Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers

Frankel discusses how appearance influences professional credibility. This chapter covers Mistakes 99 to 113, focusing on how certain habits, grooming choices, and body language impact how women are perceived in the workplace. She argues that while competence is essential, it is not enough—those who look the part of a professional are the ones who advance. Many women resist the idea of being judged on their appearance, but Frankel emphasizes that ignoring these factors can be a career-limiting mistake.

The chapter begins with a discussion on visible tattoos and piercings, which can negatively affect professional opportunities. Despite their growing acceptance, many employers still associate body ink with poor judgment. Frankel shares an anecdote about a former hire who concealed her full-sleeve tattoos during the interview process, only for her poor decision-making skills to later reinforce the initial concerns that visible ink might have raised. She advises women to keep tattoos hidden in professional settings to avoid being unfairly labeled.

Smiling inappropriately is another issue Frankel highlights. Women are often socialized to smile more than men, sometimes at inappropriate moments, which can undermine their authority. She encourages women to be more conscious of when and how they smile, ensuring their facial expressions align with the message they intend to convey.