The Most Interesting Pieces of Career Advice We've Ever Given

Marie Claire has always been more than a fashion magazine. Since our U.S. launch in 1994, we’ve helped women get dressed and get ahead at work. From negotiating a raise to starting your own business, we’ve aimed to give guidance that empowers and inspires women to make bold moves in their careers. To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’ve rounded up some of the advice we’ve dispensed over the years (and to be honest, we'd rethink a tip or two!).

Pay Attention to the Chair You Choose (Winter 1995)

"Always sit at the conference table, never by the wall."

Keep the Faith (Winter 1995)

"Believe that change can happen, in spite of all evidence to the contrary."

Avoid Bad Breath (Winter 1995)

"Don't eat garlic or onions for lunch."

Rethink How You Ask for a Raise (July 1999)

"Don't use the word 'raise.' The 'R' word suggests only that you are going to cost the company more, not necessarily that you are worth more. So, ask for a different 'salary.' This term implies that you are seeking a fair reward for a good performance."

Practice Demure Office Dressing (March 2007)

"If you were applying for a job at Marie Claire, we'd advise you to strut your fashion cred (a plaid bustier over that crisp white blouse, perhaps?). But with, say, a law office, a little more subtly is called for. Show you mean business: jacket on top and heels on below. Also, show you don't mean sex. It's perfectly fine—nay, appropriate—these days to flaunt your curves, but this is no time to take the puppies out for a walk. And please, please go light on the perfume. When you sweat, as you invariably will during an interview, it starts to smell like a French cathouse in here."

Embrace Remote Work (January 2013)

"Work from home one day a week. The notion of clocking in or punching a time card is prehistoric."

Work Smarter, Not Harder (September 2017)

"We don't want people to work 70-, 80-hour weeks all the time. That's not sustainable. We do need people to self-check their workloads. And they should focus on simplifying their jobs and making the task easier instead of putting heads down and being a hero. You can only do that a couple of times."

Manage Your Energy (January 2020)

"Say 'yes' to things that push you to grow, help others and yourself, and drive success. Say 'no' to things that will not push you to grow.

Get Dressed for Zoom Interviews (April 2021)

"Get fully dressed, including pants and shoes. Yes, really! This is so important for getting in the right mindset for the interview, but it’s even more essential for avoiding embarrassing mishaps. Even if you expect to only be seen from the waist up, things happen, and if someone starts knocking loudly at the door, or a pet accidentally pulls out your internet cable, you don’t want to stand up to reveal that you couldn’t be bothered to change out of your sweatpants for your interview."

Trust Your Gut (September 2021)

"While talking to someone in an interview, oftentimes you can tell something's not right. Maybe they say all the right things, maybe they use the catchphrases, but in your gut, there's something that doesn't feel right. As women, especially Black women, we've been taught to discard that. But it's better to lean into it. Ask yourself: Why is this person making me feel uneasy? Why did that comment raise a question in my head? Really sit with that versus running away [from] it."

Start "Career Cushioning" (February 2023)

"Essentially, this entails taking action to keep your options open, preparing for the future, and 'cushioning' for whatever comes next in the economy and job market. Think of it like an insurance policy to set yourself up for success. And it’s something people are already doing: Workers have spent the past three years building themselves up, whether that means learning new skills, solidifying backup plans, pivoting careers, or starting their own side hustles. And if you aren’t already, you should, too."

Join an Employee Resource Group (May 2023)

"Sometimes called affinity groups, ERGs have become popular since the pandemic, as employers have sought ways to maintain a sense of unity amid the rise of remote work. By connecting in groups and spaces designed for vulnerability, workers can find shared successes, struggles, and the common denominators that become recommendations for systemic change within a company."

Ace "Upskilling" (June 2023)

"Upskilling is acquiring new skills that can advance your professional development. Whether you’re making a major shift, job searching in the same field, or gunning for a promotion, upskilling is one of the most valuable things you can do to create the career you want.”

Create a Personal “Board of Directors” (November 2023)

“List your contacts and identify how you might learn from or leverage their experiences. Reach out and be specific about what you are seeking, avoiding the vague 'pick your brain' requests. The most successful women identify a close-knit group, a personal board of directors, that knows you, can nurture and advance you, and share insider tips and diverse perspectives."

Stop Saying You're Sorry (November 2023)

“Over-apologizing at work can cause people to lose respect for you, damage your confidence, and make serious apologies seem less meaningful.”

Take a Nap (March 2024)

"Napping is a natural, simple, and accessible habit that can help boost productivity and overall wellness. Everyone shouldn’t necessarily nap, but everyone should be allowed the option to rest when needed, without it having to be frowned upon, especially in the workplace."

Read more stories in honor of Marie Claire's 30th anniversary here.