Confidence Theater at Work: Nearly Half of Employees Feel Like Impostors, Study Says

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.