Bragging, over confidence and cockiness don’t go down too well with most people.  Our parents and other role models try to instil modesty and encourage us to be humble as we grow up, but sometimes this makes us so self-conscious that we can’t speak well about ourselves when we need to.

This inability to celebrate and embrace our own strengths, and communicate this fact, can actually hold us back.

When it comes to an interview, if you can’t talk up your strengths and skills, and own your success and achievements, you are almost guaranteed to fail. It won’t matter how fantastic you look on paper, or how perfect your background and experience is. If you can’t convey your skills and suitability in person then you are likely to miss out on the job, and the employer will be missing out on a fantastic candidate and team member.

Arrogance is never going to be taken well, not even in an interview when selling your skills is not just acceptable but also necessary. The key is to find balance, and that can take practice.

How to respond to praise

Responding to praise in the workplace by brushing it off, or dismissing your efforts altogether belittles your own commitment and contribution.  It can also send the incorrect message that you don’t care, and that your part of the success of your team and the organisation actually means nothing to you. Which of course it does!

A simple thank you and a handshake is all it takes to accept well deserved praise, and will set you on a path of acceptance and self-pride that will also help you succeed in other areas, such as an interview situation.

If you have gone above and beyond, exceeded expectations, or simply worked hard at something that returned results, and your co-workers or managers wish to show recognition, let them.  You may have felt a little unsure in the process, or concerned about the end result not making the grade, and it is also ok to share that too. ‘I’m glad I interpreted the brief correctly, and you are happy with the end result, because I am too’ is a good balance between diminishing your effort by shrugging it off, or being arrogant and stating you knew how great you were going to be.

If you receive thanks for a job well done, the most gracious response it to simply say ‘you’re welcome’. It’s not cocky or over confident, and yet it acknowledges the gratitude of the other person. Sometimes it can be hard for people to say thank you, and fobbing them off might make them think twice next time you do a good job.

When you are part of a team who achieves a goal or completes a task as a group and you receive praise on their behalf, sharing the recognition is essential.  Taking all the credit is definitely a no-no, but nor should you dismiss the appreciation on behalf of everyone either.

Preparing for the interview

How are you going to perform well in an interview situation, and convince others you are the best candidate for a role, if you don’t own and feel proud of your skills, strengths and contributions to the success of the organisation you currently represent?

You know that this will be an occasion where you have to sell yourself, so if you are still not comfortable with self-promotion, you can begin to prepare yourself ahead of time. How would you answer the question, “What are you good at?” or “What wins have you had  recently where your contribution was essential to success?”  Make some notes and start reading them out loud. The more often you verbalise the answers, the more comfortable and convincing you will be when you answer similar questions at interview.

Successful people don’t get more successful by deflecting praise and recognition.  The ability to accept praise, and then sell yourself in an interview process are an integral part of advancing in your career and achieving your goals, especially if they involve promotion, advancement or increases in your remuneration and benefits.

Do you need assistance to prepare for an interview? Contact Résumés for Results to discuss how we can assist you with interview preparation.