Ash Nazg Durbatulûk, Ash Nazg Gimbatul: One 'Brag Doc' to Rule Them All, One 'Brag Doc' to Find Them!

A New Spell for Career Success?

Hmph! I have just received word from the West a strange tale from the lands of Microsoft no less. Apparently a bright spark named Maddie Machado a reverse recruiter has discovered a new enchantment for the modern age: the 'Brag Doc.' It seems the old ways of parchment – or as you mortals call them resumes and cover letters – are becoming as effective as shouting spells into the void. This 'Brag Doc' she claims is a chronicle of one's victories a compendium of triumphs a veritable 'Elrond's Library' of personal achievements. Are we to believe that a simple document can unlock the doors to success? Hmmm let's delve deeper before I judge it.

The Four Pillars of Arnor... I Mean Your Career

Machado speaks of four cornerstones for this... 'Brag Doc'. Firstly understanding 'What I'm good at.' These she calls 'corporate superpowers.' Are you swift as Legolas with a bow? Wise as I am with riddles? Then document it! Secondly 'What I deliver.' This is where one demonstrates the impact of their skills. Are you able to rally the troops like Théoden at Helm's Deep? Then show the hiring manager! Thirdly 'What I'm most proud of.' These are the moments when one truly shines perhaps saving the company from financial ruin – or at least a significant loss. And finally 'Why they should hire me.' This is where one tailors the document to fit the company's needs much like crafting the perfect arrow for the right target. It sounds remarkably like crafting a spell doesn't it? But can it truly work?

Cover Letters: You Shall Not Pass! (The Hiring Manager's Desk)

The woman Machado speaks plainly! She claims cover letters are as good as unread like scrolls written in forgotten languages. It's a bold statement but I sense a grain of truth within it. Hiring managers those gatekeepers of employment are often too busy battling their own Balrogs to peruse flowery prose. The 'Brag Doc' however offers a concise impactful summary of one's worth. A time to toot your own horn! It's hard to see on your resume the amount of impact and the things that you actually owned and are actually proud of. Hmmm it seems to have some impact on a hiring manager as they will think "Wow look at what she did there. Imagine what she could do here," she says. "And that's what your brag doc is doing."

From Mordor to... The Hiring Pipeline

Machado suggests that this 'Brag Doc' can be used in various ways: attached to applications shared on LinkedIn or even used to cold message potential contacts. It won't instantly grant you a job mind you but it may hasten your journey through the 'hiring pipeline' – a rather grim term if you ask me. She then advises using it to prepare for interviews and negotiate offers reminding oneself of past accomplishments. 'It's nice to be able to remind yourself what you've accomplished so far whether it's big or small and also be able to share with other people,' she says. Sounds like the hobbits need this advice when leaving the shire!

One Does Not Simply Walk Into a New Job

Beware! Simply crafting a 'Brag Doc' does not guarantee safe passage to a new career. It is merely a tool a weapon in the arsenal of the modern job seeker. One must still possess the skills the knowledge and dare I say the courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. Like Frodo on his quest you must be prepared to persevere even when the path seems dark and uncertain. You shall not pass... Unless you have a compelling Brag Doc! (and maybe a good interview).

A Wizard's Final Word (For Now)

So my friends heed the words of this Maddie Machado. Create your 'Brag Doc' document your victories and prepare yourselves for the battles ahead. But remember a document alone does not make a hero. It is the heart the mind and the spirit that truly matter. Go now and may your resumes never be confused with a cover letter again. For as I always say “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Now if you'll excuse me I have a pipe to smoke and a dragon to ponder. Until next time! Buy this course if you need more assistance.