How To Channel Your Imposter Syndrome Into Your Unique Selling Point

Mariana Toledo
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People can really spiral when they suffer from imposter syndrome. Nevertheless, having it doesn't necessarily mean it is a bad thing. Experiencing imposter syndrome means that you aren't relying on your own abilities; you are doubting whether you actually deserve the position. Imposter syndrome is when you doubt your achievements and feel like a fraud. But you can spin your imposter syndrome into a positive thing by following these five tips.

1. What is your greatest weakness?

Most interviewers ask this question. Many people struggle with answering this question because they cannot think of any, or don't want to say anything that could raise a red flag. Utilizing your imposter syndrome is a good strategy here. This will demonstrate your self-awareness and ability to turn something negative into something positive.

2. List your Successes

Imposter syndrome can trigger a lot of self-doubt. Recognizing your successes is the key to minimizing those doubts. You might find this exercise hard after feeling like you have not belonged. If you are currently experiencing it, know that you are definitely qualified. Make a list or a file that contains all your achievements, big or small. This list should be referred back to if you ever experience an imposter syndrome flare-up. This list is also useful for updating your resume and for preparing for job interviews. The "What is your greatest strength?" question works well with it. Also, “What is your greatest weakness?”

3. Are you actually “faking it?”

It is common knowledge that you can fake it until you make it. Imposter syndrome wants us to believe that we need to fake it till we make it, because we are not "qualified." But guess what? Do it anyway, because chances are, you're not faking it! Due to the imposter syndrome, we will shy away from potential projects that we don't think we have the credentials for. But, by pretending you know what you're doing, you're creating the self-confidence that imposter syndrome took away from you.

4. Nobody’s perfect

During your job search, you are probably not the only one experiencing imposter syndrome. Accepting that you're not perfect is the first step. We all make mistakes. Imposter syndrome will tell you to keep this a secret from everyone. Alternatively, you could take advantage of this. Learn from your mistakes and use them as tools later on in your career.

5. We're all overachievers

Our imposter syndrome makes us think that we have to go above and beyond in order to prove we are right. Bringing this up in an interview is a good selling point. As previously mentioned, many of these tips are applicable to cliché interview questions. Go ahead and tell your interviewer that your greatest weakness is that you are an overachiever, but also tell them that it has helped you to produce the best work on each project.

It's important to know that you're not alone and you can change your negative perspective from negative to positive by following these five tips.

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