Online Portfolios and Resumes

(The days of paper are petering out! Photo by Nathan Krig --
Please do not use without proper attribution)

I began an online portfolio this week. In my job search I have been applying online frequently. When I learned about the possibilities of an online portfolio, I thought it would be a great way to enhance my online job applications. It is a quick and easy way for me to show off some of my work alongside my resume.

For my portfolio, I chose to use VisualCV. The program is fairly easy to use, however, I did not feel that the tutorial was as helpful as it could be. I like that there is an option for adding pictures to each document, a place for videos and a way to copy and paste your resume from word.

I worked hard on my resume and like its format, so VisualCV allows me to keep some of that in tact. I also like that my resume is front and center and has my picture above. I received a tip from one informational interview saying that a picture with your resume helps interviewers remember who you are. When interviewing many candidates: things get blurry.

Overall, I like the options and capabilities of VisualCV and am excited to see what it does for my online job search.

Tips from the Ones who Hire -Interviews

(Photo by Richelle Krig -- from my portfolio -- Please do not use without proper attribution)

The University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication just held mock interviews and portfolio reviews in Portland, Ore.; PR practitioners volunteered to interview students. Click here if you are curious about what a portfolio review entails!

This was a really great experience that helped me to understand what practitioners are looking for during an interview. I spoke with Jodi Moore, Senior Staffing Partner and head of Studio D from Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, and Amy Moore Paterson, Vice President of LanePR.

Both ladies were very helpful, and offered information that I was grateful for. Here are several things they emphasized:

* List your social media skills on your resume.

*Don't expect to get hired based on your portfolio; however, they are good conversation starters.

* The way you present yourself and your portfolio is more important than what might or might not be within its pages.

* Bring an extra copy or two of your resume with you to the interview. (This is courteous to the interviewer, who may have 100 resumes to search through, before finding yours.)

* Know what is on your resume; have one in front of you so that you are not guessing at the next job listed. (This is why you should bring two with you to the interview.)

* While you are selling yourself, telling the interviewer about all of your wonderful skills, also tell a story that backs up your claims. (i.e., I have planned five weddings to date. Through planning weddings, I have realized I am a great problem solver. Once, the hem in the mother of the groom's dress fell out. I used clear duck-tape to tack it back, which held it in place for the rest of the night.)

* Have some questions for the interviewer. It shows that you are interested and have done research on the job you are interviewing for.

In addition to these tips, I would strongly suggest talking yourself through both your resume and portfolio -- before your interview. This will help you to communicate clearly and feel confidant in yourself. If you feel confidant, you are more likely to deliver in the above-mentioned areas.