Job interviews are often as much about selling yourself as they are about showcasing your skills and experience. But what if you’re someone who struggles with talking about yourself, or you feel uncomfortable boasting about your achievements? You’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to promote themselves, especially in a formal setting where it feels like a “performance.”
The good news is that there are ways to overcome this challenge and confidently present your strengths in an interview, even if talking about yourself feels unnatural. Here’s how to do it:
1. Shift the Focus to the Value You Bring
Instead of framing your experience as “bragging,” think of it as a conversation about how you can contribute to the company’s success. Rather than saying, “I’m great at problem-solving,” reframe it like this: “In my last role, I was able to reduce operational costs by 20% through identifying inefficiencies in the workflow.” This shifts the focus from you as an individual to the tangible value you provided. You’re not just talking about yourself—you’re demonstrating how your skills can benefit the employer.
2. Use Stories to Showcase Your Skills
One of the easiest ways to talk about your strengths without feeling like you’re showing off is by telling a story. People connect with stories much more than they do with abstract statements. When asked about your strengths or past experience, consider using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Instead of saying, “I’m a great team player,” tell the interviewer about a time you collaborated with a team to solve a problem and the positive outcome that resulted. By framing your experiences this way, you highlight your value in a natural and relatable manner.
3. Prepare and Practice—But Keep It Conversational
The more you practice talking about your achievements, the more comfortable you will become with it. Try writing out a few key points about your background and successes, then rehearse them until you can say them comfortably without sounding rehearsed. But don’t make it sound like a script—interviews are about conversation, not a monologue. Focus on being authentic and conversational rather than robotic.
4. Embrace Humility, But Don’t Understate Your Impact
It’s natural to feel humble, but undervaluing your contributions can hurt your chances. In interviews, balance humility with a clear acknowledgment of your successes. It’s not about bragging; it’s about being honest and factual. Instead of downplaying your accomplishments, share them in a way that highlights the impact they had on the team or organization. You can say, “I’m proud of the work we did as a team to increase revenue,” while still owning your role in the outcome.
5. Know Your Strengths (And Be Ready to Explain Them)
It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of “I don’t know what I’m good at.” But everyone has strengths. Take some time to reflect on your past roles—what are the moments when you’ve excelled? What feedback do you often receive from colleagues or managers? By knowing your strengths and being able to talk about them clearly, you’ll feel more confident and prepared in an interview. And if you’re not sure about your strengths, consider asking a colleague, mentor, or friend to help you identify them. Their perspective might surprise you.
6. Be Authentic
One of the most compelling ways to sell yourself is by simply being yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to be someone you’re not in an interview, but authenticity resonates. If you’re passionate about something or you’ve faced challenges, share that. Employers value honesty and transparency, and they are looking for people who are both competent and genuine. Don’t be afraid to show your personality, as long as it aligns with the professional tone of the interview.
7. Turn Weaknesses into Strengths
If you’re worried about a weakness or gap in your experience, own it—but also show how you’re working to overcome it. For example, if public speaking isn’t your strong suit, talk about how you’ve been taking steps to improve, such as attending workshops or volunteering for presentations. By showing self-awareness and a proactive attitude, you demonstrate growth and resilience.
8. Remember, It’s a Two-Way Street
Finally, remember that an interview is as much about you evaluating the company as it is about them evaluating you. You’re not just “selling” yourself to the company, but also determining if this job and company align with your values, goals, and work style. Approach the conversation as a dialogue, and that mindset will help take the pressure off of “selling” yourself.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re not good at talking about yourself, it’s okay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t effectively communicate your value during an interview. With a little preparation, practice, and the right mindset, you can confidently share your strengths and experiences in a way that feels authentic and impactful.
Ultimately, you don’t have to be perfect at talking about yourself. Just be honest, be prepared, and focus on how your unique skills and experiences can contribute to the success of the team and the organization.
Good luck!
Angela Malagon 