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In the competitive landscape of this current job market, your resume, profile and portfolio serve as your first impression.
These things really are your sales materials. They are the personal billboards where potential employers will see your qualifications, skills, and experiences.
To secure a job you love that also happens to pay well, it's crucial to craft an outstanding resume, profile and portfolio that not only showcases your abilities but also sets you apart from the competition.
In the next step in our series we’ll explore the intricacies of tailoring your resume, profile and building an impactful online portfolio.
So where do you start?
#1 Create a base profile but Tailor Your Resume:
LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn offers a built-in feature for showcasing your work. You can add multimedia elements such as images, videos, presentations, and articles to your profile.
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date.
Customization is Key: The one-size-fits-all approach no longer works in today's job market.
Tailor your resume for each job application to emphasize relevant skills and achievements.
Start by thoroughly reading the job description and identifying the key requirements and qualifications sought by the employer.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Both your profile and your resume should focus on showcasing experiences that directly relate to the positions you're applying for.
Prioritize your most relevant roles, projects, and accomplishments. This helps the employer quickly see your suitability for the role.
Quantify Achievements: Absolutely whenever and wherever possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers and metrics.
For example, rather than stating "increased sales," you could say, "increased sales by 25% within six months."
Use Action Verbs: Begin bullet points with action verbs to create a dynamic and impactful resume.
Words like "managed," "implemented," "achieved," and "led" convey proactiveness and competence.
Include Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords from the job description into your resume.
Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS’s) to screen resumes and using relevant keywords increases your chances of passing this initial screening.
#2 Build an Online Portfolio:
Choose the Right Platform: Creating an online portfolio is a powerful way to showcase your work, projects, and accomplishments.
Even if you’re not a Creative, a personal portfolio can be a fantastic way to stand out.
Website Portfolio: If you opt for a personal website, use platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace to create a professional and visually appealing portfolio.
Customize the design to reflect your personal brand and the industry you're targeting.
Blog Portfolio: A personal blog can serve as a dynamic portfolio where you not only display your work but also share your thoughts, insights, and expertise in your field.
Regularly updating your blog demonstrates your commitment to your profession.
Organize Effectively: Structure your online portfolio in a logical and easy-to-navigate manner.
Create sections or categories to group similar work together, making it convenient for visitors to explore.
#3 Showcase Your Work:
Quality Over Quantity: Choose your best work to include in your portfolio.
Quality should always take precedence over quantity. Highlight projects that demonstrate your skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Provide Context: For each project or piece of work you showcase, provide context and a brief description.
Explain the goals of the project, your role, and the impact it had on the organization or client.
Include a Variety: If possible, include a variety of work samples that showcase different aspects of your skills and talents.
For example, if you're a graphic designer, include examples of logo design, web design, print materials, and branding projects.
Regular Updates: Keep your portfolio up-to-date with your latest work and accomplishments.
An outdated portfolio may give the impression that you're not actively engaged in your field.
#4 Seek Feedback:
Mentors and Professionals: Reach out to mentors or professionals in your network and ask for feedback on your resume, profile and portfolio. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
It's challenging to assess your own work objectively. External feedback helps you identify areas that may need refinement or clarification.
Grammar and Formatting: Ensure that your resume and portfolio are free from grammatical errors and have consistent formatting.
Attention to detail is essential in making a positive impression.
Adapt to Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism and be willing to make changes based on the feedback you receive.
Continuous improvement is key to presenting the best possible version of yourself.
Crafting an outstanding resume, profile and portfolio is a pivotal step on your journey to securing a job you love that also pays well.
These documents are your personal marketing tools, and they should reflect your skills, experiences, and aspirations accurately and persuasively.
By tailoring your resume, building an impactful online portfolio, and seeking feedback, you can create a compelling representation of yourself that stands out in the competitive job market.
Yours in ‘shine on you star’ goodness-
EBS
P.S. In the next post of this guide, we'll explore how to effectively use these tools in your job search and interview preparations so stay tuned!
—-
EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
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