Is it OK for Christians to engage in self-promotion? When we work with job-seekers on their resumes, cover letters and interview preparation, we address the issue of how they can best "showcase" their qualifications for their particular job target.  Some job seekers, however, are uncomfortable with this idea, feeling that they are somehow not being humble-and risk being seen as prideful-when they talk about their abilities and accomplishments. They are not alone; many Christians struggle with what is appropriate in marketing themselves in the world.

Keys to a Christian Perspective of Self-Promotion

With the proper perspective, Christians can promote themselves effectively in their job search, performance evaluations, and business marketing while maintaining their sense of humility. The following are three keys to what we believe is a biblical view of representing oneself in the marketplace.

1)      Your primary motivation is to serve others-your employer, customers, clients, students, etc.-with your work. The New Testament tells us that we are called to have an attitude of service in whatever we do, because we are ultimately serving God: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." (Colossians 3:23); "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men..." (Ephesians 6:7).

When you think about your career goals, do you focus on what you want to get from your job, employer or clients, or what you want to give to them? Focusing on serving others in your work is a spiritual safeguard against becoming prideful or arrogant when talking about what you are able to do as a worker.

2)      You recognize that you serve others best when you give them an accurate picture of what you can do for them. You do not serve a prospective employer or client well by under-representing your skills and experience with the mistaken notion that you are being humble.  If you genuinely believe that you could do well in a given position or contract, you serve the person most by helping him or her gain a full understanding of what you are able to do and how that will be of benefit.  In doing this, you provide the employer or client with the information he or she requires to make a good decision about your suitability to meet their needs.

3)      You acknowledge that you are God's handiwork. Your abilities, therefore, are not your own, but are valuable gifts God has given you to use in serving others. You are a created being-God's workmanship--and that all that you can do ultimately comes from your God-given design. While you may have invested time, energy and money in developing your gifts, becoming educated, and/or mastering a craft, the potential to do anything comes from God.