Almost every
element of our lives has gone digital. We now go shopping, keep up with long
distance friends and apply for jobs via the Internet. For example, if you’re
currently searching for a job and aren’t on LinkedIn, you’re doing something
wrong.
LinkedIn gives
you the opportunity to get your resume on a digital platform. That way,
employers can easily gauge your skills and expertise. According to Jeff Bullas, two professionals now join the LinkedIn network every second! More
importantly, the majority of people are now using social media to find jobs. As
many as one in six workers and over 22 million people have now found
their most recent job on the web.
The question is,
“How do you stand out from the crowd?” In today’s digital age, it’s important
to make sure that every aspect of your job hunt process is on the web, and that
includes your portfolio.
Let’s say that
you’re applying to a company that’s out of the city or state. Your first
interview will probably happen via phone or Skype. If that’s the case, you
won’t have the opportunity to physically show off samples of your previous
work. What you can do is casually say, “You can check out my digital portfolio
to see a few samples.”
Simply including
a link to your digital portfolio on your LinkedIn profile makes you stand out
from the rest. LinkedIn is great because it allows you to upload your resume.
It does not, however, allow you to upload work samples, and that’s where you
really shine.
If you’re not
design savvy, or don’t consider yourself to be a creative person, don’t worry.
There are many websites out there that provide templates so that you can easily
fill in your information. I happen to fall into this category and created my digital
portfolio on Wix.com. There are many websites out there that are similar to
Wix. You just have to find the one that works best for you.
Once you finish
your portfolio share it with everyone! You didn’t do all of that hard work for
nothing. Share it on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and don’t forget to ask for
feedback. Others may see something that you may have missed or might have a
great idea for how you could enhance it and make it even better.
Do you have a
digital portfolio? Have you seen results because of it? Share your thoughts
below, and check out my digital portfolio! I’d love some feedback!
