Are You Too Humble in Your Job Search?

New Zealand’s “tall poppy syndrome” is something most of us are familiar with. The idea of not standing too tall or appearing overly confident is deeply ingrained in our culture. While humility can be a great trait, it can also quietly undermine our career efforts—especially during a job search.

I’ve seen many job seekers struggle to communicate their achievements in a way that gets noticed by employers. They often say things like, “I don’t want to come across as arrogant,” or “It feels weird talking about myself so much.” But here’s the thing: recruiters and employers aren’t mind readers. If you don’t clearly and confidently highlight what you bring to the table, someone else will—and they might just land the job you were perfectly suited for.

Why It Matters

Employers aren’t looking for arrogance; they’re looking for clarity. They want to know three things:

1. What you’ve done: Your skills and achievements.
2. How well you’ve done it: The measurable results you’ve achieved.
3. Why it matters: How your work impacts the business or team.

If you downplay your accomplishments, you’re not just being humble—you’re missing an opportunity to show employers the value you add.

How to Own Your Achievements Without Arrogance

Here are some strategies to help you strike the right balance:

1. Focus on Facts, Not Fluff

Talk about measurable results and specific contributions instead of vague claims. For example:

• Instead of saying, “I’m good at managing teams,”
• Say, “Led a team of 10 through a major project, delivering results 20% ahead of schedule.”

Numbers and specifics speak louder than adjectives.

2. Use Testimonials

If you’re uncomfortable singing your own praises, let others do it for you. Include snippets of LinkedIn recommendations or performance reviews that highlight your strengths.

3. Frame It as Teamwork

If self-promotion feels too bold, reframe your achievements as collaborative efforts. For instance:

• “As part of a cross-functional team, I contributed to a $500k cost-saving initiative by optimising workflows.” This demonstrates your value without making it all about you.

4. Practice Your Pitch

Write down 2-3 key accomplishments and practise how you’ll talk about them. When you rehearse, it starts to feel more natural and less like bragging.

5. Remember the Employer’s Perspective

Employers want to know how you can solve their problems or meet their needs. By sharing your achievements, you’re not boasting—you’re helping them see how you’ll be an asset to their team.

The Kiwi Connection

In New Zealand, we often equate modesty with likability. But when it comes to job searching, staying too modest could cost you an opportunity. There’s a difference between being authentic and underselling yourself.

Instead of thinking, “I don’t want to stand out too much,” try reframing it as, “How can I show my skills and experience in a way that adds value to others?”

You don’t need to shout your achievements from the rooftops, but you do need to own them. By presenting your skills and accomplishments with confidence, clarity, and a focus on impact, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate without stepping out of line with Kiwi values.

So, the next time you’re updating your CV, LinkedIn profile, or preparing for an interview, ask yourself: Am I being clear and confident about the value I bring—or am I holding back?

The right balance could be the key to your next opportunity!