Why do I lack confidence in applying for a job when I have great experience?

What can I do to develop my confidence in applying for jobs?

WRITTEN BY: Michelle White

It is common for clients to tell us they don’t feel confident about applying for jobs. We find the most common reasons are:

1. Imposter syndrome: You may feel like you don’t deserve the job, or that you are not qualified enough to apply. This feeling is known as imposter syndrome and can be particularly common among high achievers.
2. Fear of rejection: You may be afraid of rejection and feel that if you apply and are not offered the job, it will be a reflection of your abilities. This fear can be particularly strong if you have been rejected from jobs in the past.
3. Comparing yourself to others: You may be comparing yourself to other candidates and feel like you don’t measure up. This can be particularly challenging when everyone is saying there is a skills shortage but you have applied for a few jobs and not been successful.
4. Lack of self-confidence: You may simply lack self-confidence in your abilities, despite having great experience. This can be particularly true if you have recently experienced a setback, such as a job loss or negative performance review or have been working with a Manager who undermines you.
5. Been at one company for a long time: You may feel confident in your skills but worry about how you will adapt to a new company and how transferable your skillset is.

To overcome these challenges, it’s important to focus on building your self-confidence and reminding yourself of your achievements and skills. You can also seek out support from friends, family, or a career coach to help you work through these challenges and feel more confident in your job search.

We find the process of preparing the best resume (and LinkedIn profile if appropriate) helps clients to view their experience objectively and feel more confidence. A career coach can also offer feedback on the skillset to the market and demand. We have had candidates worry about if they would be able to get an interview and we can call companies / experienced Recruiters who can get them interviews in an hour!

Additionally, you can practice interviewing skills and do research on the company and job to feel more prepared and confident when you apply. If you have been in a role for a while the problem can very often be interview practice rather than anything wrong with a skillset. Remember, everyone experiences self-doubt at times, but with the right mindset and support, you can overcome it and achieve your career goals.