The interview is an opportunity for you to tout your achievements and skills. The interviewer wants to know you have the ability to do the job with confidence and a positive attitude.

Interview
An interviewer may say, "Tell me about yourself." This is an opportunity for you to tout your achievements and skills that are relevant to his/her needs. What the interviewer wants to know is whether you have the skills and ability to do the job and also whether you have confidence and a positive attitude.

"My biggest strength is..." is an acceptable way to brag about yourself. Other phrases such as "the accomplishment I'm proudest of is..." or "what I'm best at is..." are also good ways to brag about yourself during the interview. Don't just talk about yourself, but while listing your abilities, show how your skills and abilities can benefit the company you're interviewing with.

You can avoid coming across as too conceited by including your coworkers when you discuss projects you worked on. Employers like to know they are hiring a team player, so be sure to include your teammates when you promote yourself. "With the help of my co-workers, we were able to surpass the expectations of our director by..."

Still reluctant to think about bragging and self-promotion? Some people make a living bragging -- about others. People who work in public relations, marketing and advertising, and agents and managers are all paid to brag about their clients.

You can learn to do your own PR. Write a press release about yourself. I make it known when I speak at an event (see bio below) through this column. You need to let others know what you are doing. You can do this through newsletters and web sites.

My friend Marty sends out a newsletter regularly that includes an article about some aspect of the visual effects business, such as digital cinema and 3D and large format. He sends it to his clients, potential clients and fans like me who might refer him to a client. Whenever I get his newsletter it reminds me of his expertise in the area of digital tools and technologies, as well as business plans.

One of the most effective means of promoting yourself to the world is to have a well-designed, user-friendly website with your contact information and work samples. If you have a blog or web site, make sure visitors can contact you easily by making your email address easy to find. Web sites are one place where others can brag for you through testimonials, recommendations and reviews.

Still don't want to brag? Make friends with journalists who cover your industry and let them know you are available to be interviewed or quoted. Get others to write about you and collect the press clippings.

There are several situations where it is right to brag. In fact, it's necessary for career success. So get out there and toot your horn or help toot the horn of a friend or colleague. If you have learned how to draw and animate, you can also learn the art of self-promotion. Try it. My mom would be proud of you.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson likes to brag about her mother, Sue Kleibrink, who is wise and wonderful. Pamela is speaking at the SIGGRAPH conference on August 12, giving a class called "Get a Job in Computer Graphics" from 8:30-12:15 in Room 406AB. She is currently recruiting for Lucas Animation Studios, Singapore. Contact Pamela for a career coaching session, recruiting or speaking engagement.