What Is a Brag Doc and Why You Need One
Keeping track of your professional achievements may seem simple, but it can transform your job search. Maddie Machado, founder of a resume platform and a former recruiter, swears by her “brag doc” – a detailed record of her career wins, which she’s maintained for over a decade. Unlike traditional resumes or cover letters, this document highlights the real, quantifiable impact you’ve made in your roles.
Four Key Elements of a Brag Doc
Machado categorizes achievements in four distinct areas that capture not just what you do, but how you excel:
- What I’m Good At: Identify your "corporate superpowers"—those skills and responsibilities that come naturally to you and earn consistent praise from colleagues.
- What I Deliver: Showcase the tangible outcomes your skills produce, answering questions like, "What wouldn’t have happened without my involvement?"
- What I’m Most Proud Of: Highlight standout accomplishments where you exceeded expectations, such as saving money or increasing efficiency through innovative solutions.
- Why They Should Hire Me: Tailor this section to the prospective employer by aligning your strengths with the company’s mission, culture, and the specific role you’re applying for.
Why a Brag Doc Beats the Traditional Cover Letter
According to Machado, cover letters are often overlooked, even by recruiters. She mentions, “No one’s reading cover letters,” noting that during her recruiting career, she seldom read them in full. A brag doc, in contrast, allows you to shine by clearly articulating your impact and the value you bring.
Since hiring managers usually understand your day-to-day tasks from your resume, what truly grabs their attention is the distinctive difference you made in previous roles. The brag doc answers this, making them think, “Wow, look at what she accomplished—imagine if she joined us.”
How to Use Your Brag Doc Effectively
- Attach it with your application to provide evidence of your contributions.
- Share it when networking—whether reaching out on LinkedIn or messaging potential contacts cold.
- Leverage it to prepare for interviews so you confidently speak about your achievements.
- Use it during salary negotiations as proof of your worth and value.
By keeping a brag doc updated, you maintain a clear sense of your professional growth, whether your wins are large or small. As Machado puts it, it is a tool to not only remind yourself of what you've accomplished but also to share your story with others convincingly.
