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If you are a young working woman wondering what you could be doing in order to look professional at work, this post is for you.
When I first started working at 19 years old, I didn’t really know what I was doing. Suddenly this whole new world opened up to me and I went in head first not having a clue about how to act.
At school it was easy to blend in, everyone I had to deal with was roughly the same age as me (except teachers of course), but at work I was expected to interact with people sometimes much older than me, who didn’t think the way I did and who sometimes probably thought of me as “just a kid”.
I’ve learned a lot over the years, but I wish that somebody had told me what it was going to be like when I first started working.
Read on to find out some of my tips for any young women who want to be taken seriously in their professional careers.
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1. Dress professionally
One of my biggest tips on being taken seriously at work is dressing professionally. No matter what we would like to think, people are going to judge you on the way you dress. When at your job, you need to make sure that the way you dress is professional, and that you wear clothes that fit you. It’s no good wearing a button-down shirt when it is too small on your bust and gaping. You get the idea.
The internet is full of great ideas on what to wear to work, no matter what industry you work in. Do some research, shop your closet, and make sure you have these staples: a black/navy pair of slacks, a white blouse, a button-down shirt, a blazer, and some comfortable black shoes.
2. Act appropriately
We’ve all seen this happen many times. Young graduates will come to their first job and act like they’re still in college- being loud, arguing, gossiping, and thinking the world owes them something. It doesn’t.
People are very replaceable in the workplace- if you don’t act like the mature adult you are supposed to be at work, then they will find someone else who can.
3. Watch what you say and how you say it
Carrying on with #2, what you say can have a huge impact on how you are viewed at work. Remember that your workplace is not your family room and that some things should remain private to you.
Be courteous, don’t spread rumors, and address everyone with the same respect you would want. If you are someone who does not think before they speak, you might want to work on that if you want to be taken seriously at work.
4. Be careful with social media
Social media is everywhere these days, and if you use it, then so are you. Be careful what you post on your Instagram, and if your accounts are set to public, you might want to change that to private.
There have been many times people got laid off from their jobs because they were posting inappropriate comments/pictures on social media, and it’s just not worth it. As a working woman, you need to be mindful of what you post online.
5. Respect will take you very far
It won’t cost you anything to be respectful, but you will gain a lot from it. Smiling, having an inviting atmosphere, and respecting others will do wonderful things for you at work. You will be seen as mature, having a good head on your shoulders, and people will want to be around you and interact with you.
Related:
10 TIPS FOR CAREER WOMEN IN THEIR 20S
INTERVIEW TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU GET HIRED
HOW TO GET A JOB WITH NO EXPERICNE
If you are a working woman and have any advice for young working women, leave it in the comments below!
And before you go, make sure you get your free copy of my daily planner to stay organized in the workplace.
These are such great tips ♥️ it’s crazy how many places check socials these days. I like that you mention respect as well as it’s a basic thing that so many people forget x
I agree! Everybody needs to be respectful of others, whether at work or anywhere else.
I love these tips! I’m 2 years into my first career out of university and agree with all of this!
As a recruitment consultant as well I can confirm that these tips are just as important during the recruitment process! Everyone you meet at each step into your career is important to your success!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lucy x
http://lucyjacovelli.com/
I’m so happy you agree with everything on this list!