.jpg)
The Confidence Gap: Why You Feel "Not Good Enough" for That High-Paying Job (And How to Fix It)
.jpg)
Imposter Syndrome is the internal belief that you are a "fraud" despite your qualifications. In the Nigerian job market, this often manifests as not applying for a job because you meet only 70% of the requirements. Research shows that while men apply when they meet just 60% of the criteria, women often wait until they meet 100%. To overcome this, you must realize that a Job Description is a "Wishlist," not a checklist. If you can do the core tasks, you are qualified.
The "Wishlist" Secret: What HR Isn't Telling You
When a Recruiter writes a Job Description (JD), they are describing their "Angel Candidate"—a person who probably doesn't exist.
The Reality: If a JD lists 10 requirements, the company is usually happy to find someone who has 6 or 7 of them.
The Mistake: You look at the list, see one tool you don't know (e.g., "Must be an expert in Oracle"), and you close the tab.
The Fix: If you have the core skills (the main 3-4 duties), apply. Everything else (software tools, specific company jargon) can be learned in your first month.
Why Nigerians Suffer from this "Silent Killer"
The "Godfather" Mentality: We are conditioned to believe that "merit" doesn't exist in Nigeria. You think, "Why apply? They've already picked their candidate." This cynicism kills your career before it starts.
The "Humble" Trap: Culturally, many of us were raised to be humble and not "make mouth." But a CV is marketing. If you don't hype yourself, nobody will.
Degree Worship: You feel inferior because you have a HND instead of a BSc, or a 2:2 instead of a First Class. In 2026, Skills > Degrees.
3 Mental Hacks to Beat Imposter Syndrome Today
Create a "Hype Folder": Every time a boss praises you, a client says "Thank you," or you finish a tough project, take a screenshot and save it in a folder on your phone. When you feel like a fraud, open this folder. It is your proof.
Change Your Language:
Stop saying: "I just managed a small team."
Start saying: "I led a team that delivered projects on time."
Remove the word "Just" from your vocabulary. It minimizes your value.
The "Friend" Test: If your best friend had your skills, would you tell them to apply for that job? You almost certainly would. Treat yourself like your best friend.
Conclution
The worst thing that can happen if you apply is that they say "No." The worst thing that happens if you don't apply is that you remain stagnant forever. Let the recruiter decide if you are unqualified. Don't do their job for them.
Need a confidence boost? Read our "Success Stories" from HND graduates who landed Top Tech Jobs!