How to start a self-promotion comment

One of the most common concerns Australians have about job interviews is their reluctance to engage in self-promotion. Just being able to tell a panel what their strengths are and why they would be a valuable employee seems beyond most people.

Often it can be simply a matter of having ways to start providing this information. To help with this, here are 12 opening sentences.

1. Reasons why I am a strong candidate for this position are ...
2. I consider myself to be a strong candidate for this position because ...
3. My strengths for this position are ...
4. What I bring to this position are a range of skills, knowledge and experience. They include ...
5. I can offer a range of skills, knowledge and experience that are relevant to this position. The key ones are ...
6. I see myself making a difference in this role by ...
7. I would like to contribute to this organisation by ...
8. I am keen to work with this organisation because ...
9. I can make a valuable contribution to your organisation by using my skills in ...
10. To sum up, my main strengths are ...
11. I’d like to sum up by highlighting ...
12. In addition to what we have covered I’d like to add ...

Other useful articles:

• Explaining how what you do links to a bigger picture
• How to sound authoritative at interviews

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.