Women not only earn worse than men on average. They also hold significantly fewer top positions. On the one hand, this is due to differences in career choices. Women work more often in industries where low wages are paid – for example in a hair salon or retail trade. At the same time, they are often too cautious and shy away from making demands. Those who want to advance professionally can benefit from the following ten tips.
Be confident in salary negotiations
The boss is happy with you and lets you know that too? Best – the starting situation for a successful salary negotiation could hardly be more optimal. The fact that women earn less than men is not only due to the profession they have chosen. They are often more cautious and usually demand less salary. In the end, however, they cut themselves into their own flesh, because they have to get by with less money.
When it comes to your wages, no one is guaranteed to give you anything. It’s up to you to claim what you deserve. Before negotiating a salary, think about how much you can realistically ask for. What arguments do you have on your side for this? You should be able to justify your demands. When you know what you can do and what you are worth, you can appear more confident. Avoid using words like “actually”, “could” or “would”. That weakens your negotiating position – and suggests to the decision-maker that you are easy to negotiate.
Don’t be too humble
“But you did really well!” Women who get such praise often answer with an embarrassed “Oh, that was nothing …” or blush. They find it difficult to accept compliments. It’s not just because they don’t want to appear arrogant. They often don’t know about their abilities themselves – and how good they actually are.
At work, modesty is nice. However, it is not beneficial for your career. If you know what you can do and stand by it, you arm yourself against possible criticism from others. The next time someone tells you that you did something well, just say, “Thanks, it was a lot of work too”.
Humility is also an obstacle when it comes to suggestions. Many women are less likely to throw ideas into the room if they have not already thought them through – for fear of embarrassing themselves. However, with targeted ideas, you show your professional value – to your colleagues and your boss.
Say goodbye to your perfectionist streak
When asked about their own weaknesses, many answers in the interview, supposedly clever: “I am a perfectionist”. This is supposed to sound like a weakness that is actually a strength. Perfectionism in the job is often a hindrance. If you spend too long on a task, you can end up in a mess with other things on your to-do list. As a result, your overall output is lower. In addition, you are more likely to be dissatisfied if you have not achieved everything 100 percent the way you wanted.
This is where the 80-20 rule comes in. The so-called Pareto principle states that we can achieve 80 percent of our performance with just 20 percent commitment – or, in other words, achieve 80 percent of our goals. You don’t have to perfect every task down to the last detail. Because your extra effort may not only not be noticed by anyone – it also makes no noticeable difference. However, you lack the time spent elsewhere.
Don’t let yourself be constantly interrupted
Whether in meetings, at lunch, or in small groups: there are always colleagues or bosses who are constantly interrupting others. Women are more often affected because, unlike men, they react less negatively to the chatter. However, you only appear self-assured and sovereign if you bring your thoughts to the end.
Some throws are certainly okay – and do not mean a lack of respect for you as a person. Others, however, are inappropriate. In such cases, ask politely but firmly to be able to finish. This gives you the recognition that can literally pay off at your next salary negotiation.
Know the importance of networks
Sacrificing the precious free time to go to a company party or an event with the team? Many women can hardly find the time they need between family and household. Or they just don’t feel like a small talk between champagne and appetizers when they could make themselves comfortable at home.
However, you should weigh which invitation you say no to. Some parties can be very beneficial to your career. You can use the time purposefully to build better relationships with supervisors and decision-makers. The decision of who is promoted and who is not is often made based on personal sympathy. You can also make other contacts at such events that will help you further.
Get yourself a thick coat
Criticism is part of the job. As a rule, it is not meant personally but related to the matter. You have to be able to handle this if you want to advance your career. It doesn’t get you anywhere to react offended. An emotional reaction is also not beneficial – especially not in front of others. Learn to put up with criticism if you still have some catching up to do. Otherwise, you risk not only appearing unsavory but also taking these emotions home with you.
Beware of part-time
Many more women than men work part-time. This gives them the freedom to take care of the family. Others no longer want to work because they can get by on the lower wage – especially if their husband earns more. If you want to get started professionally, however, you should be careful with part-time jobs.
Hardly any management position is possible part-time – and it is also much more difficult to achieve from a part-time position. Reducing your hours stands in the way of your career in most cases. Therefore, you should weigh what is more important to you and what sacrifices you want to make.
Learn to say no
“Could you please …”, “Would you have time …” or “Would you …” – Many requests in the job have nothing to do with your actual tasks. It doesn’t matter whether they come from colleagues or superiors. You should only take on what is not part of your job description if you can manage it without neglecting your own tasks.
You should keep in mind that people who always say yes will be asked again and again. It’s not bad to say no with justification. On the contrary, you show that you know your limits and set priorities – namely in your own area.
Take on new challenges
Many women shy away from new job challenges. Even if their career is actually important to them. The questions that many then ask themselves are not: Do I want this? What can it bring me But: am I good enough? Am I up to the task?
Many women are secretly convinced that the new task is a size too big for them. Of course, if that were the case, you shouldn’t overtax yourself. But you grow with challenges that have to be overcome. They also give you the chance to prove yourself to be visible to everyone. When in doubt, it, therefore, makes sense to approach new tasks and responsibilities with open arms.
You don’t have to be liked by everyone
Many women find it more difficult than men to endure tension with others. This is often a hindrance at work. There will always be people you just can’t be good with. It is not your job to compensate – and make compromises to please this person.
Say goodbye to the idea that you have to get along well with everyone. This is not a license to behave unsocially and unscrupulously towards others. If you have an important decision to make in your career, don’t be too guided by how others feel about it. Act fairly, but confidently.