The Career-Killing Mistake You’re Making
(+ How to Stop It Today)
Written by: Jen Warrington, Founder of The Warrington Group
Here’s the deal: one of the biggest mistakes I see career seekers make (over + over + over again) ~ yes, smart, talented, high-potential people like YOU ~ is this:
YOU’RE LETTING IMPOSTER SYNDROME
DECIDE WHAT JOBS YOU DON’T APPLY TO.
Sound familiar?
If your stomach just dropped or you’ve already thought about these things today… you’re not alone + more importantly, you’re not broken.
You’re just stuck in a mindset that’s no longer serving you.
I get it, you see a role that excites you, maybe it even stretches you a little (it’s supposed to do that FYI), maybe it’s at a level or title you’ve never officially held before + instead of going for it, you don’t.
You tell yourself:
‘I’m not qualified enough.’
‘They’re probably looking for someone with more experience.’
‘I’ve never done that exact thing before.’
‘I don’t want to waste their time ~ or mine.
+ just like that, you talk yourself out of it, you walk away from the potential of the opportunity + you go back to searching for something ‘more realistic.’
HEADS UP ~ WE AREN’T DOING THAT ANYMORE.
If you’re reading this, you need to know that it’s time to shake things up + we are going to tell imposter syndrome (not your experience, your skills or your abilities) to take a seat + we are going to do something different.
Because let me be clear ~ looking for something more realistic or not believing in who you are + what you bring to the table ~ those are mistakes!
We’re done with:
Letting self-doubt call the shots.
Believing you need to have already done the job to be ready for it.
Shrinking your worth to match a job description.
Imposter syndrome isn’t a personality flaw.
It’s a mental block.
One that is designed to keep you comfortable so that your brain doesn’t feel that it needs to shift to survival mode.
One that distorts your view of your own capability + potential.
Imposter syndrome tricks you into believing that if you haven’t done the job before, you shouldn’t even apply.
99% of the time, you haven’t done the job before + that’s the point when you take on a new job.
If the career opportunity aligns with your skills, values, + growth goals ~ you’re allowed to go for it. Period.
In fact, you are more than selling yourself short if you don’t.
+ the world needs who you are meant to be when you go for the things that feel new, uncomfortable or unsure. That’s where the magic happens.
We just need to get you there!
If you’re ready to stop missing out on roles
you’d actually love, here’s what I want you to do:
Hard Stop on the Negative Self Talk.
If your inner voice is saying ‘Who do you think you are?’
Respond with: ‘I’m someone who figures it out.’
You’ve done hard things before. This is no different.
Remember Your Wins.
Go back + write down 10 different times you added value at work ~ especially the things that weren’t in your job description.
Feeling stuck? Start with 5 + ask yourself:
What problems did you solve? What results did you drive?
That’s your proof.
Feeling more confident now? I’m guessing a little tiny bit. That’s a great start.
Apply Before You Feel Ready.
Trust me ~ the recruiter who has hired more than 4700 professionals since 2007 ~ hiring managers are not looking for a checklist.
They’re looking for someone who can learn, adapt, + deliver. That’s you!
90% of people stop right here + guess what? You’re never going to feel ‘100% ready.’ Don’t let that stop you!
Apply anyway.
The confidence comes after you take the step, not before.
IF YOU’RE WAITING FOR PERMISSION ~ STOP!
If you are insistent on needing permission ~ I’m giving it to you today!
Permission Granted!
Start owning your potential.
Start believing in yourself.
Start championing who you are + what you bring to the table (the way you know you would for someone else!)
The mistake is thinking you need to be more, do more, achieve more before you can go after the job you actually want. Complete BS.
I’m here to tell you—you’re already enough.
What is one small step you can take today? Let’s take it!
Need a bit more insight + direction?
Listen to the latest episode of The Career Fuel podcast! Season 2 kicked off yesterday + episode 1 is a big F U to imposter syndrome.
No fluff. Just straight-up career strategy in your inbox.
Drop your info + I’ll let you know when the next blog hits.