BY KRISTIN CONDON
Bragging about yourself is typically a taboo thing to do. In fact, most people are not interested in hearing you go on and on about how great you are. However, if you are interviewing for a sales position, it is a completely different story. Not only are you expected to run through all of the amazing things that you have accomplished (with proof!) – but the more you can share, the better! In fact, it can help differentiate you from other candidates and help land you the job.
In most interviews, Hiring Managers or HR professionals look for you to provide examples when answering interview questions – they are looking for you to back up what you are claiming you can do. These interviews incorporate behavioural questions (tell me about a time when you demonstrated XYZ) over situational questions (what would you do if XYZ happened) as they are looking for examples where you have specifically demonstrated a key skill or trait. The saying – “past performance is a strong predictor of future performance” – is very true and this is where a Brag Book comes in.
The great thing about a Brag Book is that it can incorporate both personal and professional achievements. An effective Brag Book should include specific highlights where you have been successful and recognized for that success.
Another great thing about having a Brag Book prepared, is that it shows you came to win – and sales leaders love that. They also want to win and they want to hire people who are eager, who want the job they are interviewing for, and who ultimately like to win.
Coming to an interview with a Brag Book shows you are prepared, and it shows that you can speak to your achievements very easily – another sign of a good salesperson. A great Brag Book can include any/all of the following:
- Awards
- Official rankings (sales metrics, President Club, etc.)
- Excellent performance reviews
- Letters, and mails that demonstrate how you go above and beyond and take initiative
- Customer testimonials
- Honours or high G.P.A. (if recent)
- Volunteer letters
- Certificates and personal development classes taken
- Letters of recommendations
- Photos (where you are receiving an award, on an award trip, etc.- keep it professional and relevant)
- Sports or academic achievements and awards
A Brag Book is one tool in the toolbox of how to best prepare for an interview. To ensure the highest chance of success – you need to properly prepare for the interview, which includes: doing your research, dressing to impress, and finally, ensuring you have a strong resume that sells you.
For more tips on how to land a great sales job, visit our Knowledge Center here. To apply to a great sales role, visit all of our open roles here.