Being Overlooked in Your Career? Here’s Why (And How to Fix It)

Being overlooked at work despite hard work is frustrating. Let me paint a picture that might feel familiar:

You've been at your organization for years. You're operating well above your current title – taking on director-level responsibilities, leading projects, and making significant contributions. Yet every time a promotion opportunity comes up, you hear the same response: "We're looking for someone with more experience."

More experience? You're already doing the work!

One of my clients found herself in exactly this situation.

After ten years at her organization and three attempts at promotion, she kept hearing she "wasn't ready" – despite already performing the higher-level role's duties.

Here's what I want you to know: If you're being overlooked despite your hard work, it's not because you're not capable. It's because of five specific blind spots that keep talented women from advancing in their careers.

Let’s get into them

Listen to the podcast episode:

1. You Don't Recognize Your Own Impact

Let's be real – if you're like most of the women I work with, you probably downplay your contributions. "Oh, anyone could do this" or "It's just part of my job" are phrases I hear all too often.

Here's the truth: Just because something comes easily to you doesn't mean it's not valuable. In fact, it's often the opposite – your natural talents are exactly what make you exceptional.

It's easy to be overlooked at work despite your hard work when you're unaware of the value you're adding to your organization.

When you don't recognize your own impact, you:

- Spend time on busy work instead of high-value activities

- Say yes to projects that don't showcase your true abilities

- Miss opportunities to contribute at a higher level

- Fail to see how your work connects to organizational goals

2. You Can't Communicate Your Value

"My work should speak for itself."

Another phrase I hear all the time, and let me be direct: Your work doesn't speak for itself – at least not in corporate America. YOU need to speak for your work.

Think about it: Your leaders are focused on their own goals and metrics. They're not tracking your daily contributions.

If you can't clearly communicate how your work impacts what they care about, you'll keep being overlooked.

3. You're Not in Strategic Relationships

Here's yet another hard truth: Once you move past entry-level positions, career advancement becomes less about what you know and more about who knows what you know.

Consider this: Only about 40% of jobs are ever posted publicly. The rest? They're filled through relationships and referrals.

If you're not building strategic relationships, you're missing out on 60% of potential opportunities, which can lead to you being overlooked at work despite your hard work.

This isn't about random networking. It's about building meaningful connections with people who can:

- Advocate for you in rooms you can't access

- Alert you to opportunities before they're public

- Speak to your capabilities when decisions are being made

4. You're Not Showing Up Authentically

Recently, a client (a Black woman) told me she'd been "acting white" to fit in with her predominantly white male leadership team. But here's the problem: When you're trying to blend in, you can't stand out.

I get it. As a Black woman in academia – one of the whitest spaces in America – I understand the pressure to conform. But I've learned that my unique perspective, approach, and yes, even my bright lipstick and colorful outfits, are part of what makes me effective.

Your authenticity isn't just about appearance – it's about:

- Bringing unique perspectives to problem-solving

- Contributing ideas from your distinct experience

- Approaching challenges in ways others might not consider

5. You Don't Have Expert Support

Look at any high performer – whether in sports, business, or the arts – and you'll find they have coaches helping them excel. Yet somehow, we've convinced ourselves we should figure out career advancement alone.

You can't see your own blind spots if you’re trying to grow and advance in your career. You'll keep being overlooked at work despite your hard work without the right support.

You need someone who can:

- Help you identify the impact you might be overlooking

- Provide objective feedback on your communication

- Guide you in navigating complex workplace dynamics

- Hold the vision of your potential when self-doubt creeps in

Are you ready to Stop Being Overlooked?

If you're tired of watching others get promoted while you stay stuck, it's time for a change. You don't have to figure this out alone.

I work with women just like you in Next Level Career, my 1:1 coaching partnership, helping them advance into higher-paying, higher-impact roles without compromising who they are.

Are you ready to be seen, valued, and rewarded for your true capabilities? Apply to work with me in Next Level Career here.

Remember: Being good at your job isn't enough. You need to be good at showing why your job matters.

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Want more strategies for advancing your career with confidence? Listen to the full episode of The Fulfilling Career Podcast where I dive deeper into these concepts and provide actionable steps for increasing your visibility at work.