Career Kuel Thought Leader: Gayle Petrillo
According to Psychology Today, around 70 percent of adults may experience imposter syndrome at least once in their lifetime; and around 25 to 30% of high achievers may struggle with this as well.
Imposter Syndrome, How To Beat It?
The dictionary defines imposter syndrome as “a psychological condition that makes someone doubt their abilities or accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud.”
I have experienced imposter syndrome numerous times over the course of my 30+ year career in healthcare. I was lucky as I began my career. Every job I applied for, I landed interviews and then was rewarded with landing the positions, from secretarial roles to leadership positions, whether internal promotions or applications from the outside.
Applying wasn’t an issue for me, and my interview skills have always been right on target. Sure, I got nervous, but I’ve always been able to form quick rapport with people and my exterior confidence shows through.
And long ago an actor friend told me everyone gets nervous before making their entrance on stage, it’s all about how we use that nervous energy to one’s advantage. I must also be honest and say that I only applied for positions I was sure I had the skillset for.
“Research shows that women hold back if they don’t meet 100% of the criteria, while men usually apply after meeting about 60%.”
You Don’t Need To Meet 100% Of The Criteria:
According to Harvard Business Review in 2022, they noted women are 16% less likely to apply to a job after viewing it, and apply to 20% fewer jobs than men. The reason? Research shows that women hold back if they don’t meet 100% of the criteria, while men usually apply after meeting about 60%.
I encourage my clients to apply for job postings when they are interested in working for a particular organization and/or role. Many of our everyday skills are transferable.
Working with clients in healthcare, for instance, we identify strengths that include strong communications and listening skills; problem solving and leadership; as well as attention to detail. These are all transferable skills that will resonate with many job opportunities. The Harvard Business Review also stated that companies are moving away from requiring degrees, looking instead for skillsets.
Imposter syndrome can kick in for a multitude of reasons and cause anxiety.It can impact your work and social communities.
Imposter Syndrome: The Internal Battle No One Sees:
Last December Psychology Today wrote that some of the reasons for imposter syndrome include over-preparation, procrastination and perfectionism. And in January 2025 an article talked about imposter syndrome being characterized by having self-doubt in our ability to perform our job, meet relationship expectations, and/or participate actively in everyday activities.
While my job evaluations were mostly stellar, that didn’t prevent the syndrome from having a hold on me. Shifts in operational assignments, staffing changes, and speaking opportunities regardless of my audience, always had me second-guessing what others saw in me that I didn’t see. I was always afraid the other shoe would drop and I would be seen as the fraud I was trying to hide.
One way I tried to combat those almost always-present thoughts was to pursue my master’s degree. I thought that for sure would help me break the cycle. It didn’t. Of course, it helped build my credibility outside and inside; however, the negative self-talk persisted.
“Of course, it helped build my credibility outside and inside; however, the negative self-talk persisted.”
You Are Enough: The Power Of Self-Belief:
What I regret most, now that I’ve retired from corporate environments, is not having the confidence to confide in my constant supporters and mentors. When we share our weaknesses, with the right people, they help us see our strengths.
From my very first job, I kept an accomplishment log. This served three purposes. One, during my reviews I shared the evidence I gathered with my superiors to highlight my successes; second, I could look back to add to my resume; and third, it served me well when I could have done better, as it reminded me of when I was successful.
It’s taken me years of coaching, from others as well as to myself, to be self-aware and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. I encourage my clients to talk back to that voice in our heads that tells us we are not smart, tall, or strong, Say ENOUGH. You ARE ENOUGH!
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About the Author:
Gayle Petrillo is President of First Impressions, Image Consulting. Gayle is an image consultant working with both businesses and individuals. Her services include: customer service training; team building skills; secret shopper services; gossip avoidance techniques; closet analysis; wardrobe transformations, personal shopping; employment coaching; and presentation skills.
