While women are making strides in the workplace every day, it can still be challenging to succeed and stand out in an industry that males dominate. Women especially have a difficult time in industries that, for many generations, have been dominated by men. These include, but are not limited to, many STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Women are faced with workplace challenges such as:
- A lack of support, both financially and emotionally
- Being made to feel incompetent to their male counterparts
- Mistreatment by upper management and male coworkers
- A lack of voice; being discouraged to share ideas and opinions
Ways To Stand Out
When it comes to standing out, there are a few things that you can do to make sure you are recognized for your abilities and ideas.
1. Speak Up
If you’re waiting for someone to value your work and ideas, you may be waiting forever. Suppose there’s a project you want to work on, a client you want to snag, or a job you want to be promoted to; speak up. Let it be known that you want to lead your team or take on more responsibility.
2. Contribute
Don’t just stand on the sidelines and watch everyone else. Your ideas have merit and need to be heard. Contribute your thoughts at meetings or strategy sessions. Take control of your power, and don’t let yourself be disrespected. Speak up for yourself if someone tries to interrupt or put your idea down. It’s important to be confident in what you share and don’t apologize for standing up for yourself.
3. Stop Going Along to Get Along
It can be easy to just try to go with the flow to keep things hassle-free, but your job is not to be a pleaser. If getting coffee for the boss is not in your job description, don’t do it. Trying to please everyone else won’t serve your purpose, and it belittles you and creates a lack of confidence in how others view you.
4. Handle Conflict Like a Pro
Don’t engage or avoid conflict; instead, learn to communicate like a professional. Don’t get emotional, send angry emails, or gossip with coworkers. Hold your head up high and ask, “How do we resolve this?” You’ll find that your coworkers will develop more respect for you.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Deserve
If you deserve a raise or promotion or did a great job on a project, you deserve recognition for; speak up. Talk to your boss and discuss the facts of your job and the actual value of what you contribute to your company. Most employers won’t offer a raise or promotion if they think they can get by without it. You have to make it known that you deserve more, and you expect it.
It can be challenging for females to stand out in a male-dominated industry, but if you build your self-confidence, speak up for yourself, and show your true value without apology, you’ll be considered as good as or better than your male counterparts.
I Am Here To Help
Feeling confident when applying for a job or during an interview can help you land your dream job. If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice or interview support and want to talk about planning for your future, reach out to me, Rachel Schneider, with Career Find for a free Intro Call. I would love to speak with you to determine if I can help you accomplish your goals.