Confidence Theater at Work: Nearly Half of Employees Feel Like Impostors
New research shows workers feel pressured to project confidence, while leaders rarely model vulnerability
Guaynabo, PR — February 18, 2025 — In today’s workplace, confidence isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. But behind the polished presentations and “I’ve got this” attitudes, many workers are quietly struggling. New research from MyPerfectResume®, a premium resume-building service, finds that 43% of employees experience impostor syndrome, even as two-thirds feel pressure to appear more confident or knowledgeable than they actually are.
The Confidence Theater at Work national survey of more than 1,000 employed U.S. workers reveals a growing disconnect between how employees feel and how they believe they’re expected to perform. While self-doubt is widespread, most workers say their leaders rarely acknowledge their own struggles or mistakes, reinforcing a workplace culture in which uncertainty remains hidden, and confidence becomes performative.
Key Findings
- 43% of workers experience impostor feelings at work
- 66% feel pressure to appear more confident or knowledgeable than they actually are
- 65% say leaders at their company rarely or never talk openly about their own doubts or mistakes
- 74% cite pressure or comparison, including high expectations, peer comparison, or personal perfectionism, as a driver of self-doubt
- 24% point to a lack of feedback or recognition as a contributor
- 58% say self-doubt or impostor syndrome has negatively affected their career growth
“Impostor syndrome isn’t a lack of ability; it’s often a response to workplace environments that reward certainty and visibility over learning and honesty,” said Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectResume. “When leaders don’t acknowledge their own mistakes or growth moments, it can reinforce the idea that confidence is mandatory and doubt should stay hidden.”
Pressure to Perform Is Widespread and Persistent
Confidence pressure is not an occasional workplace issue; it’s a regular expectation for most workers.
- 66% say they feel pressure to appear more confident or knowledgeable than they actually are
- Only 33% say they never feel this pressure
Workplace Conditions, Not Personal Ability, Drive Self-Doubt
Rather than stemming from individual insecurity, workers overwhelmingly point to structural workplace pressures as the source of their self-doubt.
- 74% cite pressure or comparison as a driver of self-doubt, including:
- High expectations from management (22%)
- Comparing themselves to high-achieving peers (26%)
- Personal perfectionism (26%)
- 24% point to a lack of feedback or recognition
- 17% cite rapidly changing technology or job demands
- Only 25% report not experiencing self-doubt at work.
How Self-Doubt Shows Up on the Job
When workers doubt their abilities, most don’t disengage; they adjust their behavior in ways that often increase stress or reduce visibility.
- 56% respond by overworking or minimizing themselves, such as working extra hours, fixating on perfection, or downplaying achievement.
- 45% struggle with internal doubt and comparison, including second-guessing decisions
- 33% pull back or make themselves less visible, avoiding new responsibilities or staying quiet
- 19% seek reassurance from colleagues or managers
Impostor Syndrome Has Real Career Consequences
The effects of self-doubt extend beyond feelings; they shape career outcomes.
- 58% say impostor syndrome or self-doubt has affected their career growth
- 7% say they have turned down major career opportunities as a result
Leadership Silence Reinforces the Cycle
Many workers say impostor syndrome persists because leaders rarely model vulnerability or normalize self-doubt.
- 65% say leaders rarely or never talk openly about their own doubts or mistakes
- Only 35% say leaders discuss these topics even occasionally
To view the full analysis, please visit https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/impostor-syndrome or contact Nathan Barber, Public Relations Specialist, at nathan.barber@bold.com.
Methodology
The findings presented in this report are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by MyPerfectResume using Pollfish in December 2025. The survey collected responses from 1,000 U.S. adults currently employed full-time. Respondents answered a mix of single-selection and multiple-choice questions about impostor syndrome, self-doubt, workplace culture, leadership behavior, and career confidence.
Demographic Breakdown
The survey sample consisted of 56% female and 44% male respondents. Age distribution included 25% ages 65 or older, 53% ages 35–64, and 22% ages 18–34. In terms of education, 61% reported having at least some college education, while 40% had a high school diploma or less.
About MyPerfectResume
MyPerfectResume Resume Builder with professional templates is designed to help job seekers elevate their careers. The easy-to-use platform was created to eliminate the hassle of resume writing, offering professionally written examples, free expert tips, step-by-step guidance to make a resume, and valuable interview advice to create an outstanding job application effortlessly. Since 2013, MyPerfectResume's resume builder has helped more than 15 million job seekers create their perfect resumes online. Their comprehensive employment surveys have been featured in Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, Newsweek, USA Today, BBC, Workable, and more. Stay connected with MyPerfectResume’s latest Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X andPinterest updates.
