How to be taken seriously at work

I was in a meeting the other day when a very attractive young woman was complaining that although she is a well educated and well trained Engineer - she is not taken seriously at work.  She blamed men - called them all words like  "animal" and "toxic".

I've spent so many years counseling women on how to be taken seriously - and among the many things I say to them is:  Look at your image.  How are you dressed?  How is your hair groomed?  Do you speak assertively or just whisper?   What's your presentation style?

In the case the other day - this woman was wearing a blouse that was loose and low cut - and she had big breasts, mostly exposed and a very short skirt that showed her backside when she just bent slightly.

Yet she claimed she didn't want men looking at her - but she wanted to be taken seriously.

Sure, she has the right to wear whatever she wants - but how she dresses is a significant part of the image she projects.

Why do some women think they can have it both ways?

Why "show it all" and then complain when that's all they notice?

For those of you reading this thinking ' "she is blaming the victim" - take another look.  I am saying that we are responsible for the image we create.

Dress for Success

Dress for Success

Do you remember that book – it was the one recommending that everyone look like clones of each other in the standard man-tailored grey suit.  Women were to pretend to look like men. 

Well, when I suggest that you dress for success, that’s not what I mean.  Others will suggest you dress “one step above” what others are wearing and some will say, “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.”   These are both good ways to suggest you dress well, whether at work, or looking for work.

Don’t wear your old raggedy jeans when networking.  Wear a pair of tailored slacks.  Don’t wear a tee shirt, or hoodie, but wear a nice tailored blouse, shirt or sweater.  AND, please don’t tell me that you are a “techie” and therefore that’s how everyone dresses.

As my mother would have said, “if everyone else is jumping off the roof, does that mean you have to do it too?”

Your job is to look your professional best – not your shlubby worst.