The (Linguistic) Profile of the Impostor Phenomenon

Abstract: This study examines the impostor phenomenon (IP) in the context of job applications. To this end, 70 candidates were surveyed. Furthermore, their job applications were assessed and analyzed, employing the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC; an often-used program for dictionary-based, automatic quantitative text analysis). With a higher IP expression, a differentiated picture emerges with regard to the application profile: The linguistic profile tends toward a more cautious, more specific and also justifying language. However, for many of the assumed LIWC variables, no correlations were found. It is thought that this might be attributed to the high level of standardization of application documents. Furthermore, this research showed that, at least to some extent, candidates with a higher IP level put more effort into their application and at the same time considered their chances of success to be lower. Conclusions regarding the use of language as a marker of IP expression and implications for the “imposter applicant” are discussed.