Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Recruiter:

2 Practical Steps to Build Confidence

Recruitment should be fun.

But sometimes it’s not.  Sometimes, it really sucks.

That thrill of the chase, the sense of achievement, the joy we get from helping people find their perfect career - can all be washed away.  

When the market is tough or our competitors are getting ahead of us self doubt can start creeping in.

Whether it's questioning if you’re pitching the right candidates, second-guessing your ability to close a tough deal, or wondering if you’ll hit your targets, those nagging doubts can creep in and derail your confidence.

The truth is, self-doubt isn’t unique to recruitment.

And it isn’t unique to you either.

It’s part of being human but we tend to over personalise it.  Once that sets in, you can bet your last pay check it will impact your performance and mindset. 

Here’s a couple of practical ways I tackle it head on and turn it into a stepping stone for growth.

1. Reframe Failure as Feedback

One of the biggest contributors to self-doubt is fear of failure. 

You submit a candidate you believe is perfect, but the client disagrees. You lose a placement to a competitor. These moments sting and it’s easy to take them personally.

Here’s the first step to overcoming this: reframe failure as feedback. It’s so cliche but every “no” is a lesson in disguise. Instead of seeing a setback as a reflection of your abilities, look for the insights it offers. Ask yourself:

• What went well? What did you do right?  A glass half full approach will help reinforce your strengths.
• What could you do differently? Focus on the actionable stuff you can improve, such as refining your candidate briefing process or strengthening client relationships.

If a client rejects a candidate, dig deeper into their feedback.

Did the role requirements evolve? Was there a misunderstanding about priorities? Did you take an accurate Brief or just think you did?

This isn’t about assigning blame - it’s about sharpening your approach for next time.

2. Create a Success Portfolio

When self-doubt strikes, it’s tempting to focus on what’s going wrong. 

It’s a never ending vortex thinking ‘I wish I did this, or I wish I did that’.  This creates a negative spiral that overshadows your accomplishments. The antidote? Build a success portfolio.

This isn’t about bragging; it’s about reminding yourself of your value and achievements. 

Here’s how:

• Document your wins. Keep a running list of successful placements, awesome feedback or tricky roles you’ve filled.
• Collect testimonials. Save emails, LinkedIn recommendations or verbal compliments from clients and candidates. Make sure you hold onto feedback from those hard-to-please types as well.  These are powerful confidence boosters on tough days.  A 2 min scan one day is fuel for your motivation fire.
• Review regularly. This one normally falls by the wayside when you’re busy.  Whenever doubt creeps in, take five minutes to revisit your success portfolio. It’s a tangible reminder of the value you bring to the table.

If you’re doubting your ability to close a high-stakes role, look back at a similar situation you successfully navigated. It helps you strip away the emotion and focus on your documented achievements - not just how you’re feeling that day.

Self-Doubt Is Normal - Growth Is Optional

Self-doubt is part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. 

I’ve had more self doubt than I care to write about but managed to bounce back each time.

By taking an evidenced based approach, reminding myself of my successes, I can move my mindset from self-doubt to self-assurance. 

Yes, recruitment is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but with the right tools, all of us can navigate it with confidence.

You're highly unlikely to fully eliminate doubt, that’s just a part of being human.  Instead, work out how you can use it to become a better recruiter.  

You got this.  I got this.  We got this.