How to Create a Brag Book That Gets You the Job

Do you want to stand out from other applicants during the interview process for your dream job?

Who am I kidding? We all do.

You’ve already won them over with your amazing resume and landed an interview. But you need something extra to make them remember you.

Leaving your interviewer with a brag book will give you that extra edge. A brag book is a bound portfolio that speaks to your professional capabilities. It’s a staple in the pharmaceutical sales industry, yet it can be used in many instances to showcase your value to a prospective company.

How do you put one together? Pretty simple. Print off the pages with a standard printer and take them to a Staples or Office Depot to get it bound.

But most importantly, what sections go into a stellar brag book? Read on to find out.

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Your diploma

First off, include a section with a copy of your diploma(s) to prove that you put the work in to obtain degrees. Some companies require proof of these documents before hiring so be ahead of the game and offer it up front.

Certificates or licenses

If you have certifications or licenses that are required for the job include them in this section. If you have additional certifications above and beyond their requirements include them as well. They can potentially set you apart from other applicants.

Writing samples

Not all companies ask you to submit a writing sample. But this is a good section to include anyway. In most jobs, you’ll use some form of writing whether it’s emails or full blown articles. You’d be surprised how many people don’t have quality writing skills. Prove you’re not one of those people.

Proof of technical skills

You’ve summarized your technical skills on your resume and here you can showcase them. If you have the technical skills that they’re looking for include the product of using those skills.

Can you use PhotoShop? Can you do HTML coding? Are you advanced in Excel spreadsheets? Include some examples in this section.

Your 30-60-90 plan

This section is optional based on the position you’re up for. You should definitely use it if you’re interviewing for a sales, membership, or marketing related position.

What is it? It’s an action plan for what you plan to do for the company in the role within 30, 60, and 90 days. It’ll take some effort and research, but having a plan such as this will clearly put you ahead of candidates that haven’t thought through how they’ll bring value to the company.

Scholarships or awards received

You should include a section for the scholarships or awards you’ve amassed during your career. Put copies of reward letters or certificates. Or you can even add photos of you in action accepting the awards or being recognized for your achievements.

Letters of recommendation

Here you’ll put letters from professionals that recommend you. Letters could be from past supervisors, co-workers, business partners, mentors, or leaders of an organization you belong to. Anyone that can attest to your character and work ethic that’s relevant to the job that you want.

Professional organizations or clubs

This section is all about what you do to enrich yourself personally and professionally. Put in evidence of membership to professional organizations, clubs, or Greek life.

Here you’re proving that you’re involved in the community and that you take your professional growth seriously both inside and outside of work.

Resume, personal statement, and photo

And of course last, but not least – your resume and personal statement. Your interviewer probably has a copy of your resume, however putting it in your bound book will ensure it doesn’t get lost.

Also, include a personal statement on who are you, what you value in your professional life, and your career goals. Lastly, stick a professional photo in there so they remember who this stellar brag book was made by.