Impostor syndrome is a psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Many people around the world, regardless of age, deal with impostor syndrome at some point in their life

We recently asked our Lenovo recruitment team (Krista Jaeckel, Erin Jernigan, and Jane Shephard) to share how they deal with impostor syndrome. Their answers are below.

Do you have a question you’ve always wanted to ask recruiters? Share in the comments

How do you deal with impostor syndrome?

Krista Jaekel:

Be confident in yourself and what you are capable of. We have all been the new graduate, the new hire, the least experienced on our team. However, with time and experience you will no longer be that person. Know that you are capable of doing the know and be gentle on yourself as you take the time to learn.

Erin Jernigan:

  • Have a mantra.
  • Keep a running list of accomplishments in a notebook or word doc and refer to it when you deal with imposter syndrome.

Jane Shephard:

I reflect on my positive impacts I have had on the business and candidates.

Want more resources and expert advice for how to deal with impostor syndrome?

    -    Read Impostor syndrome exists everywhere by Derron Payne

Anonymous
  • Definitely going to read the reference above.  I’ve read that even recognized leaders in their fields battle Imposter Syndrome, so maybe it’s not always a bad thing?  I can’t grow if I always think I’m the smartest one in the room, and I can’t learn if I feel hopelessly “less than.”  So maybe it’s about finding a middle ground that doesn’t feel mediocre - just knowing I have something to offer and something to learn.

  • Why not! Meditation can help.

  • Confidence is something you gain from experience.  But it's also something that you can lose quickly in situations that you are not in control.  Just remember that you do bring value and have unique thoughts; and no matter the outside stress or bullying, that you can control how you respond: Choose confidence over fear.

  • Never knew about this before, interesting