Change your attitude.
You can't simply rely on high heels and a suit to advertise your maturity; you have to use your confidence and attitude, too. At a little less than five-feet-tall, fresh-faced Shannon Davidson, a 29-year-old news reporter/anchor with WHP-TV CBS 21 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, had to overcome some obstacles on her way to a high-profile career.
"It's sort of a Catch-22 in this business of TV news," she says. "You have to look young enough to be considered 'attractive' to others, but mature enough to look like you have experience."
"In my experience, I concentrated on landing the gig," Davidson continues. "I figured once I landed the job, I'd win the viewers over, thereby impressing the boss... and he'd keep me on. So far, so good!"
Believe in yourself.
Confidence draws people in and if you're exuding optimism and strength, you'll be remembered for those attributes and not for a young appearance. Carry business cards, meet as many new people as you can and hold your head up high.
Cut out the four letter words.
Soni Dimond, a national public speaker, communications coach and author of Life's a Pitch!™, often reminds clients that it's not just your outward facade that matters - it's the whole package, including the way you speak. "Avoid these four letter words: 'just' and 'only'," she recommends. "These little words can poison your presentation."
Take the valley out of the girl.
Additionally, the word "like" (which is associated with ditzy teenagers cruising the mall) must be stricken from the vocabulary of anyone who is serious about building her career. It's fine to pepper a casual conversation with the "L" word, but in a business setting, it tends to make anyone sound less intelligent than she actually is.
Practice authenticity.
Suzanne Selby Grenager, an international life coach, mentor and writer, often reminds young professionals that authenticity is the key to a successful work persona. "Being real, even at the risk of seeming less than 'polished' is a better idea for would-be leaders than pretending to be somebody you are not," she asserts. "Don't we all look up to people who dare to be themselves?"
Instead of pretending you have more years under your belt than you do, impress your co-workers with genuine knowledge and self-confidence. Look people in the eye. Admit when you don't have an answer ready, but promise to get it and follow up quickly on that promise.
Cut the chatter.
It's tempting to join in on every "water cooler" discussion about office gossip and last night's television programs. But pay attention to who's talking and you'll notice they're usually not the people with the power to promote you. Learn how to exchange words with co-workers in a few minutes and never look idle or join in the office gossip or it may come back to haunt you.
Respond to sarcasm with grace.
If you look young, it's inevitable that someone's going to comment on your appearance. "How old are you, anyway?" "Hey, are you a female 'Doogie Howser'?" "You don't look old enough to be in charge of a department."
Though it's tempting to respond emotionally to such inappropriate statements, resist the temptation. Don't make your young appearance a basis for conversation. After all, it's not relevant; your competence is.
Nothing is impossible for the motivated young woman. With a little forethought, you can put your best - and most mature - foot forward. By acting like a professional, you'll be treated like one; even if you get carded into your thirties.
By:Angelique Caffrey
published on http://www.savvymiss.co
