How to self-promote at work

We talk about self-promotion at work - without the humble brags and selfies…

Even in the age of selfies, humble brags, and the weird world of LinkedIn posts, it can still feel pretty cringe to talk yourself up and do self-promotion in the workplace. This can feel particularly true if you’re a woman and from an underrepresented background in your workplace or industry. 

Why do we think we’re bad at self-promoting? 

We want to start with this to highlight that your lack of confidence here isn’t necessarily due to a lack of ability - these challenges can be systematic. Here are some reasons why those from minority backgrounds face challenges when it comes to promoting themselves and their skills in the workplace:

Societal norms and biases: Societal norms often dictate how men and women should behave in professional settings. Women for example are often socialised to be more modest and self-effacing for example. Putting yourself forward is seen as ‘aggressive’ in a way that it often isn’t among men. 

Lack of representation and role models: when no one in the office looks like you especially in leadership positions, it can be challenging to envision oneself in those roles. The absence of relatable role models may lead to self-doubt and lower confidence in promoting your skills and abilities.

Microaggressions and unconscious biases: Microaggressions can chip away at the confidence and self-esteem of women and people from minority backgrounds. Unconscious biases within colleagues can also impact the perception of your abilities and contributions, making it harder for you to promote yourself.

Workplace dynamics and culture: your office culture can impact how you feel about promoting yourself. For example if workplace culture values assertiveness and competitiveness, people who do not conform to these norms may feel uncomfortable promoting themselves.

So, how can you promote yourself better? 

Think about your strengths 

You’re going to be better at self promoting if you do some honest reflection on what your strengths are. Take some time to reflect on your skills, experiences, and achievements. Write them down and how you would articulate them in real life. This will help you feel more comfortable when it comes time to promote yourself to others.

Practice! 

Start small. You can begin by promoting yourself to close friends and family members, then move on to colleagues or professional contacts. You can also practice in front of a mirror or record yourself speaking about your strengths and accomplishments. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with self-promotion.

Use social media - carefully 

You don’t want to be *that* person who uses every LinkedIn or Instagram post as an opportunity to do their dream Oscars speech. But, social media can be a great tool for self-promotion. You can showcase your skills and achievements on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Share articles or posts related to your industry or field, or share your own thoughts and insights. This can position you as an authority in your field and increase your visibility in your industry.

Accept you’re going to feel uncomfortable 

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably going to find self-promotion uncomfortable. So it’s best to get comfortable with discomfort and push through your fears. A key message to remember is that it’s not about bragging or being arrogant, but about sharing your accomplishments and value with others. The more you practice and get comfortable with discomfort, the easier self-promotion will become.

There might also be times when you need to push back or fight for your voice. Read our tips on how to push back at work to give you the space you need to showcase yourself.