Career Tip For Women
Women and careers, my specialist subject! Welcome to the first in a series of career tips for women who want to advance their careers. (Was that a bit obvious?) The blog is full of tips and advice for women looking to get ahead. Do drop by from time to time. Or sign up for my newsletter. Or both! Here’s your first career tip.
Career Tip One: Stop Being Overly Modest
O.K, no one likes a smart-ass but you can take the modesty thing too far, you know. There is plenty of research showing that women undersell themselves so much more than men. And anecdotally… I’ve interviewed women I know had all the requisite skills for the new role. But getting them to say it loud was like getting blood out of a stone.
When they did acknowledge it they would invariably credit everyone else. Which is lovely; I like that. But at interview we want to hear about you. Yes, you. It’s OK to say ‘well, I was part of a team (but only once) and then describe what you did. Force yourself to say ‘I’ not ‘we’.
Compliments
When someone compliments you on a piece of work, accept the compliment at face value and say ‘Thank you’. Look at them (absolutely no holding head down, looking up from under eye lashes, being embarrassed a la Princess Di.) This will require practice because we’ve all been brainwashed that showing off is unfeminine.
This doesn’t mean that you don’t acknowledge the efforts of others. It does mean you must never say things like ‘Oh it was nothing really.’ Because it was something and someone thought it was good. Think of it like them giving you a wee gift. You’ never say that’s nothing. Accept it with thanks and a smile.
Women’s Career Tip – Hear The Good Stuff
If you receive a compliment/commendation/letter of thanks for your work, think about sending a copy to your line manager. They actually like to get good news once in a while, and it all helps build up your profile. Keep all such notes, emails etc in a file of your own for appraisals, job interviews., etc. Or simply to make you feel better on the bad days.
Ask For Feedback
When complimented on your work don’t be afraid to ask what it is they’ve found to be good. Then focus on doing more of that next time. Don’t concentrate all your attention on what you think was less good, accentuate the positive.
If you can do this it will feed into your confidence levels. Over time you’ll find it becomes easier. You’ll feel better about yourself. People will notice.
You’re amazing, own it.
Top Pic Photo by Frolicsome Fairy on Unsplash
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on March 30th, 2026 by Jane
