Fake It Til You Make It for Job Seekers

Fake It Til You Make It for Job Seekers Fake It Til You Make It for Job Seekers 3A job search can be emotionally exhausting for job seekers. Every job listing makes you wonder if you are the right fit or if the perfect job is out of your league. Questioning yourself and gauging what you want to do with your career is a natural part of job seeking. The idea of “fake it til you make it” can often seem out of place in a job search, but there are certainly ways to integrate confidence and self-assuredness into a job search. From the first interview to the first day at work, moments can be filled with self-doubt and nerves, but by following these simple steps, job seekers can feel more confident and relaxed during the job seeking process. Fake It Til You Make It for Job Seekers: Imposter Syndrome What is Imposter Syndrome? The CalTech Counseling Center states, the Imposter Syndrome is “feeling that you are not really a successful, competent, and smart student (or employee), that you are only imposing as such.” Highly successful people who suffer from imposter syndrome feel like a fake, attribute their success to luck, and often discount their successes into less than they are. This attitude can be crippling in a job search where you are trying to showcase your talents and achievements. The line between self-confidence and bragging can seem like a thin line, but being self-deprecating or unsure about yourself can destroy your chances with a great employer that you deserve. Falon Fatemi, founder and CEO of Node and former employee of Google and YouTube, felt the sting of imposter syndrome at the beginning of her career. But by learning to discuss her feelings, build a strong network, and meditate on stressful events, Fatemi has gotten a more clear, less critical assessment of her strengths and capabilities. By understanding her triggers and ways to combat self-doubt, shes become a better leader and partner in her work and life commitments. How do you combat self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome? Start by making honest assessments about where you see yourself in six months, two years, five years, etc. and what type of career and benefits would fit you and your lifestyle. Goal setting to find your perfect career can reduce stress and increase your feelings of productivity. Having an idea where and how you want to focus on your career and job search with reasonable goals can help you stay honest with yourself without self-doubt creeping in. Power pose: Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy speaks to the  importance of body language and how “power poses” can change how we see ourselves. Not only does body language signal other people, but our self-confidence can be improved through postures that trick our hormone levels and brain chemistry. Before you submit a job application, try standing like superman and see how much better you feel about your capabilities. Increase your confidence. Using these six ways to be more confident in job interviews, job seekers can channel their inner confidence and impress potential employers. Self-doubt is communicated through body language, written language, and tone; so by using these simple tips, like smiling and eye contact, your confidence naturally increases. Since pretending that you feel better makes you feel better, employing simple tips and tricks can alter the way you look at yourself and how others view you. While mind over matter and “fake it til you make it” can sound like platitudes that are said to make people feel better and are without substance, that is simply not the case. It is important to identify why you might be internalizing a poor version of yourself. Learning how to overcome the stressors that come with self-doubt can open up a bright new chapter where you actually feel the confidence and competence youve been “faking.” Readers, have you ever used the fake it til you make it stance? For job seekers in need of support, what tips would you give them to find the confidence they need? Share with us below!