Blog
Thinking
Battling Imposter Syndrome
by
Niki Westlake
March 7, 2025
Starting at anew company or joining a new team can feel a bit like the first day of school. A whirlwind of emotions that can run through you – excitement, anxiety, and maybe a bit of shame when asking where the toilets are. Another feeling that can come to the surface? Imposter syndrome.
In early 2024, I joined the Salt team. It had been a while since I’d started at a new company and a period of adjustment was natural. While my job title and responsibilities were familiar, there was a lot that was new – the environment, the people, and the way the company operated. Adjusting took time, and part of that was facing my imposter syndrome head-on.1
What is Imposter Syndrome?
According to the Oxford Languages dictionary, imposter syndrome is defined as ‘The persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills’. In a simpler phrase, it’s feeling a bit like a fraud or undeserving in your job role, even when you might be the perfect fit (with evidence to prove it).
For many of us, imposter syndrome is very real. Something that I find myself in a battle with for the first couple months in a new role. Reminding myself that I do indeed know what I am talking about in my field, and I am qualified for my role. And I’m not the only one. One study found that 62% of working adults had experienced imposter syndrome at some point.1 It’s a feeling that I found doesn’t go away overnight, but there are tactics that can help ease imposter syndrome.
Combatting Imposter Syndrome
When battling imposter syndrome, it’s important to ground yourself in reality and think back to the facts. Look at the evidence you have; has anyone else questioned your ability? Or is this coming from your own insecurities? If it is coming from within, it’s up to you to challenge those thoughts. I’d recommend trying not to let your feelings and emotions bottle up – easier said than done, I know. Make sure to remind yourself why you were chosen for the role. Chances are that there were others that also applied or interviewed for your role. Your employer would have chosen you over other candidates because they saw something in you – if it was your skills, experience; there was something that helped you standout. Look back at your past work, accomplishments, or positive feedback you may have received from peers. It can be hard, but if you’re able to talk these thoughts through with someone on your team, they might have had similar thoughts of their own experiences and can support you through it. Hopefully this can help shift your perspective, and help you gain more confidence in your role.
The Harmful Effects & Seeking Support
While no one wants to be bad at their job, struggling with imposter syndrome can have a harmful effect on your job performance and mental health – even leading to burnout.2 This is why it’s essential to address these feelings early on. If you suspect someone you know is dealing with imposter syndrome, or you are feeling insecure in your role, don’t hesitate to offer or seek support.Offering words of encouragement or reassurance can make a real difference. Remember to look out for one another.
Working through imposter syndrome is possible, but it’s not always an easy journey. It’s taken me some time to over-come my imposter syndrome, but with the help of the tips I mentioned above, I’ve been able to get my confidence back in my role. Surrounding yourself with a support system can do wonders. If you notice that imposter syndrome is starting to affect your mental health, or someone you know, it’s okay reach out to a professional (like your GP or a counsellor). Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a smart, proactive way to protect your well-being.
1. Turner, B. (2023) 62% of UK adults experiencing ‘imposter syndrome’ at work, Funding Guru. Available at: https://fundingguru.com/blog/national-study-62-of-uk-adults-experiencing-imposter-syndrome-at work#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20national%20study,in%20the%20past%2012%20months (Accessed: October 2024).
2. Bravata, D.M. et al. (2020) Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of Impostor Syndrome: A systematic review, Journal of general internal medicine. Available at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7174434/ (Accessed: October 2024).