| Step 1: Networking |
Step 2: Resume |
Step 3: References |
Step 4: Interview |
Tips for Experienced Candidates |
References and Interview Portfolio
References
Always secure the agreement of each individual to be included on your reference page. When requesting permission, it is wise to provide the individual with a copy of your most recent resume to help provide a reminder of your experience and the part they played especially if it was a former employer or co-worker.
Employers often rely on the candidate’s references to help make their final decision on who to hire.
Have a list of three to five references available upon request after a resume is submitted and/or an application is made for the employment opportunity.
Since references are given separate from the resume and only if requested, it is wise to use the same heading on the references page as you use on your resume (name and primary contact information). This will help the employer connect the two items in the application and interviewing process.
Extra copies of your resume and references should be available in your interview portfolio and easily made available when requested.
The sample reference page illustrates how to make the page look full and complete. Include each individual’s name, title, address and phone number. Email addresses should only be shared when permission is granted.
Interview Portfolio
Purpose
The resume helps to secure an interview; the interview portfolio helps to secure the job. Interview: Are you a good fit? Portfolio: Confirms the fit, demonstrates if your skills are transferable, and locks in the opportunity for employment.
Your portfolio illustrates what you’ve done and what you can do. It provides a clear focus in the interview and turns it into a presentation rather than an interrogation. An interview portfolio allows you to be proactive versus reactive.
What to include
Include real samples of past projects and work. Invest in a quality case or container with dividers and inserts.
- Delete any proprietary information that should be held confidential
- Include the most current and best work first
- Include the most relevant examples that pertain to the new position
- Have a variety of examples to show your versatility
Know your target audience and be organized using a table of contents on the first page and dividers for each section. Tailor each section to the opportunity by adding items to more relevant sections and sizing down less relevant sections.
- Have extra copies of your resume and business cards
- Consider a newsletter about yourself
- For large documents, only include the title page and several sample pages
- Always have items free of typos (1st impression must be your best impression)
- Consider electronic options that are virus free (Flash Drive, CD, and personal web site)
How to use it:
Direct difficult interview questions back to the examples in your portfolio.
- Use the examples to support your response.
- “Show and Tell” how you accomplished something in context to the question including challenges you faced and how you overcame those challenges.
- Tell the story behind the example.
- While the recruiter is looking at the example, you are talking about how the challenge was handled, your role and contribution, what went wrong and how you helped correct it, what you learned and benefited, and what you would do differently.
- Be prepared, but don’t lend out the portfolio; allow only select pieces to be copied and used for future reference to protect your invention or idea.
