Want to secure your next big promotion?
You only need to do one thing:
→ Create a brag sheet for yourself.
[This is what I did to secure my VP promotion at BlackRock.]
🌟 What is a brag sheet?
A brag sheet is a highlight reel of all the amazing things that you’ve done at work.
Start working on this from day 1 - it’s too late to create a brag sheet when the promotional season rolls by!
🌟 Why do I need a brag sheet?
Brag sheets play a pivotal role during promotions.
Don’t expect your manager to remember what you’ve done for them all year.
You need to remind them (again and again) how awesome and indispensable you are, while also simplifying the job of ‘selling’ you for that promotion!
Help them help you.
🌟 How do I create an effective brag sheet?
Here’s how I crafted mine:
1. Quantify Your Impact
Be as specific as possible and always highlight the impact of your work.
For example:
“I grew this fund by X dollars and X% over the course of the 3 years that I was covering the fund. I also brought in one of the biggest clients who invested in the fund and was in charge of the relationship. This is the amount that they invested in our fund.”
2. Craft the narrative
Position your achievements to highlight your strengths. Even if you’re not the lead, you can still showcase your growth and potential.
For example:
You’re not involved in the biggest fund, but it happens to be the fastest-growing AUM. These are some of the things you have done as a team member to contribute to that growth.
3. Include the things that you do outside your day job
Don’t forget to highlight all the things you’re doing above and beyond your day-to-day tasks
Include your extracurricular involvements and highlight the transferable skills that you’ve honed over time.
For example:
✅ I helped XX settle into their new job and gave her a tour around the city after work.
✅ I created a workbook to ensure that there was a smooth transition in roles
✅ I was the sprinter in the company’s dragon boat team and organised all the social events for the team
*
Remember: No one will care about your career as much as you will.
So start documenting your successes and strategically presenting them.
Don’t miss out on a well-deserved promotion just because you didn’t showcase your full potential!
P/S: For more career development insights, follow me on my profile and hit the 🔔 to get alerts to my future posts.
I’ve helped 100+ professionals make successful career pivots from top firms like BCG, DBS, and Goldman Sachs in making successful career transitions, and I'm eager to help you too.
