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How Not To Sound Like A Jerk When Talking About Yourself Professionally

Amy Leighton

Updated: Jun 23, 2023


They say the world is in the hands of hustlers, but if you're one of those great and skilled hustlers – how can you talk about your accomplishments without seeming like you're gloating?


Some professionals are hesitant to emphasize the value they can bring to clients for fear of appearing cocky. Even though they realize it is necessary for their own success, they find self-promotion incredibly challenging. When it comes to self-promotion, there are several misconceptions that cause people to avoid talking about themselves.


According to Forbes, the average American hears or reads a hundred thousand words everyday. According to studies stretching back decades, 80% of what we learn is forgotten in 24 hours. As a result, your message is far less likely to be remembered. But if you openly discuss your accomplishments, you may have a better chance of being remembered.


The following are some tips for making yourself noteworthy by discussing the experiences that are most intriguing about yourself, without coming across as a jerk:


Tell a story. Try sharing a story instead of giving straight facts about your background. Provide as much context as possible around your experience, and explain how it influenced your decision making. You may also tell a story that showcases your training and expertise. Keep your emphasis on the main point, no matter how you tell it, so your listeners don't get lost in what you're trying to express.


Show appreciation for your previous success. Don't be afraid to acknowledge the role of a great mentor or a helpful team in your accomplishments. Everybody likes someone who gives credit where it is due, and it demonstrates that you value the people in your life who help you succeed.


Emphasize how your background relates to the job requirements. Go over the job description before an interview and consider how you may directly connect your experiences to the qualifications. This is easy if you have prior experience in the industry, but if you're transitioning into a new one, it can be your point of entry. It's hard to believe you're unqualified in any situation if you can demonstrate how your previous experience is directly related to the job description.


Avoid fake modesty. People sometimes have a tendency of undermining themselves during an interview. You may begin describing your impressive background and then follow it up by saying it wasn't all that significant. This not only decreases your chances of landing the job, but it also appears insincere. Either you have or do not have the experience. You may still promote yourself without putting yourself down. If you're worried about sounding like a jerk by talking about your skills, practice interview questions with a friend and get feedback on how you sound.


Just be yourself. Even if they appear to be great, some companies and jobs are simply not for you. It's preferable to be turned down after an interview because you don't fit in with the workplace culture than to acquire the job, dislike it, and exit after a few months of stay. There will always be a place for you, where your work and skills will be appreciated.


Your goal is to make yourself seem fascinating and memorable by letting others know just enough about your accomplishments without overwhelming them. You don't want to include an achievement that has no relevance to the topic. Rather than forcing your accomplishments into conversations, work them in naturally.




https://www.businessinsider.com/10-ways-to-talk-about-yourself-without-sounding-like-a-jerk-2014-3

https://www.rbdcenter.org/7265-2/


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