Over the past 20 years our firm has consistently assisted customers in developing ways to handle job interview questions. Learning to speak assertively is critically important to your job search success.

So the answer to the job interview question is . . . YES. Its not only OK to blow your own horn, its essential!

Recent reports have pointed out there are 8 common barriers to not wanting to blow your own horn:

1. Youve been taught that it isnt polite to show off.

2. You dont want to be seen as taking all the credit.

3. You feel that your business is no one elses concern.

4. Youve been discouraged from taking credit for individual performance. Youre part of a team.

5. You havent had to use assertiveness very often.

6. Youre not in the habit of taking credit for your accomplishments.

7. You dont want to sound egotistical.

8. You dont like it when others brag. You dont want to sound like them.

We know from experience with thousands of customers that you dont get hired on the basis of a resume. No one will offer you a job until youve met face-to-face with the person who could be your next boss.

So, how you present yourself in person will determine your job search success.

Here are three steps that can help you prepare:

1. Get your ducks in a row. Write down the specific talents and capabilities your bring to the table. Do not dwell exclusively on your work history. Rather, focus on values, work ethic and philosophy.

2. Write a script that details how youll present yourself to a prospective employer. Remember, first impressions count BIG! If you stumble around and cant look an interviewer in the eye, you just lost. You must be prepared to speak with authority.

3. Practice what to say with friends. Let them ask you tough questions so you can learn to respond intelligently without getting rattled.

Job interview questions are usually standard. But your opportunity to shine comes when you assertively represent your values and work style as it applies to adding to the bottom line. Thats when you get an employer to sit up and pay attention to you.