"Toot Your Own Horn", Self-Promotion is Necessary!

"Hey, I don't mind if I toot my own horn. Toot, toot!" - Alex P. Keaton, Family Ties

Did anyone besides me wonder what the crazy buzzing noise was at the recent World Cup soccer matches? Love 'em or loathe 'em, the blaring plastic trumpets, or "Vuvuzelas", are now a hallmark of the matches! They are tooting the virtues of soccer, and have created a brand for the sport, that's for sure.

So I'll ask you, how good are you at tooting your own horn? The answer better be, "Great, wonderful, fantastic", or you run the risk as a job seeker of missing out on an important part of self-promotion in the job market. I know, most of you will say you don't like to sing your own praises, but it's necessary so the recruiter, executive or networking partner will remember you. It doesn't have to come off as conceited, just self-assured.

"If you're humble, it's hard to toot your own horn. I understand that. But during times like now, with the recession as thick as it is, you must step outside your comfort zone and try things that might make you feel, well, just a bit uncomfortable - even though they shouldn't. " ~ Michelle Kabele, Marketing Professional

Here are a few points to remember about tooting your own horn:

• Determine what you have done exceptionally well over the last 5 years, and memorize in a way you can articulate, if asked.


• List the top 3 accomplishments you are most proud of, and be ready to concisely describe them in a short statement.


• Practice saying something great about yourself and your expertise. Do this with friends and family and ask their opinion of your presentation.


• Use numbers and statistics, which help your confidence to "brag" a bit about yourself.

BACTS FACT: “Recruiters will look at your Facebook, My Space, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social network sites during the recruitment process. Be sure you are portraying (and tooting) the right message!"

THAT'S IT: “There is a difference between conceit and confidence. Conceit is bragging about yourself. Confidence means you believe you can get the job done.”~ Johnny Unitas

A good read for you if you don’t find it easy to “self-promote” is BRAG, The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn, Without Blowing It, by Peggy Klause. It’s filled with suggestions on how to be effective with self-promotion.

It’s time to be your own “Vuvuzelas" and make some noise about yourself this week in the job market. Let employers know you are ready to work!

Jan

Just a reminder that I am starting to list more information on my Facebook page, Inland Management Group, about job seeking. You can become a "Fan" of my page at: http://facebook.com/#!/InlandManagementGroup