Ever since we were young kids we were told never to brag on ourselves. Humility was the key to success. Well, once I lost my job I was told that it is important to express your value proposition to the company interviewing you. “Why should we hire you?” What are you going to offer that will help ease our pain?
There are a couple of commonly used business acronyms--SOAR, (situation, opportunity, actions and results) or PAR, (Problem, Action and Results). Both of them refer to an exercise focused on having you state what you did specifically to solve a problem. This means you have to craft an answer that showcases your abilities, but in a way that is not perceived as bragging.
Many of the people I coach find it difficult to talk about themselves. All they can hear in their heads is the voice of their mother or father telling them it’s not nice to brag or “toot your own horn.” I agree with your parents, but if you want a job, there are times when you must be prepared to blow your own horn.
I am not talking about becoming boastful or a blowhard. I am talking about a little smooth jazz, not hard rock. When asked to talk about your accomplishments or value it is important not to focus solely on yourself, but also on others on your team who helped you achieve the results or helped you solve a problem.
Example: Sales were down 10% and I recognized the opportunity to increase sales by revising our sales process. With the help of a solid sales team and the efforts of our customer service department we were able to increase sales by 5% the first quarter of implementing the new sales process, and 12% overall by year’s end. Smooth jazz, not hard rock.
Like with any instrument you need to spend time practicing, so pick up your horn and start tooting it. Remember, blow it calm and easy.
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