Resumes are quickly becoming an outdated way to evaluate candidates. While these one-page descriptions offer high-level views of potential employees, they don’t really let companies get to know the people behind them. Plus, it’s easy to lie on a resume, and the employer won’t know that you made parts up until they meet you for an interview. Today, candidates are making themselves stand out by creating digital portfolios. These dynamic websites help them prove their skill sets and show what they say they know. Here are four ways to make yours stand out.
Film an Introductory Video
Employers want to know what they’re getting into before they hire someone. While a potential employee might look great on paper, their personality might be off-putting once they’re sitting in an interview. A video is a great opportunity to show that you have a confident persona that they can trust and want to talk to.
Grab a friend and your smartphone to film your introduction video. It doesn’t have to be long, but it should explain who you are and why you would make a great candidate. Note: If you’re applying for video production positions, feel free to get creative with editing and filming. This will also make your portfolio more engaging than just static text.
Start a Blog to Show Your Knowledge
Instead of just highlighting your experience as a way to get more job offers, start a job that answers questions about your industry and highlights your expertise. There are multiple resources out there that actually list interview questions that IT departments ask, so you can start with those when creating content.
Developing a blog can also increase the number of recruiters, employers, and clients that reach out to you. The more you post (as long as the content is good), the more people will visit your blog or website. Your search rankings will increase, which will help your exposure. Soon, you might have to turn down jobs!
Put Your Skills to Work
Another way to prove your skill set is to develop a website that does the job you’re applying for. One example would include developing an interactive website that’s mobile-friendly — and even has an app — to prove to employers that you know how to optimize your pages for smartphone use. Essentially, this is putting your money where your mouth is and proving that you know what they’re asking you to do.
Make Your Website Engaging and Interactive
Your portfolio doesn’t have to be static. This means you don’t just want to use your website to upload your resume and a few recommendations. Instead, you can use this space to engage employers with interesting graphics that make you stand out.
Get creative with the design to create fun images that highlight your skills, experience, and achievements. It’s possible to look professional and colorful at the same time.
An online portfolio is a great way to stand out from the crowd. With this tool, you’re making it easier to find an employer who wants you at a job that you love.
Image Credits: Flickr by http://tvorbaweb-stranok.sk
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