How to Gain Self-Confidence in the Workplace: An Early Career Guide

The Career Confidence Gap Gen Z Is Facing

Navigating your early career can feel daunting at times. Guiding yourself through company culture, a new environment post-grad, or a career transition can bring on the pressure.

A skill that may help you feel supported through this time is typically not something taught in the classroom. Yet, it is one of the most important foundations needed to build a successful career.

Self-confidence. A new statistic shows that just 39% of Gen Z employees feel confident and equipped in the workplace, a 20-point drop from just last year. So what's causing these insecurities for young workers aged 18-29? A few factors, actually. They include pressure from job market conditions and comparison between peers on social media. But mainly, a lack of experience.

If this sounds relatable, don't panic. Here's the good news: confidence isn't something you need to be born with. It's something that many of us develop over time with practice and the right skills.

So whether you're prepping for your dream role or wanting to build confidence in your current position, you deserve to feel strong in your abilities. Here are some ways you can increase self-confidence in the workplace.

Practice Clear Communication and Body Language

Practicing clear communication and body language can help you develop self-confidence in the workplace. Hard conversations are inevitable, and finding your voice is important.

Clear speech and confident language can help build your sense of self-worth by creating visible contributions in the workplace. Practice speaking up in meetings, sharing your opinion, and asking questions, even if it's outside of your comfort zone.

Confident language may sound like:

1. Swapping the phrase "I think" with "I recommend." "I think" can be perceived by leaders as hesitant. To sound stronger and more authoritative in your language, try this alternative instead

Strong body language is equally important. These are the non-verbal cues that shape how others perceive you. We've all seen examples of what the opposite of this can look like (yawning during a Zoom call...). Try:

1. Maintain eye contact

2. Don't be afraid to take up space, stand tall, shoulders back. Try to avoid slouching or keeping your hands in your lap

3. Practice a firm handshake

While one benefit of practicing strong body language is employees perceiving you to be more responsible or trustworthy at work, science backs that it may even help boost internal self-esteem!

Through a process called embodied cognition, your physical posture can send feedback to your brain that alters how you feel on the inside. This signals competence and security, making you feel more confident. This means you can trick your brain into feeling more confident in just minutes.

Fake It 'Til You Make It

Your early career can be filled with doubt and uncertainty. Many of us don't give ourselves the permission to act confidently if we don't feel it yet. Pushing past that idea may garner success in the long run.

Make decisions despite uncertainty. Confidence isn't gained by knowing all the answers. Learning through trial and error is what helps build problem-solving skills and self-confidence in the workplace through hands-on experience. Mistakes are okay, and our weaknesses are what make us human. They can even welcome constructive feedback and advice from leadership.

If you are uncertain, don't be afraid to be the one to ask for feedback before being offered it! It may feel intimidating, but requesting feedback for yourself will show your team you are committed to improving your work. Questions like "Can you share a specific example of one thing I could improve on?" or "What can I prioritize on this project?"

Share Your Achievements!

Sharing your achievements may feel unnatural at first. You may feel like it's "bragging." The truth is, not all work speaks for itself. Acknowledging your work might help you recognize your own abilities. It may also invite recognition from the people to whom your success matters to.

1. Post on LinkedIn. Not only does the act of sharing capture your milestones on platforms like LinkedIn for professionals to view, but it may also serve the purpose of helping you feel a sense of accomplishment and stay motivated during your early career journey

2. Discuss any new projects you are interested in or have started working on with friends and family; these are your biggest cheerleaders!

Stop Comparing Your Career Journey to Everybody Else's

It's normal to feel a bit insecure when you put yourself up against what it seems everyone else is doing in their work. Comparison is a confidence killer. Now more than ever, with the rise of social media, we are granted a look into the lives and careers of others when all it seems like is a highlight reel.

You may find yourself saying "Is this person doing more than I am?", "They received two promotions already and I haven't yet", "Should I be making X amount of money?" "Should I be going to grad school too?" Each job and experience brings you closer to your dream role. There is no linear career path. Letting go of comparison can help you keep self-confidence in the workplace. Some ways to combat that are:

1. Instead of measuring yourself against your peers

2. define what success looks like for yourself, not what you think you should do

3. If platforms like LinkedIn trigger feelings of inadequacy, it's okay to take a break every once in a while!

The Value of Self-Confidence

The importance of self-confidence is invaluable. Small steps lead to progress, and nobody becomes confident overnight. By embracing the unknown, communicating with clarity, and focusing on your journey rather than others, you can gradually build the confidence to take on new challenges. This week, try applying one strategy from this guide: speak up during your next meeting, celebrate a small win on LinkedIn, or ask for feedback.

Most importantly? Be kind to yourself during your professional development. How you speak to yourself matters. Silencing your inner critic can be a challenge. But practicing positive internal dialogue with yourself can end self-doubt.

Confidence can allow you to purposely build a career you love. #1 New York Times Best Selling Author of the Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins, says, "Confidence allows you to make positive changes. It empowers you to feel a meaningful connection with your work, and it inspires you to go after your big, crazy, awesome goals."

At Sky Society, we're all about seeing women reach their full potential. Flexing your confidence muscle will set you on the trajectory to be the best version of you in both your personal life and professional life.

🪽 Written by Gianna Fucci