5 Ways to Get Your Boss to Take You Seriously as a Woman in Tech

 

It can be hard to be a woman in tech, especially in male-dominated industries like STEM. But you know what? It's not just men who make it difficult for women—it's also the way we interact with our bosses. So if you want your boss to take you seriously as a woman in tech, try some of these strategies:

 

1. Don't be afraid to raise your voice.

Don't be afraid to raise your voice. You're a woman in tech, and you're tired of being ignored. You're tired of having your ideas dismissed, of being told you're "too emotional" or "not technical enough." You're done with being the only woman in the room, and you're done with being treated like an afterthought.

It's time to speak up. It's time to be heard.

But, you might be thinking, won't speaking up make me look unprofessional? Won't it make my boss think I'm not serious about my career?

The answer is no. In fact, speaking up is the best way to show your boss that you're a serious, capable woman in tech. It's the best way to get your ideas heard, and it's the best way to make sure you're being taken seriously as a member of the team.

When it comes to your career in tech, it's important to be confident and assertive - especially when it comes to your boss. Unfortunately, many women in tech find themselves in a Catch-22 when it comes to their career: if they don't speak up, they're ignored, but if they do speak up, they're often labeled as "difficult" or "aggressive."

So how can you get your boss to take you seriously as a woman in tech without being afraid to raise your voice?

Here are a few tips:

1. Make sure you're qualified for the job.

If you're applying for a job that you're not qualified for, your boss is likely to see right through you. But if you're confident in your qualifications and experience, your boss will be more likely to listen to what you have to say.

2. Be prepared to back up your claims.

If you're going to assert yourself, you need to be able to back up your claims. This means doing your research and being able to articulate your points clearly and concisely.

3. Don't be afraid to be direct.

Many women in tech feel like they need to be "nice" in order to be successful. But the truth is, being direct and assertive is often more effective than being nice.

4. Use "I" statements.

When you're making a point, use "I" statements rather than "you" statements. For example, instead of saying "you need to do this," try saying "I think it would be a good idea if you did this."

5. Be confident.

If you don't believe in yourself, your boss won't either. So it's important to project confidence, even if you don't feel it 100% of the time.

6. Know your worth.

You should never accept less than you're worth, and that includes your salary. If you're being paid less than your male counterparts, don't be afraid to ask for a raise.

7. Seek out mentors.

Mentors can be a great resource for career advice, especially for women in male-dominated fields like tech. If you don't have a mentor, look for one.

8. Join professional organizations.

There are many professional organizations for women in tech, such as the Association for Women in Science and the Anita Borg Institute. These organizations can provide support and networking opportunities.

9. Speak up when you see discrimination.

If you see someone being discriminated against, don't be afraid to speak up. It's important to create a culture of inclusion in the tech industry.

10. Be a role model.

If you're a woman in tech, you're already a role model for other women. But you can also be a role model for men by speaking up and being assertive.

So, don't be afraid to raise your voice. Your career depends on it.

 

2. Find a mentor.

It can be difficult to feel like you're being taken seriously as a woman in tech. You might be the only woman on your team, or one of a handful in your company. And, even if you're not, you might still feel like you're not being given the respect you deserve. One way to combat this is to find a mentor. A mentor can help you feel more confident and competent in your career. They can also offer guidance and support as you navigate the sometimes-unforgiving world of tech.

But how do you find a mentor? It's not always easy, but it is possible. Here are a few tips:

1. Ask around.

If you know other women in tech, ask them if they have a mentor. If they do, they can introduce you. If they don't, they might know someone who does.

2. Look for role models.

If you don't know any women in tech personally, look for role models in the industry. These are women who have already achieved success in tech and can offer advice and support.

3. Use social media.

Social media is a great way to connect with potential mentors. You can reach out to women you admire and see if they're open to mentoring.

4. Join or create a mentorship program.

If you can't find a mentor on your own, consider joining or creating a mentorship program. These programs pair mentors with mentees and can be a great way to find the support you need.

5. Be open to different types of mentors.

Mentors come in all shapes and sizes. They can be older or younger than you, they can be in the same field or a different one, and they can even be of the same gender. It's important to be open to different types of mentors so you can find the right fit for you.

Talk to other women in tech, see if anyone has a mentor they can introduce you to. You can also attend industry events and meet-ups. Many times, these events will have a mentoring component where you can connect with more experienced professionals.

If you're having trouble finding a mentor, there are also a number of online resources you can turn to. Websites like Mentor Match and Women in Tech Mentoring offer databases of mentors you can connect with.

Once you've found a mentor, the next step is to build a relationship with them. This means being proactive and reaching out to them on a regular basis. Schedule regular check-ins, both in person and over email or phone. And, make sure to keep them updated on your career goals and progress.

A mentor can be a valuable asset in your career as a woman in tech. So, don't be afraid to reach out and find one. With a little effort, you can develop a relationship that will help you be taken seriously and achieve your goals.

Finding a mentor can be a great way to feel more confident and competent in your career. Use these tips to find the perfect mentor for you.

 

3. Ask for feedback.

There are things you can do to increase your chances of being taken seriously, and one of them is to ask for feedback. When you ask for feedback, you're showing that you're open to hearing what others have to say about your work. You're also showing that you're willing to improve. Asking for feedback can be difficult, but it's worth it. Here's how to do it:

1. Find the right time

The best time to ask for feedback is when your boss is in a good mood. If you can, wait for a positive moment, such as after you've completed a project or received a positive review.

