Want a Raise? Start with a Brag File.

Quiet proof, loud impact.

Jun 26, 2025

Let’s talk about the one thing that can make or break your next raise or promotion request: receipts.

Not grocery store receipts. Career receipts.

If you walk into a salary conversation hoping they remember how you saved that project, or increased team efficiency, or handled that nightmare client?
You’ve already lost.

Because here’s the truth:
People forget.
Managers are busy.
And no one tracks your impact better than you.

That’s why you need a Brag File—a private, ongoing log of your wins, big and small.

Think of this as your personal highlight reel. Here’s what to track:

Quantifiable Results
• Revenue you generated or helped retain
• Time saved through better workflows
• Processes you improved or created from scratch

Positive Feedback
• Praise from clients or customers (screenshot those thank-you emails!)
• Compliments or recognition from teammates and supervisors

Key Projects & Milestones
• Initiatives you led or played a major role in
• Problems you solved or prevented
• New responsibilities or skills you've taken on

Professional Growth
• Certifications, workshops, or training you’ve completed
• Cross-functional collaborations
• Public speaking, presenting, or mentoring moments

Why It Matters:

You’re not bragging—you’re building your case.

When the moment comes, you’re not nervously whispering “Can we talk about salary?” You’re confidently saying:

“Here’s the value I’ve delivered. Let’s talk about aligning that with my compensation.”

The Brag File isn’t just for raises—it’s your secret weapon in interviews, performance reviews, and LinkedIn updates. It also helps you see your own growth when imposter syndrome creeps in.

But First, A Reality Check

Studies show we forget up to 90% of what we hear within a week. Yet most performance reviews rely on memory. That’s why documentation is power. The Brag File doesn’t just help you shine—it protects you from being overlooked.

Real Brag File Wins

“I saved the company over $10K by catching a billing error—added it to my Brag File that day. It was the first thing I brought up in my raise conversation.”
“After missing a promotion, I committed to tracking wins weekly. Six months later, I walked into my review with bulletproof receipts—and got the promotion I wanted.”

You’re not bragging.
You’re building your case.
When the moment comes, you’re not asking for a favor—you’re presenting facts.

It turns a nerve-wracking “Can we talk about salary?” into a confident “Here’s the value I’ve brought—let’s discuss how to align that with my compensation.”

Resources to Help You Start Your Brag File

Here are some tools, prompts, and ideas to make the habit stick:

Tools to Try:

Notion or Evernote: Set up a simple running list with tags (projects, praise, metrics).
Google Docs: Use voice notes or quick bullet points—just keep it consistent.
Trello or Asana: Create a “Brag Board” with cards for each accomplishment.

Weekly Reflection Prompts:

What did I do this week that had an impact?
Did someone thank or compliment me? Why?
Did I learn something new or teach someone else?
What challenge did I overcome or contribute to solving?

Templates to Copy:
Try formatting entries like this for consistency:

Date: [Month, Year]
Win: Reduced onboarding time by 25% through revamping training materials
Impact: Improved retention in first 3 months
Feedback: “This is the smoothest onboarding I’ve ever had!” – New hire

Set a Monthly Reminder

Make it a habit.

Make it easy to keep this habit going. Set a recurring reminder on the last Friday of every month:

“Add at least one win to my Brag File.”

Even one update per month adds up to 12 powerful receipts a year.

Mindset Reframe

Feel like tracking your wins is “braggy”?

Here’s a reframe:
You’re not saying “I’m better than others.”
You’re saying, “I’m proud of what I’ve contributed — and I’m ready to grow more.”

Documenting your value is self-advocacy, not arrogance.

So let me ask you:
What’s in your Brag File right now?

If your answer is “nothing yet,” today’s the best day to start.

Until next time,

Career Compass
Helping you advocate for the career you’ve earned

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