Do you have a file folder somewhere with your past performance reviews in it? How about the award letter you received–or the note from your boss complimenting you on a job well done? During a job interview, have you ever thought, “I wish I could show an example of my work on my resume”?
These kinds of things should all be collected together in one spot–a brag book.
Brag books (aka kudos folders, success files, professional portfolios, etc.) are fairly well-known in sales rep circles, but they are such amazing tools for job interviews that if you don’t have one, you are missing out. In a job interview, brag books provide such compelling evidence of your success, they can absolutely help you get the job offer.
What kinds of things should go in your brag book?
- letters of recommendation (phone references are best, but written letters won’t hurt)
- “attaboy” notes (or any notes that compliment you on what a great job you did)
- annual performance reviews (if you include some, include them all)
- awards / rewards letters
- types of equipment you’ve used or marketed
- certificates from career-relevant educational courses you’ve completed
- financial or PowerPoint presentations
- copies of articles you’ve written
- brochures you’ve helped develop
- a college transcript (though ONLY if you’re just getting out).
If you don’t have items like these collected together in a binder or folder, get one and start today. As you go through life on the job, continually add to your book. When it comes time to job search, you will have an amazing resource and powerful job-getting tool right at your fingertips.
Find out how to use your brag book in any job interview in my Brag Book podcast.