📝 Why You Should Add a “Brag Sheet” to Your Resume

A few weeks ago, during a mentorship session, one of my mentees shared a simple idea that honestly made me pause:

What if you incorporated a brag sheet into your resume or interview process?

At first, it felt almost too obvious. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized👉 This is an untapped superpower in job hunting.

Because here’s the truth:

The most objective proof of your abilities doesn’t come from your resume bullet points or your own LinkedIn summary.

It comes from the third parties who have seen you in action — customers, colleagues, cross-functional partners, direct reports, managers.

Think about it:

• Positive customer feedback

• Shoutouts from cross-functional teams

• Recognition from leadership

• Notes of thanks after a tough project

These are the receipts. Proof that you didn’t just do the work—you made an impact.

So today, let's explore:

• What a "brag sheet" actually is

• How to build one

• How to use it without seeming arrogant

• Pitfalls to watch for

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🎯 What Is a Brag Sheet?

In simple terms:

A brag sheet is a curated collection of third-party endorsements and feedback that validates your skills, impact, and character.

It’s like a living portfolio—but instead of work samples, it’s evidence of reputation.

It might include:

• Customer testimonials

• Internal shoutouts (Slack messages, emails)

• Peer feedback

• Performance review highlights

• Awards or formal recognition

• Project wins with direct quotes from teammates

In essence: You’re not just saying you're good.

You're showing that others believe it too.

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🔨 How to Build Your Brag Sheet

Start now—even if you’re not job hunting yet.

Building a great brag sheet takes time and consistency. Here’s how:

1. Collect Feedback Proactively

• After a successful project, major deal, or key initiative, casually ask:

  “Would you be open to sharing a quick comment I can use to document the impact of this project?”

• Screenshot organic praise (emails, Slack kudos, LinkedIn recommendations).

• Save positive customer feedback from surveys, calls, or support tickets.

2. Organize It Thoughtfully

• Create a simple Google Doc or Notion page.

• Organize entries into categories: Customer Praise, Cross-Functional Feedback, Leadership Recognition, etc.

• Keep each entry short (1-2 sentences is often enough) and attribute it ("- Head of Product, After Q4 Launch").

3. Keep It Updated

• Set a recurring calendar reminder every quarter:
  “Update brag sheet.”

• Add new feedback while it’s still fresh and specific.

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🎙️ How to Use Your Brag Sheet (Tactfully)

Here’s where the magic happens. You can deploy your brag sheet strategically:

➡️ During Your Resume Submission

• Attach a clean PDF version (perhaps in place of a cover letter—because who actually reads or needs this) or include it as an addendum to your resume.

• You can also pull 1–2 standout quotes and integrate them into your resume or cover letter—for example:

  “Praised by leadership for driving a 30% YoY revenue increase—‘[Name] has transformed our customer relationships.”

➡️ During Interviews

• Bring a printed copy or a clean PDF version.

• When discussing your achievements, you can naturally reference it:

  “Actually, I have some direct feedback from colleagues and customers I’ve worked with, if you’d like to see examples.”

• This feels authentic—not boastful—because it’s other people’s words, not yours.

➡️ After the Interview

• Attach it as part of your thank-you note:

  “Following up, I wanted to share a quick collection of feedback from peers and customers that reflects how I approach my work.”

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🚧 Pitfalls to Avoid

Even a great brag sheet can backfire if you’re not careful. Watch out for:

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✨ Final Thoughts

In today’s hiring market, everyone says they’re results-driven, collaborative, innovative.

Few candidates prove it with evidence from others.

A brag sheet doesn’t just make your case stronger—it makes it undeniable.

It’s humble. It’s powerful. It’s real.

And in a sea of polished resumes, it just might be the thing that gets you noticed—and hired.