Scenario 1: You find or hear about a job that sounds ideal for your skills and background. You apply. You never hear back! What went wrong?
Scenario 2: You learn about a job opportunity. You research the company, the hiring manager and the position and realize – this is a solid career move. You apply through the formal channels. You use every network available. You provide a portfolio of your accomplishments. Any difference in the results?
Early in my career everyone said that candidates must “set themselves apart”. But what exactly does this mean? In addition to a solid resume which provides “provable” details of your work history and accomplishment, I believe people need a solid portfolio. A portfolio is visual imagery of your accomplishments. It is a portrait of you, painted BY you and sold by YOU.
What details should you include in this portrait? Here are a few suggestions:
- Introduction to your personal side: Paint the full picture of your personality and what is important to you.
- Areas of expertise: List the “headers” of your career and areas you make the most impact.
- Key Accomplishments: High level enough to fit on a slide, but detailed with true and provable accomplishments.
- Leadership: everyone has leadership attributes, even if you are not a manager, director or VP by title. Highlight key leadership training and/or milestones in your path to leadership.
- Learn About: provide websites, links to articles, links to social networks directing a person to more information about yourself.
- Contact Information: provide an easy way to contact you with questions.
That’s it! This is something that will set you apart not only in a job search, but also professionally from other people in your field. For an example of my portfolio.
[slideshare id=3188944&doc=alexputmanportfolio2010-100215193215-phpapp02]
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