Are you familiar with the term “Impostor Syndrome”?

Over the years, I’ve seen friends and acquaintances secure fantastic job opportunities through networking. The benefits of having a solid professional network are undeniably invaluable—referrals can open doors to job interviews or positions that might otherwise be difficult to find. However, I’ve also noticed a recurring pattern: a couple of months into their new role, these individuals begin to doubt themselves, feeling as though they only got the job because of a friend or someone they know. They overlook the fact that it was their own skills and talents that genuinely secured the position.

Here is where Impostor Syndrome often creeps in.

It’s that nagging doubt, the persistent fear that you’re not as competent as others think you are. When a person secures a job through networking, this self-doubt can arise. Here’s the truth: your accomplishments are gold, and they are the real reason you’re in that role.

Although networking may be a powerful tool, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about who you know—it’s about what you know and how you leverage those connections.

Hiring managers don’t bring someone on board simply because of a personal connection; they do so because they recognize your potential, capability, and fit for the team. Impostor Syndrome can make it easy to downplay your achievements. Instead of celebrating your success, you might find yourself questioning your self-worth—wondering if the only reason you got the job was because of that referral.

This kind of thinking limits your perspective and can impede your growth mindset. It also discredits the confidence, capabilities, and judgment of the hiring manager. By doubting yourself, you are also unintentionally questioning the validity of your referral as well as your coworkers, colleagues, and mentors in the company. Most importantly, this limited view overlooks a crucial fact: your actual accomplishments that earned you the position.

Moreover, the person who had referred you likely did so because they recognized your qualifications. They wouldn’t risk their own professional reputation by recommending someone who wasn’t up to the task. This trust in your abilities is another affirmation of your self-worth.

What may then be the best way to overcome Impostor Syndrome?

First, recognize and acknowledge the value of your own accomplishments. Reflect on your journey—what have you achieved? What challenges have you overcome? How have you grown in your career? If you have forgotten how you landed the position, perhaps go back and review your resumé. Better yet, make a list of your past achievements. Your accomplishments are the gold that has brought you thus far, not the connections you’ve made. Each step of your journey bears results; and the results are the fruits of your own hard work, effort, dedication, and commitment.

Networking is an integral part of career development, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. The next time you find yourself questioning your place in a new role, remember that you are there because you deserve to be — trust in the gold; embrace your own accomplishments. Ultimately, they are a testament to the skills and talents that earned you your desired role.

Of course, what I’ve shared is only a small sample of my strategies to overcome Impostor Syndrome.

Till next time…

Find your flow. Find your freedom.

~Audra~

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If you missed our blogpost from last week on finding flow, be sure to click on the title to check out “Top Coaching Hack on doing your Daily Chores with Flow!”

I help my clients discover joy and find flow. If you feel there is anything that is holding you back in finding flow in your daily life — whether that may be leading and motivating your team at work, or taking your business to the next level, or it may be finding it challenging to go out and socialize — as your coach, I can provide a process that will connect you with your strengths and your true capacities to move forward.

If there’s something that you’d like to bring into your life, I’d like to help you!

Connect with me via email to book your free consultation today.

~ Audra ~