your job? Well, you’re certainly not alone.

That quiet fear and pesky inner voice is called Imposter Syndrome, the persistent feeling of self-doubt or fear of being exposed as a "fraud," even when your experience, knowledge, skills, or results prove otherwise.

It's that voice that whispers you're not good enough, that you don’t deserve to be in the room or your role, despite strong evidence of your competence and often the support of your coworkers and managers.

People with imposter syndrome often attribute their success to external factors rather than internal abilities. Hiding behind and using excuses such as ‘luck’ or ‘timing’, rather than recognising the abilities they bring to the team or workplace.

Feeling Like A Fraud? You’re Not Alone…

According to a SEEK survey, imposter syndrome is not just common, it’s widespread, and if you haven’t experienced it, some of your co-workers probably have:

• 52% of Australians have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their career

• It impacts women more than men (57% vs. 47%)

• 1 in 3 say it has stopped them from expressing ideas or going for new job opportunities

• 32% feel like others on their team are more capable than they are

These numbers highlight a significant issue in our workplaces: a lack of confidence and difficulty in believing in ourselves and owning our successes. Unfortunately, Imposter Syndrome can have a real impact on your professional life and potentially hinder your career progression. It can affect anyone regardless of experience level, from new graduates to seasoned professionals, and even senior leaders.

 

The True Cost Imposture Syndrome Has on Your Career  

Imposter syndrome isn’t just manifesting as an internal struggle. It can have a very real impact on your career and wellbeing. These are just some of the ways your internal fight with imposter syndrome is costing you and other Australians in the workplace:

• Holding back in meetings – Not speaking up, sharing ideas, or contributing because you're afraid of being wrong

• Missing opportunities to move up – Avoiding promotions or leadership roles due to self-doubt

• Avoiding career moves – Not applying for that job you have had your eye on (yes, you absolutely should!)

• Burnout – Overworking to prove your worth, even when you are meeting KPIs or consistently going above and beyond

• Reduced confidence – Constantly comparing yourself to others and undervaluing your achievements

• Over-apologising - Even when no apology is necessary, as a way to compensate for perceived inadequacy

• Team dynamics - Withdrawing from collaboration or leadership opportunities because you feel you don’t deserve to be in the room or sitting at the table

Over time, these patterns and moments where you make yourself smaller or quieter only slow your career progression and even affect your mental health and job satisfaction.

How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome certainly doesn’t just disappear overnight, but the good news is, it can be managed. With some practical strategies and a mindset shift, you can start to build confidence and quiet that negative inner voice.

Here are five steps to help you move forward:

1. Name It: Recognising imposter syndrome for what it is helps reduce its power. Simply being aware of the feeling and acknowledging it is the first step toward reclaiming your confidence and challenging those thoughts.

   
   

2. List Your Wins: Start noting down your achievements, compliments, reviews, and positive feedback. When self-doubt creeps in, focus on the facts and look back at this list as a reminder of your skills, experience, and just how far you’ve come.

   
   

3. Talk About It: You are not alone. Opening up to a mentor, manager, or trusted colleague can help you gain perspective and realise that imposter syndrome is common.

   
   

4. Shift Your Self-Talk: Would you speak to a colleague the way you speak to yourself? We are often our own harshest critics. Practice showing yourself the same kindness and encouragement you give others.

   
   

5. Apply Anyway: Nike said it best with “Just do it”. If you are holding back from applying for a job, going for a promotion, or speaking up in meetings…do it anyway. Confidence is often a feeling that comes after the action, not before. So leap!

   
   

   

 

Reminder: You’re Not Lucky. You’re Capable. You Belong In The Room.

It’s important to remember that imposter syndrome may be common, but it doesn’t have to define your career. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, you’re not a fraud, and you deserve to own your success.

For more tips and job-seeking advice, check out our other blogs or explore our FREE templates.