Creating the Perfect Interview Portfolio




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The perfect interview portfolio begins with copies of items pertinent to the position you are applying for. It is a good idea to only bring copies to the interview and not the originals - this way, you can give the copies to the employer, if requested, and retain the originals for later use.  Important items which should be in your portfolio include:

1.  Multiple copies of your resume (at least 4-6, in case you have a multiple interviews or interviewers)

2.   At least two copies of your cover letter (or letter of interest)

3.   4-6 copies of your up to date reference list

4. A fully completed employment application (get a blank application form from the internet and fill it out completely before going to the interview so that you can easily transfer the information onto the employer’s application)

5.   Your personal branding statement (or commercial) to reference while waiting for the interview

6.   A calendar (in case you are asked when you can start your new position)

7.   A note pad (to write notes during the interview and, if necessary, to hold in your lap so you don’t make too many hand gestures)

8.   A working pen (be sure to test it before you go to the interview)

An interview portfolio doesn’t have to be fancy, nor does it need to be leather or similar material. It can be a simple manila folder or a paper folder with pockets (as long as it is not brightly colored).



Copyright 2012-13

Writing an Impressive Resume

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When most people write a resume, they assume that the resume's reader knows more than they do. Remember, when sending out your resume, it must clearly speak to its reader about you and your abilities.  When someone is reading your resume, you can't speak to explain any inconsistencies, clear up any confusion, or fill in things that are missing to its reader.  That is why your resume must paint a picture of you and your abilities...

Understand Your Viewer(s)

A large amount of resumes are ineffective for the reason that their creators fail to concentrate on the employer’s wants and needs for the position.  You can easily win an interview for the job if your resume demonstrates how you can add value to your target business.

If you can’t tell an employer why they should hire you, then why should they?  You must know what employers are looking for. Employers hire new employees to solve a problem or take advantage of an opportunity, whether it's an entry-level position, or a senior leadership role. Employers don’t just create an available job just for fun.

This is why you should not begin to write your resume until you have identified the type of companies you are want to work for and researched them to understand their needs.

Create Impact

Employers reading your resume have just one question: "What's in it for me? They want to know that you have made an impact on other companies. That's why the bulk of your resume must be focused on IMPACT, not responsibilities.

Your resume must demonstrate what impact you had in your prior positions and so that the employer can begin to imagine the impact you will have their business.

Replacing old, tired, overused lists responsibilities with energetic accomplishment bullet points is a guaranteed way to increase your resume response rate.

Use Design Effectively

Design is the aspect of resume writing that is most often overlooked by busy job seekers - but it's incredibly important. Your resume will initially be scanned for 20 seconds or less before a decision is made about whether your resume belongs on the "no" pile. In order to make it past that first screen, you need to ensure that your key selling points jump off the page at first glance, so they should be strategically placed in the upper one third of your resume.

Remember, a badly designed resume results in lost interviews, so do not skimp on this important stage of the hiring process. If you cannot make a standout resume, then it is time to hire an expert!  After all, it's the interview and the job you are after...




Copyright 2012-14 Metroplex Resume Service

Networking and Building Lasting Professional Relationships

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Networking is the act of creating professional relationships.  A professional network is important when you begin searching for a new job, whether it is within or outside of your current or past employment.   One way to begin to build upon your professional network is by contacting and adding current or former coworkers, supervisors, or instructors. Talk with them about any new skills or technologies that you have learned.  Ask them if they are willing to be listed as a reference or to write you a recommendation on Linkedin.    

Your network can also be expanded through volunteer opportunities in community organizations.  This is a really good way to meet interesting people in different positions and from different companies or industries.  Attending workshops, conferences, and seminars will also provide a chance to meet people inside and outside of your chosen field.  Attending these events can also be used as a resume builder/enhancer and demonstrate to potential employers that you are willing to learn new concepts and put to good use your interpersonal skills.

Once you have established your professional network, it is very important to maintain it.  Keep all network contact information current by contacting those persons in your network at least annually. Maintaining a solid network can benefit you for years to come.  

Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.

The Meaningless Objective Statement

Are you still using an Objective Statement on your resume? If so, you should remove it.  Objective statements are meaningless to employers.  However, for some unknown reason, many job seekers (and resume writers) continue to use them.  

Employers know, as should you, that your objective is to get the job - so the objective statement is usually considered by them to be meaningless fluff. Hiring managers really don't care to read about your objective, they want to know about you and what you can do for their company. So, save your valuable resume space for a branding statement or summary that gives the reader a reason to continue reading your resume and call you in for an interview.