Toot Your Own Horn
Anita Santiago


In today’s competitive job market, each relationship, conversation or connection is an opportunity to market yourself.  Have you ever been told to ‘toot your own horn? ‘ I remember a former supervisor saying, “Don’t be scared to toot that horn.”  At the time, I didn’t realize how valuable that advice was.  Several years and a few jobs later, I understand the concept of ‘tooting your horn.’  If you don’t talk about all the good stuff you do – who will?  ‘Tooting your horn’ simply means highlighting your unique set of gifts and/or accomplishments.  Volunteers, interns and employees of all levels benefit when they can adequately and effectively describe their skills, talents, and/or accomplishments. 

Whether you are writing a resume, answering questions during an interview or attending a networking event, learn how to ‘toot your horn!’  There is a fine line between ‘tooting your horn’ and sounding self-righteous.  Highlighting your good work should not result in disparaging remarks about former employers or co-workers.   Leave the office politics out of the discussion. Be honest, accurate and able to support your facts with independent corroborating evidence.  Below are a few more tips:
 
 1.  Toot your horn, but don’t over embellish. Stick to accomplishments and results that can be verified by the potential employer or contact.  Honesty is always the best policy!
 
2.  Review past performance reviews, letters of appreciation, and e-mails for items to add to your resume.  Use these same examples when answering interview questions, completing online profiles or when attending basic networking events. 
 
3.  Include results and/or accomplishments achieved while an intern or volunteering in the community.  Volunteer work IS work and should be included whenever possible.
 
4.  Use verbs and adjectives to create a positive mental picture for perspective employers or networking contacts.  This also applies to online profiles.  Help others understand who you are and what makes you stand out. This may be difficult if you are not a good writer.  Remember, practice makes perfect.  Mid & senior level professionals may consider consulting a job coach, resume writer or professional design staff to give extra punch to online profiles.

Get out there, toot that horn and make some great music!








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1 Response
  1. Karla Porter Says:
    December 27, 2009 7:11 PM

    Awesome, awesome advice Anita! Lots of people have difficulty speaking of their accomplishments with out feeling uncomfortable and or shy or in a way that doesn't sound like a "braggard". Sometimes removing yourself to the 3rd person is effective when you are practicing. Talking about "the person in the resume" can help remove some of the awkwardness from it.


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