Canadian workplaces and building confidence

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS

Overcome Imposter Syndrome in the Canadian Workplace

Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you're not good enough, no matter how much you’ve achieved. It’s a common challenge in the Canadian workplace, especially for those who feel underrepresented. In Canadian Business, Emily Durham, a senior recruiter at Intuit, offers valuable advice for those struggling.

You’re Not Alone—Even Maya Angelou Felt This Way 🤝 
Imposter syndrome affects many, including iconic figures like Maya Angelou. Despite writing 11 books and achieving global recognition as a poet, author, and civil rights activist, Angelou still feared that people would one day realize she was a fraud. This shows that even the most accomplished individuals can struggle with self-doubt, which is a comforting reminder that your feelings are not unique or insurmountable.

Build a Support Network 💪 
Emily emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. This includes mentors, peers, and leaders who can offer constructive feedback and celebrate your successes. For example, when Emily started at Intuit, she joined a women in tech group to connect with female leaders and find mentors who could support her. If your workplace doesn't have such groups, consider reaching out to professionals you admire, attending industry events, or connecting on LinkedIn.

Focus on Facts, Not Feelings 📊 
Emily advises keeping a detailed record of your accomplishments to counteract feelings of inadequacy. By maintaining a running list of every achievement, big or small, you can remind yourself of your capabilities when self-doubt creeps in. This list also becomes a valuable tool during performance reviews or promotion discussions, helping you to present concrete evidence of your contributions to your boss.

Take Action Despite Fear 🚀 
Even with support and self-reminders, imposter syndrome might still make you hesitate. Emily's advice is to acknowledge your fear but take action regardless. Whether it’s leading a major project or accepting a promotion, use your fear as motivation to prove yourself wrong. Emily suggests telling yourself that your success is a direct result of your hard work, not luck, and that if you were truly unqualified, you wouldn’t be where you are now.

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: What is the most effective way to advance my career in Canada?

A: Actively network within your industry by attending local events and joining professional associations. Building relationships with industry peers and mentors can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights. Regularly engaging with your network can lead to referrals, collaborations, and professional development opportunities that are crucial for advancing your career in Canada.

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NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gabriela Dabrowski, both children of immigrants—Felix’s father hails from Togo, and Gabriela’s parents are from Poland—brought pride to Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After a tough semifinal loss, they showed remarkable resilience, coming back to secure the bronze medal in mixed doubles. This victory, Canada’s second-ever Olympic tennis medal, reflects not only their dedication but also the rich cultural heritage they represented on the world stage.

WELCOME ABOARD
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all job postings available at time of email publication

LEARN THE LINGO
✅Functional Language for Writing Messages

Sometimes, it’s the small actions we take that lead to the biggest opportunities. A simple, thoughtful message can open doors to professional connections and future possibilities. The key to making these connections is in the tone of your communication. You want to come across as positive and respectful rather than needy or demanding. To help you get it right, here are a few examples of common mistakes and how to improve them:

Initial Contact
❌ Hi, I’m looking for a job. Do you have any openings?

✅ "I’m writing to express my interest in potential opportunities at [Company Name]. I have [X years] of experience in [Your Field] and am excited about the prospect of contributing to your team."

Following Up
❌ Can you let me know if I got the job yet? I’m waiting to hear back.

✅ Thank you for considering my application. I’m eager to learn more about the next steps in the process and would appreciate any information you can share about the timeline.

Networking and Advice
❌ I need a job and thought you might be able to help me.

✅ I’d love to touch base and hear any advice you might have for someone with my background in [Your Field]. I’m interested in understanding more about [Specific Area or Opportunity].

Expressing Gratitude After an Interview
❌ Thanks for the interview. When will I hear back?

✅ I want to thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the [Position Name] role. I’m very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and am looking forward to any updates you can share regarding the next steps.