Let me start by saying this: if you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough, smart enough, or “ready” enough for a new job, promotion, or career change, you’re not alone. In fact, what you’re dealing with has a name: the confidence gap.

It shows up in job interviews where you undersell yourself, in meetings where you stay quiet even though you have brilliant ideas, and in those late-night moments where you wonder, “Am I really cut out for this?”

Sound familiar? Don’t worry. Now, let me tell you about what the confidence gap really is, how it holds you back, and—most importantly—how you can close it.

What is the Confidence Gap?

The confidence gap is the space between your actual abilities and how confident you feel about those abilities. It’s not about what you can do, it’s about what you believe you can do.

For example, two people with similar experience apply for a role. One hesitates, doubting if they meet every requirement. The other confidently applies, even if they tick just 70% of the boxes. Guess who gets the interview?

It happens across the board, but studies show it can be especially common among women, young professionals, and career changers in the UK.

How It Affects Your Career

Let me show you how the confidence gap creeps into your work life:

• You avoid applying for roles unless you meet every single requirement
• You downplay your achievements in your CV and interviews
• You hold back in meetings or avoid speaking up
• You don’t ask for pay rises or promotions (even when you deserve them)
• You say “yes” to things that don’t serve your goals, just to please others

It’s not just self-doubt. Over time, the confidence gap can stall your career progress, affect your income, and drain your energy.

Why Confidence Often Drops at Work

In the UK, especially in traditional or high-pressure workplaces, many people feel the need to “prove” themselves constantly. Add in the cost of living stress, imposter syndrome, and a competitive job market, and it’s no wonder people feel shaky.

Let’s be honest—when you’re earning £24,000 a year in a job you’ve outgrown, but feel “lucky just to have a job,” it becomes hard to speak up, let alone push forward.

Practical Ways to Build Career Confidence

Now let’s talk solutions. Here are some ways to start closing the confidence gap:

1. Track Your Wins

Start a “career wins” journal. Every time you solve a problem, finish a project, or get good feedback, jot it down. Over time, this becomes evidence that yes, you’re doing well.

This is gold when updating your CV or preparing for interviews. Imagine saying:

“Managed a team rota that reduced overtime costs by £300 a week.”

Now that’s confidence backed by data.

2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

When that little voice says “You’re not good enough,” talk back. Ask yourself:

• What evidence do I have for that thought?
• What would I say to a friend in my shoes?
• What am I learning from this situation?

Treat your mind like a workplace—you wouldn’t let a toxic colleague speak to you like that, right?

3. Get a Career Coach or Mentor

Sometimes you just need someone outside your circle to see your potential. A mentor or coach (like we offer at ElevatePath) helps you:

• Set clear career goals
• Recognise your strengths
• Create a step-by-step plan for growth

Whether you’re switching careers, re-entering work after a break, or gunning for a promotion, coaching gives you the tools and confidence to take action.

You can explore options at ElevatePath Coaching or search for support through Prospects or National Careers Service.

4. Practice Speaking Up

Start small. In your next meeting, try sharing one idea or asking one thoughtful question. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

Confidence builds with use, like a muscle.

5. Apply Before You’re “100% Ready”

Let me be blunt: the perfect time never comes. Don’t wait until you tick every single box. If you meet most of the role requirements and you’re keen to learn, go for it.

There are people out there applying with less experience and more belief. Time to do the same.

Real-Life Example: Sarah From Leeds

Sarah had worked in a customer service role at a UK call centre for 5 years. She wanted to move into an HR role but felt “unqualified” despite completing her CIPD Level 3.

After working with a career coach, she:

• Rewrote her CV to highlight transferable skills
• Practiced confidence-based interview techniques
• Applied for mid-level HR assistant roles

In 3 months, she secured a job with a £5,000 salary bump. What changed? Her confidence and her approach.

Boost Your Day-to-Day Confidence

Sometimes it’s not just about career tactics. Small daily habits can make a big difference:

• Dress in a way that makes you feel sharp and comfortable
• Get enough sleep, eat well, and move your body
• Surround yourself with people who support and stretch you
• Celebrate progress, not just perfection

Final Thoughts

Confidence isn’t a gift—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it gets stronger the more you practise.

So if you’re second-guessing your career moves, know this: you’re more capable than you think. The key is learning how to back yourself.

Because the truth is, the people who succeed in their careers aren’t always the most talented—they’re the ones who believe they deserve to be there.

Start today. Speak up, show up, and don’t wait for permission.

You’ve got this.

And if you need a guide? We’re right here with you at ElevatePath.