7 Ways to Boost Your Confidence in an Intimidating Workplace

Written by: Cora Gold

Whether you apply for entry-level or managerial roles, confidence is a trait all recruiters look for in candidates. The best example is applying for a job you're not fully qualified for.

The confidence gap describes women feeling less confident about their abilities despite having the necessary skills. It often exists because male leaders have biases against women’s capabilities, women occupy fewer senior managerial roles and they may lack the network to propel their career growth.

These factors contribute to an intimidating workplace. Fortunately, you can cultivate confidence to elevate your self-worth and step up to higher roles with these steps.

1. Achieve Personal Goals

Self-confidence is a hallmark of capable leaders. Recruiters treat it as a nonnegotiable when hiring or promoting people. If you want to boost your confidence, stock up on achievements.

Challenge yourself and set personal work goals. Submit a presentation a day before the deadline or complete a task in an hour instead of two. Accomplishing minor feats can make you feel happy and turn up the lever of your confidence scale. 

2. Be Social

Social relationships and self-esteem reciprocally predict each other, meaning the more social you are, the higher your self-esteem. You can practice your social skills to improve them.

Start small by getting to know your teammates or the people you work with within the organization. Putting yourself in a social situation can help train your active listening and communication abilities and overcome social anxiety. Like any learnable skill, you can develop better social skills with time.

3. Sell Your Strengths

How do you sell yourself? Be open and bold about showing your best sides. Many women feel the need to be 100% qualified for a job when going after the positions they want, impeding their advancement. On the other hand, men are more likely to apply for roles they're less than qualified for on paper. 

You have to put yourself out there to be considered for a promotion. Tell your boss which tasks you excel instead of downplaying your self-worth by focusing on what you lack. Be your own advocate.

4. Be Assertive in Learning

You can always make up for what you lack by asking questions — it’s a winning strategy to fill your knowledge gaps and accelerate your growth. Google's former CEO said they run the company on questions rather than answers. 

Asking questions is a sign of humility and a willingness to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification about something you need help understanding. It can help reduce your mistakes at work. As you're introduced to more responsibilities and concepts, be assertive in learning by asking questions.

5. Take Advantage of Mentoring Programs

Welcome mentoring opportunities, especially from people you admire. Self-education can move you forward, but mentors can really take you places. These are people who embody confidence as a product of their own experiences.

You can get their advice if you encounter a problem at work. You can also bounce ideas off of them. A mentor makes information more accessible and empowers your growth. They can upgrade your strengths, minimize your weaknesses and teach you many things that boost your confidence. 

6. Look Presentable

Building confidence concerns all parts of your life — including a potential overhaul of your personal style and body language. Confident women dress for success, a trait you must adopt as your choice of clothing speaks for itself.

In one study, 96% of people report a change in their emotional state just by changing the style of their clothes. Doctors who wore white lab coats performed well, while those who didn't commit mistakes. 

Invest in your wardrobe. Choose high-quality, tailored garments. Dress neatly and show up presentably. Fix your posture and body language, too. Sit up straight and maintain eye contact when talking to your colleagues. 

7. Volunteer for Out-of-Scope Projects

Facing obstacles can have several benefits for your psychology and career. Research found that mental challenges can stimulate brain function and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. 

Taking tasks outside your scope can be scary, but it's worth it. New responsibilities allow you to collaborate with experts from other teams, expanding your network. It opens up opportunities for career growth and learning, increasing your self-worth and confidence. So think about what you want to try next and tell your boss about it. 

Self Confidence Is a Learnable Skill

Confidence is not innate or determined by birth. Some women are more confident than others because they've trained for it. They put themselves out there and practice the skill consistently. You can do the same to overcome intimidation in the workplace. The power to choose the career you want and change your life circumstances lies in your hands.