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Self-promotion has a bad rap, but it's a necessary part of finding a great job. Somewhere between the sleazy real estate agent billboards and the wallflower at the party is the perfect blend of self promotion and humility that'll land you your dream job.
Here's our guide to mastering the tools and skills you need to elevator pitch yourself of employment nirvana.
== Grow up ==
One easy way to avoid any embarrassing gaffes with potential employers is to keep your business life separated from your personal.
Still using bongload69@AOL.com for all your e-mail? It's time to move on, grab something a bit more dignified for professional use. While there's nothing inherently wrong with free webmail sometimes it's a bit nicer to use something with your own domain name.
There's no need to set up a full blown website, just register a domain name (about $5/year) and you'll have your own e-mail address, something like yourname@yourdomain.com.
== Separate your spheres ==
Now you've got a more professional e-mail address, consider a separate phone line as well. You can set a second number for business use for free through Google Voice. Just sign up and point your new number to your existing phone. Now you can distinguish between personal and professional, avoiding that awkward silence that comes after your long drawn out wazzup greeting to the head of HR.
== Advertise ==
Bump for the iPhone and Android phones is fast making business cards a thing of the past. Sadly, many employers are still stuck in the past and you need to accommodate them by going old school with some business cards.
Print something simple, nothing too clever or cheeky, just your name and contact info. Hand them out whenever you can, but get too carried away, business cards are not a conversation starter.
== Promote ==
The fine art of self-promotion is a very tricky and subtle thing to get right. Imagine you've just met the ideal professional contact at a party, and you're so excited you're stumbling over yourself, babbling incoherently and making an awful first impression.
As the saying goes you don't get second chance with first impressions and if Malcolm Gladwell is right, then first impressions might be all that matters -- so get it right.
That means practice your elevator pitch. Rehearse a 30 second pitch of you and what you want to do until you have it down and you'll be comfortable giving it in any situation, whether it's at a party, over the phone or on a plane.
== Conclusion ==
Self-promotion is difficult, especially if you're not a naturally outgoing person, but with these tools and tips and little bit of practice even the shyest
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