You’re all probably wondering what is a brag book? Well it is exactly what it sounds like a book that brags your accomplishments. This is a great tool and used by many in sales when going for an interview, but can be adopted by all in several different areas of business. Everyone from a portfolio manager to consultant can gain valuable ground in an interview if they bring a personal brag book.

For those who don’t know where to start let me fill you in on what should be contained in a brag book. Any types of accomplishments or accolades that you feel benefit you and illustrate your expertise and competence. In sales an individual would focus on putting a book together with the following:

-Creative cover page illustrating who you are!!!
-Resume
-Cover Letter
-Professional and Personal References
-Quota status…show numbers here on if you hit your goals or exceeded them.
-Any type of ranking for your company you accomplished regional or national.
-Photocopy of undergrad or masters diploma
-Photocopy of any training or courses you took pertinent to your job.
-Emails from your previous job showing how well you did and other people commending you on your accomplishments…this can be emails from teammates, your boss, or clients.
-Any other notable life achievements…military status, newspaper articles, etc….
-Finally in the end you should include an acquisition plan or plan of action on what your goals are coming into this new position and how you plan on executing and succeeding.

When its all said and done go to FedEx and make a few copies and put them in a laminated portfolio and your ready to leave behind your top accomplishments with every company that interviews you. Most people do not do this so with that said you will most definitely stand out above the rest by leaving a portfolio of all your past successes.