Your Reputation will outlast your CV
Want to stand out at work? Your best career asset isn’t on your Resume
Here’s something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: No one will remember your grades, your GPA, or the bullet points on your resume.
Your CV might get you in the door, but your reputation? That’s what keeps the door open.
Think about it — your résumé is just a list. A list of degrees, skills, job titles, and companies.
And don’t get me wrong, those things matter.
They show what you’re capable of, what you’ve learned, and the work you’ve done. But here’s the catch: your CV only tells part of the story. The part you’ve written.
But your reputation? Well, that’s the part everyone else writes about you.
What sticks with people is how you made them feel, how you treated them, and how you acted under pressure.
The flashy accolades might get you noticed, but it’s your reputation that will carry you forward.
What's Inside:
Skills Can Be Learned, Character is Remembered
Why Integrity Follows You Like a Shadow
Be Kind. Be Consistent.
The Best Performer? Or…
How to Build a Reputation That Outlasts Your CV
"Your character is your foundation; your reputation is the reflection of that foundation." – Unknown
Skills Can Be Learned, Character is Remembered
Don’t get me wrong, skills matter.
If I’m getting my car fixed or visiting a doctor, I want the person to know what they’re doing.
But what people truly remember is your character.
Were you the one who could work well with others, handle tough situations with grace, and support the team without trying to one-up anyone?
That's what lasts longer than the degrees or titles.
I learned this firsthand during my first internship.
Technically, I was sound. I knew the tools and I could design with the best of them.
But the job wasn’t just about who was the best designer; it was about who could explain those designs to clients in a way that resonated with them.
That’s where I stumbled a bit. I was so focused on proving my technical skills that I missed the bigger picture: It wasn’t just about the work; it was about the people.
My seniors quickly picked up on this and guided me. I observed how they effortlessly explained complex designs in ways that clients not only understood but appreciated. I began to see the importance of people skills — how rapport-building, clarity, and empathy made all the difference.
Pretty soon, I became the “icebreaker-in-chief,” the one who could make clients feel comfortable and relaxed in no time.
My degree never reflected this, but this reputation? It’s what helped me get my next job, in a completely different field.
Why Integrity Follows You Like a Shadow
You can be the smartest person in the room, but if no one trusts you, it won’t matter.
Over time, people forget the numbers on your performance reports, but they never forget how you handled yourself in challenging situations.
I once hired and trained a junior team member. We had a good working relationship, or so I thought.
A few months in, she got in with a group that didn’t particularly like me and, together, they spread a story that I’d been rude to her.
Now, if you know me, you know that’s not who I am. I was shocked, and to be honest, hurt.
But here’s the thing: the person I reported to? They knew me. They knew my reputation.
They heard the story, listened to the junior, but ultimately, they came to me, saying they were sure it was just a misunderstanding.
It was a learning moment for me. My boss didn’t just shut down the situation, but they gave me some fantastic advice on handling the situation with grace.
They reminded me of the power of reputation and character — the real reason I wasn’t immediately thrown under the bus.
They knew how I worked and how I treated people.
It saved me, but more importantly, it taught me that integrity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s what makes people stick by you in tough situations.
Be Kind. Be Consistent.
I’ve realized over time that being consistent is key.
So, I make it a point to build individual relationships with the people I work with — not just my immediate team, but across functions. When someone knows you genuinely care, you become more than just a coworker; you become an ally.
One time, I helped out a colleague from a completely different department with a project they were struggling with. It wasn’t technically my job, and I had a pile of my own work to get through.
But helping them felt right.
Months later, when I needed help with something urgent, guess who jumped in without hesitation? That same colleague.
Building bridges matters. It’s the small, seemingly insignificant moments that build your reputation over time.
And let’s not pretend that being kind means being a pushover or always saying yes. You can be kind and still have boundaries.
You can be kind and say no, when needed, with grace. People appreciate that honesty and clarity more than they appreciate someone who nods along without any intention of following through.
The Best Performer? Or The Best Person to Work With?
Honestly, I don’t want to be remembered as just the best performer or the one who closed the most deals.
My goal is to be remembered as the person you can count on — someone who’s not just skilled, but trustworthy, supportive, and kind.
I want to be the person who has your back, who knows how to make the team work together, and who you can trust with the big and small things.
I’m sure you’ve met people who are great at their jobs but terrible to work with. Sure, they might get results, but no one really enjoys being on their team.
In the long run, people start avoiding them. I don’t want that to be me.
That’s why I prioritize building real connections and relationships. It’s not just about being “nice” for the sake of it, but because the long-term benefits are huge.
You want people to remember how easy and rewarding it was to collaborate with you, not just the numbers you hit.
How to Build a Reputation That Outlasts Your CV
Let’s be real, none of us are perfect. You’ll mess up, miss deadlines, say the wrong thing sometimes. That’s life.
But what sticks is how you handle those moments. Own up to your mistakes, apologize when needed, and move on. People respect that. In fact, they’ll probably remember how you handled a bad situation far more than the mistake itself.
You can’t fake a good reputation. It’s earned over time through small, consistent actions.
Here’s how:
Respect Others: Treat everyone with respect, whether they’re the CEO or the new intern. You never know where someone might end up.
Empathy First: Understand where others are coming from. You don’t have to fix everyone’s problems, but simply listening makes a difference.
Positivity Matters: Focus on solutions, not problems. A positive attitude is contagious and can shift the dynamics of any team.
Uphold Your Values: Stick to your principles, even when it’s hard. People respect those who are consistent in their values.
Trust is Earned: Every interaction is a chance to build trust or break it. Make sure you’re adding to the trust bank every time.
Encourage Growth: Not just in yourself, but in others. Help your colleagues grow, and you’ll build a network of people who’ll always have your back.
At the end of the day, your CV might open doors, but your reputation will determine how far you go.
Being a good human is a massively underrated skill
It’s not about being the best on paper — it’s about being the best person to work with, to trust, and to depend on.
So, what kind of reputation are you building?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I'm Sonali, and I speak for a living. From one of the quietest kids in class, I've found my voice as a Speaker, Author, and Coach.
I've reached over 100,000 viewers on Josh Talks and spoken at various business events and universities. I've also co-authored two books, one featured in the India and Asia Book of Records.
I'm currently working on my first solo book about overcoming insecurities. If you love self-help and non-fiction, you'll enjoy it.
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