One thing I learned very early, which is something good for all women in the workforce, not just in the media, is to consciously learn to lower your voice. My father actually imparted that on me. He was hard of hearing, so if I spoke in a higher pitch, he would miss a lot of what I said. It makes me crazy when I hear a woman on radio or TV squeak and squeal. I believe that if you set your pitch in one that sounds more professional, you will be taken more seriously. If you have ever watched "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," think about Teresa Guidice. Whenever she gets excited or angry, her voice rises to a glass-shattering pitch. Her voice becomes fingernails on a blackboard. I have tried telling girls wanting to go into radio or TV about this. Men cannot teach a woman how to cultivate her voice.
Let's start with some basic rules. BE PROFESSIONAL AT THE INTERVIEW. I don't care if you are a college student looking for an internship, or if you have worked for decades in a career, don't go in with jeans and flip flops. And yes, I have seen this. The job may not warrant your best dress and high heels, but at least wear nice slacks, shoes and blouse. During the interview, think before speaking. Know something about the company before the interview - look at their website and social media so you can speak intelligently. Ask thoughtful questions about the job, not about vacation days or how long until you get a raise. That shows where your head is at.
Once you are hired, SHOW UP FOR WORK - ON TIME. I had a student worker who had an excuse every other day as to why she couldn't come to work. I was always understanding about time off for exams or school projects, but she was always sick, or lost her driver's license, or locked herself out of her apartment, etc., etc. That, along with her telling me that she didn't want to do what she was hired to do, but she wanted to do other things, caused her to be the only student worker I ever had to fire. Showing up for work is great - showing up on time is even better. Most people do not work in a bubble all alone. Coworkers may need you or the work you are responsible for before they can move on with their jobs. It is extremely frustrating when you cannot complete your work because you are depending on someone else who isn't there or who is late.
Which brings me to DO YOUR JOB. My job very often depended on others doing what they needed to first. If my coworkers decided to spend time on something that was very low on the priority scale while I was under deadline to get something done, my stress level went through the roof. So many people do not have time management skills or know how to prioritize. Classes should be required in these skills.
DON'T CONSTANTLY USE "FEMALE" EXCUSES. All women have issues to deal with that men do not. Do not make these a constant excuse. If you blame PMS every time you lose your temper or cannot come to work every time you have cramps, see a doctor. This all applies to women going through menopause. I know all of these situations affect each woman differently, but if they affect your life to the point that you cannot do your job, I think you have a medical issue.
TRY NOT TO OVERUSE THE "MOMMY CARD." I worked throughout my pregnancies and throughout my kids growing up. I know all the trials and tribulations involved. I was lucky enough to be able to work during both my pregnancies right up to the time I gave birth. I know all about sick children, daycare providers who cancel at the last minute, parent-teacher conferences, school field trips, days when the kids are out of school but you have to work, etc. I have dealt with bosses who were not at all understanding. I interviewed for a job in radio that had low pay and no benefits. The woman who owned the station did not accept the excuse of having to miss work to be with your kids for any reason. Yes, she was a working mother - she was also very well off and probably had a full-time nanny! I worked for a brief time for a man who bought the company I was working for. He couldn't understand why I needed to take the day off when my toddler was having a tonsillectomy. Really?! Yes, there are times you cannot help but come in late, leave early, or miss a day to care for your children. Despite what many bosses think, family really is most important. But do try to be considerate about it. Try to give your boss as much notice as possible. If you are at home with a sick child, you may be able to get some work done at home. Try to make other arrangements whenever possible.
YOU DON"T HAVE TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOUR COWORKERS, BUT BE PROFESSIONAL. My daughter used to complain at times about her managers or coworkers at her retail jobs. My husband and I always told her that you don't have to like them, but you do need to treat them professionally. In every job, there will be someone you don't like or don't want to deal with. It is okay not to like him or her. But you still need to interact with this person in a respectful, professional manner. Do what you need to do with them - period.
DON'T THROW OTHERS UNDER THE BUS IN ORDER TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK BETTER. I have always been a firm believer in owing up to your mistakes. If I screwed up, I will admit it, apologize for it, and do my best not to let it happen again. But I have known way too many people who refuse to take blame, but will throw the blame on someone else. Many of these people are very sneaky about it, too. It kind of reminds me of things that small children try to get away with. But instead of blaming the dog or baby brother, this culprit would do all he or she can to make you look bad. Don't cast blame. If it belongs on you, fess up. If it doesn't, you don't usually need to be a tattletale. I guess my advice here is to not only own up to your mistakes, but to watch your back also..
SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF. Too many women have issues in their jobs that they will vent to their friends and family about, but will not address with their supervisors. I have definitely been guilty of this. They may feel overworked, under-valued, underpaid. They may want to move up the corporate ladder, but are never considered for promotions. My advice is to always talk to your supervisor - what do you have to lose? I don't mean to run to them every day to tell them how miserable you are. Do let them know that you are interested in moving up - do not base it on how much you dislike your current position, but how effective you feel you would be on the next rung of the ladder. Don't just tell your boss that you have too much to do - try to come up with suggestions t resolve it. Is there a more effective process for getting the work done? Is there someone who could take over part of your duties without overloading that person? Are there some things that really do not even need to be done? Keep the lines of communication open.
I am sure that there are many, many more tips, suggestions, etc., that I will think of later. So be warned that a sequel may be on the way!
