Last week, we shared 5 tips for improving your ability to talk about yourself and your accomplishments. If you’d like additional practice, use the following questions as prompts to get you started. They were developed by Peggy Klaus, author of “Brag! The art of tooting your own horn without blowing it”.
What would you and others say are five of your personality pluses?
What are the 10 most interesting things you’ve done or that have happened to you?
What do you do for a living, and how did you end up doing it?
What do you like/love about your current job/career?
How does your job/career use your skills and talents, and what projects are you working on right now that best showcases them?
What career successes are you most proud of having accomplished (from your current position and past jobs)?
What new skills have you learned in the last year?
What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today, both professionally and personally, and what essential lessons have you learned from some of your mistakes?
What training/education have you completed, and what did you gain from those experiences?
What professional organizations are you associated with and in what ways (member, board, treasurer, or the like)?
How do you spend your time outside of work, including hobbies, interests, sports, family, and volunteer activities?
In what ways are you making a difference in people’s lives?
Learn and practice how to briefly explain what you do and why you like it. Let your enthusiasm show and be proud of your accomplishments. It’s excellent practice for an interview, an elevator, or even an upcoming reunion.