2. Be specific

When you ask for feedback, be specific about what you want to know. For example, you might say, "Can you tell me what you thought of my presentation yesterday?" or "Can you give me some feedback on my latest design?"

3. Be prepared to listen

When you ask for feedback, be prepared to listen to what your boss has to say. Don't get defensive, and don't try to argue with your boss. Simply listen, and then use the feedback to improve your work.

4. Follow up

After you've received feedback, follow up with your boss to show that you've listened and that you're taking the feedback seriously. For example, you might say, "I really appreciate your feedback. I'm going to work on being more concise in my presentations."

Asking for feedback can be difficult, but it's worth it. By doing it, you're showing that you're open to hearing what others have to say about your work, and that you're willing to improve.

 

4. Own your accomplishments.

In order to be taken seriously as a woman in tech, you need to own your accomplishments. You need to be confident in your abilities and proud of your accomplishments. You need to recognize your own worth and value, and communicate that to others.

It can be easy to second-guess yourself in tech. After all, it's a male-dominated field. You might find yourself thinking, "Do I really know what I'm doing?" or "Am I good enough to be here?" But it's important to push past those doubts and own your accomplishments.

Here are a few tips for doing just that:

1. Keep a list of your successes.

It's easy to forget your accomplishments when you're feeling down about yourself. So, keep a running list of everything you've achieved, no matter how small. This will help you remember all the great things you've done and give you a confidence boost when you need it.

2. Talk about your accomplishments.

Don't be shy about talking about your successes. When you do, it will help others see you as a confident, competent woman in tech.

3. Seek out opportunities to showcase your skills.

There are likely many opportunities in your company or organization to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Look for those opportunities and seize them. This will help others see your value and worth.

4. Be proud of your accomplishments.

This one seems obvious, but it's worth repeating. Be proud of your accomplishments! You've worked hard to achieve them and you deserve to feel good about them.

5. Communicate your accomplishments to others.

Make sure the people in your life know about your successes. This includes your boss, your coworkers, your friends, and your family. They'll be impressed by your accomplishments and it will help them see you in a positive light.

Owning your accomplishments is an important part of being a woman in tech. It will help you be taken seriously in your field and give you the confidence you need to succeed.

 

5. Take initiative and show your worth.

In today's job market, it's more important than ever to make sure you're doing everything you can to stand out from the crowd and show your worth. If you're a woman in tech, that means taking initiative and showing your boss that you're a valuable asset to the company.

There are a lot of ways you can take initiative and show your worth as a woman in tech. One way is to be proactive about your career development. If you're not sure where you see yourself in the company in the future, talk to your boss about it. Ask for advice and suggestions on how you can move up in the company. Showing that you're interested in your own career development is a great way to demonstrate your value to the company.

Another way to take initiative and show your worth as a woman in tech is to be a leader in your field. If you're passionate about your work, share your knowledge with others. Write blog posts, give talks at conferences, or teach classes. Showing that you're an expert in your field is a great way to show your boss that you're a valuable asset to the company.

Finally, take initiative in your day-to-day work. Be proactive about solving problems and taking on new challenges. Show your boss that you're always looking for ways to improve your work and make a positive impact on the company.

Taking initiative and showing your worth as a woman in tech is essential to advancing your career. By taking these steps, you'll show your boss that you're a valuable asset to the company and that you're committed to your own career development.

Here are a few tips to take initiative and show them what you're made of!

1. Speak up and offer your ideas.

As a woman in tech, you likely have a lot of great ideas to offer. But if you don't speak up, your boss may never know what you're thinking. So, the next time you're in a meeting, make sure to contribute your thoughts and opinions. Not only will this show that you're engaged and invested in your work, but it'll also demonstrate that you have valuable insights to share.

2. Be a problem solver.

When problems arise, it's important to step up and offer solutions. Not only will this show that you're capable and resourceful, but it'll also make your boss's life a lot easier. The next time something goes wrong, be the one to offer a solution.

3. Take on extra assignments.

If you're looking to show your boss that you're worth, taking on extra assignments is a great way to do it. This will not only show that you're capable of handle more work, but it'll also demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your job. So, the next time your boss asks for volunteers, be the first to raise your hand.

4. Go above and beyond.

In today's competitive job market, it's not enough to simply do your job. You need to go above and beyond to stand out from the crowd. So, if you're looking to make a good impression, go the extra mile on your next project. Your boss will be impressed, and it'll show that you're serious about your career.

5. Stay positive and upbeat.

No one likes working with a negative Nancy. So, if you want to show your boss that you're worth, it's important to stay positive and upbeat. This doesn't mean that you have to be a walking sunshine 24/7, but it does mean that you should try to keep a positive attitude. When you're positive, it'll show in your work, and your boss will take notice.

By following these tips, you can show your boss that you're a woman in tech who is worth taking seriously. So, don't be afraid to take initiative and put your best foot forward. It'll pay off in the long run!

 

Takeaway

The most important takeaway from this article is that you shouldn't just take it. You can stand up for yourself, voice your opinions and make sure that your boss knows you're serious about being taken seriously as a woman in tech.

We hope that these tips have helped you feel more confident in your role as a woman in tech. If you're just starting out, remember that it's important to focus on yourself and your achievements rather than looking at how other people are doing things. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way!