Increase Employment Opportunities by Creating an Online Portfolio (It Works)
REMEMBERING THE GOOD TIMES
Ahhh, technology...what a wonderful thing. In many ways, technology has simplified our lives and introduced us to convenience and accessibility. In other ways, it has added to the complexity of the things that we took for granted, like applying for a job. More than a decade ago, we were able to look in the "Classifieds" section of our newspapers and search for ads that donned the "Help Wanted" sign. We had the opportunity to call the number listed in the newspaper or physically visit the company to fill out a job application. Then there were the times when we had the ability to "snail mail" our resumes to a company. If we were qualified for the position, we would get a call from a company representative to come in and interview for the position. Sometimes, we even got hired on the spot and was asked to start working the very next day!
Yeah, yeah, I know I'm showing my age but I am not ashamed to say that I lived and worked during and era where simpler times reigned supreme. In fact, I am saddened for those who will never get the opportunity to experience what job searching was like before technology and social media took over. We now must embrace change in order to be in the running because, let's face it, no one wants to be left behind. So, what's on the line if we do not embrace these changes? Less chances to network effectively or gain lucrative and rewarding employment opportunities.
CHECK THIS OUT
According to this February 2017 Hover study, 86% of employers Agree or Strongly Agree that they would visit an online portfolio website and 71% Agree that the portfolio's quality will influence their decision on whether to hire a candidate. Let me translate that for you...long gone are the days where just a resume and cover letter are enough. If you are still applying to jobs with just a resume and cover letter or have an incomplete LinkedIn profile, then you are already losing the race. Don't believe me, then hear it from a couple of these experts:
“To have a personal website as your online portfolio is still the best way to stand out. Although employers do not make it a requirement, it does give them another opportunity to get to know you. Job seekers with online portfolios give employers another opportunity to know, trust, and like you will certainly increase their interest in you."
- Mark Anthony Dyson
“The hiring process is changing as the digital world is taking the next step. Recruiters are having to become more creative to fill vacancies, and the survey figures confirm what is happening in the workplace right now. With hundreds of job candidates for one role – the (only) way to stand out to an employer nowadays, is to create an online portfolio. It is like the candidate designs its own career story, directing the recruiter and hiring manager to their strengths, skills and experience. It creates a human link and is so much more personal than just the quick CV and cover letter introduction.”
- Nicole Le Maire
STARTING YOUR ONLINE PORTFOLIO
While your resume and cover letter is a good start, remember that they are just one part of your entire portfolio. Why? Because a resume and cover letter simply cannot thoroughly explain who you are and what you can bring to the table. They also don't have the capability to display employer reviews, testimonials from your former colleagues or list all of the accomplishments that you have achieved during your work history. Yes, your resume can list some of your accomplishments, but the general rule of thumb is that your resume and cover letter should be tailored to the job that you are applying to which means that you can only list your relevant work experience. In this case, any other positions that you have excelled in will be left out; hence the reason why an online portfolio is the way to go. An online portfolio is a perfect snapshot of your career story including all of the bells and whistles. There are many ways that you can build your online portfolio but the two most popular ways are via LinkedIn or by creating a personal website (view a list of the top 10 website builders here).
Remember, evolution brings forth better opportunities. It's okay to reminisce but now, it's time to EVOLVE.
