7 TIPS TO GET AHEAD AT WORK

Gender equality in the workplace has come a long way, but women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles. What can career-driven women do to overcome challenges and advance in their careers? From Visual Persuasion, here are seven career strategies for women you should be using to get ahead at work.

BE VISIBLE

Keeping your head down and working hard doesn’t lead to promotions. Visibility is important for getting noticed and moving ahead at work. Push past impostor syndrome and start self-promoting and cultivating influence. Speak up in meetings, attend events, seek sponsors, and be vocal about your professional achievements and aspirations.

TAKE INITIATIVE

Don’t wait for the opportunity to come knocking when you want to advance. Volunteer for challenging projects and assignments, ask about promotion opportunities, and make an effort to step outside your comfort zone. Women are less likely to apply for a job or promotion if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, but this could hold you back from landing your dream job.

DEVELOP YOUR SKILLSET

Rather than viewing skill gaps as barriers, reframe them as learning opportunities. It’s never been easier to gain the experience you need to land the job you want. You can sign up for an intensive two-day training with Visual Persuasion and start gaining hands-on experience in Adobe Creative Suite. Even if you don’t become an expert overnight, you’ll build a foundation of skills and demonstrate your initiative.

STRIKE OUT ON YOUR OWN

Moving into a corporate leadership role is just one way to advance. Women who value autonomy may find entrepreneurship more fulfilling. Microbusinesses, defined as businesses with under 10 employees, require minimal startup investment. However, you will need to learn about taxes and other business obligations. As an LLC in Colorado, you’re responsible for quarterly tax payments and an annual information return. However, an LLC Colorado doesn’t have to file corporate tax returns.

NEGOTIATE FOR YOUR WORTH

The best way to get the raise you deserve is to ask for it. If you’re underpaid for your industry, your role has evolved, or your achievements warrant an increase, use that evidence as leverage in salary negotiations. After making your pitch, end with a clear call to action that lays out exactly what you want. In addition to more compensation, women are negotiating for extra vacation time, flexible hours, and the ability to work from home.

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

On its surface, networking is easy: Craft an elevator pitch, join professional associations, attend networking events, and build relationships. In reality, there’s a lot of obstacles to successful networking. Beyond women’s busy schedules, some industries still feel like a boys’ club. Women in male-dominated industries benefit from cultivating sponsors who can advocate for their career advancement. To build connections, get advice, and practice relationship-building skills, connect with women’s networking groups near you.

BE RESILIENT

Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t let setbacks veer you off course. Instead, analyze why you failed so you can succeed the next time. As important as it is for women to highlight their strengths, it’s equally critical to recognize and mitigate weaknesses. Gaps in technical skills are easiest to address with workshops and training. However, it’s possible to improve upon soft skills like communication, conflict management, and leadership too.

It’s not enough to excel at your job. Using these career strategies along with self-promotion, relationship-building, and resilience are key skills for career-driven women whether you’re working in a corporate environment or heading a business of your own.