I recently read this article in the New York Times regarding recruiting and keeping women at Google. Toward the bottom of the piece is something that is relevant to those applying to medical school, residency, fellowship, and dental school. Here’s the excerpt:

Google’s spreadsheets, for example, showed that some women who applied for jobs did not make it past the phone interview. The reason was that the women did not flaunt their achievements, so interviewers judged them unaccomplished.

My Mock Interview clients know that I reinforce that applicants must showcase their accomplishments fully. In the almost ten years I’ve conducted real and practice interviews, I’ve noticed that women and non-U.S. born candidates are more likely to be “overly modest” in interviews. Although modesty is an excellent trait, one doesn’t want to be overlooked because s/he is not highlighting important achievements. If you feel that it’s rude to “brag,” consider that you are really just stating facts when you speak to an interviewer about what you’ve done. Remember, too, that by understating your achievements you may be overlooked when others are skillfully showcasing successes.

For Mock Interview help, contact me. Please note: I am currently booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance.