The Art of Promoting Yourself Without Bragging (part 1)

For a lot of us, one of the most difficult things about moving into a new career is having to talk about ourselves to our professional network.  We may be able to promote products, services, and companies – but when it comes to promoting ourselves – forget about it!!

So, how do you speak about your strengths and successes in a tactful way without making it sound like you’re bragging?

Talk about your projects, teams, and the value they delivered to the organization.  It may feel uncomfortable talking about your achievements, but the fact is you won’t get noticed (yet alone hired!) if you don’t talk about them.

Here’s a tip – focus on the projects and teams you contributed to, and the value they delivered to the organization.  Talk about goals, or stretch goals, that were met and how they benefited the organization to help increase revenue, save costs, or gain more market share.

Focus on results.  On your resume, in your interviews, and in your networking opportunities – instead of talking about your previous responsibilities, talk about tangible results you helped to achieve. When you quantify your achievements with a number, dollar, or percentage, you add credibility to your successes and rise above the competition.

For example, instead of saying that you managed a sales team for a specific product, instead, say that you led a sales team that generated $250,000 a year for the past 3 years!  Quantifying your successes says that you are a driver, high achiever, and that you get results.

Look for more great tips for promoting yourself without bragging later this week.