6 Ways to Impress Employers with an Online Portfolio

6 Ways to Impress Employers with an Online Portfolio With the average employer conducting 14 interviews for every job, the need for candidates to stand out from the crowd is clear. The word from the recruiters isn’t that unsuccessful candidates lack talent, they just don’t clearly demonstrate their skills and experiences when applying for positions.   Our research shows the majority (88%) of HR professionals are more likely to hire and proceed with candidates that show off their achievements in a portfolio. In these digital times, creating this online makes sense, but it’s often easier said than done.   Read on for some handy pointers to help potential candidates create a personal website that will help to show them off to their full potential, no matter what role they seek:   1. Make it visual A picture is worth a thousand words, so make the most of it and ensure your website is visually led. This could include examples of your work or showcase projects you were involved with. To stand out further, include videos and multimedia. This will show off your digital skills and your creativity. 2. Include a blog A blog is a great way to build on your experience outlined in your CV. Regularly blogging shows potential employers you’re committed and have passion. Blogs showcase your writing and communication skills which are critical for every job. So, by writing easy-to-read posts, you can show you’ve got that crucial area covered. While you don’t need to cover topics exclusive to your industry, you should make sure they all reflect your best professional self 3. Show your personality Your website is exactly that: yours. Make sure you use designs and create content that matches your personality. Compared to the conventional CV, you have much more scope to reveal aspects of your personality that potential employers will be looking for â€" a sense of humour, for example. Make sure your passion and enthusiasm shines through in your website and remember to keep all the information up-to-date 4. Brag a little Don’t make the mistake of diminishing your experience, thinking that employers won’t believe it’s significant or of interest. This is where you can also put those glowing recommendations from your tutors or previous employers. Just be sure to ask their permission before you do. 5. Keep it simple Simplicity is key. Employers are busy, so they need to be able to understand who you are and what you can do within a couple of minutes. Try to avoid lots of text where an image can explain it. You’ll also want to keep your navigation simple so people can get around your website easily â€" keep it short and logical. 6. Don’t forget the basics You’ve done all the hard work now, but don’t forget any crucial information. Make sure you include a concise and memorable “about me” section, your education, qualifications and employment history. About the author:  Eleanor Bradley, is the COO of Nominet, who aim to inspire and provide advice for small businesses and individuals to help them get online with a professional website and email address through The UK Domain.

Personal Branding Weekly - Dont Post My Pic - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Weekly - Dont Post My Pic - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Often this is an afterthought after a great weekend, great night out or out of town conference. We  know and have more than enough material available to us about the impact this has on your personal  brand and some great practices to implement to prevent embarrassing or professional devastating  occurrences in the future. This time of year during the wedding season, this also comes up as you’re invited to weddings of  associates and friends. Some couples address it ahead of time with their guests with special requests  inserted into their invitations such as: In consideration of everyone’s privacy and security, the celebrants respectfully request that there be no live posting of this event or   live posting of pictures of this event on any online networks  during the entire event. Thank you for respecting their request. If you receive a request like this, honor it. After all, this is their event not yours. From wanting to  preserve photos and privacy to the right of the couple to be the first to show photos from their event, as  a guest the best gift you can give them is to honor their wishes and rights as the celebrants. It would be nice if everyone made this request but they don’t. What happens more than often is you  receive that text or email from the couple or their wedding party and they are upset that you posted  photos from the ceremony or reception to your social networks. For your personal brand, here are some helpful tips: If you’re going to someone’s milestone event â€" wedding, anniversary, birth of the baby, etc â€"  ask before you post. It’s their event. Let them share with their close family members first. Never post photos of the bride in her wedding gown before the day. If you’re invited to the  dress fitting, keep the photos for yourself and for the bride. Always ask before posting pictures of people’s children. It’s their children. Avoid announcing other people’s milestones. It could be hurtful to someone who’s not invited  to or included in the event. Here are our other insights from this week to help you successfully manage your personal brand. Corporate Idealist: An Interview with Christine Bader by Bill Connolly Reach Out and Touch Someone by Debra Benton Three Ridiculously Easy Tips to Defeat Perfectionism by Nance Rosen 5 Steps to Improve Your Time Management Skills by Ceren Cubukcu 3 Ways Guest Blogging Can Boost Your Personal Brand by Heather Huhman Increase Inner Strength to Achieve Outward Appeal by Elinor Stutz Why Employers Look for Fit by Alex Freund Figuring Out Selling Seasons by Eddy Ricci Five Reasons Your Mother is Hurting Your Career by Richard Kirby Build Your Brand by Building Your Team by Crystal Washington Personal Brands Fail When They Dont Know Their Company by Maria Elena Duron Blog Promotion Tips for Personal Brands by Susan Gilbert Succeeding in a Results Only Work Environment by Jeff Shuey 5 Tips to Create a Job That Doesnt Exist Yet by Glassdoor.com Become an Expert. Share Your Expertise by Leslie Truex What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from  Astronauts? by Beth Kuhel Perfect Your Recruiting in 5 Little Steps by Ken Sundheim Build Your Referral Network The Targeted Job Search by Marc Miller

Military Spouses and Portable Careers

Military Spouses and Portable Careers Embed from Getty Images National Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day in May.   This year it will be celebrated on Friday, May 6. The day was designated by President Reagan in 1984 to celebrate military spouses, the heart of the families who support troops during mission, deployment, and return to civilian life. Military spouses face unique challenges in find employment. It’s not uncommon for Navy members to be transferred every three or four years, so spouses often have work histories that look like job hopping. Spouses with portable skills find employment more quickly. Souses who work for companies with a national presence can sometimes transfer within the company, especially in the retail and hospitality industries. Here are some of the most portable careers for anyone who may move frequently to follow a spouse. Therapeutic Careers. Healthcare professionals are in demand across the nation, and spouses may also be able to work in military facilities on bases across the globe. Spouse will need to research state licensing requirements before moving; they may need to take course or certification exams to be able to practice in another state. Many states offer support and waivers of fees, including Florida. The Florida Department of Health licensure offers support including an opportunity to receive a temporary certificate to practice in areas of critical need, licensure fee waivers, renewal exemptions and professional examination fee reimbursements for honorable discharged veterans and spouses with valid licenses from other states.  Independent workers such massage therapists can set up in a new city quickly after  obtaining the proper credentials and licensing. Other healthcare professionals may  first choose to work through a medical staffing agency or home healthcare company  until they’re able to find a full time job. The good news is that healthcare  professionals are always in demand; work is plentiful in most cities, and companies  may be willing to help pay for licensing and exam fees for transferring spouses. Most  healthcare organizations offer flex and PRN (on demand) shifts for spouses who are  single parenting while their spouse is deployed. Teaching is also a portable career, since education exists in every community and most overseas bases. Spouses can research and apply for jobs before they transfer, although they may also have to invest in recertification and other state requirements. School systems offer the option of substitute teaching as a flexible option. Today, teachers also have many opportunities to teach or tutor online or in private learning centers. Information Technology is a very portable career, since every industry uses IT. IT workers also have the option to work through staffing companies or on contract while looking for a full time opportunity. According Computerworlds Forecast 2016 survey, the hottest and most portable skills right now in IT include cyber security, helpdesk support, web and application development, cloud and network management and database administration. Project management and business analytics also appear in the top 10 skills that employer indicate they’ll be seeking this year. For more information on portable careers, visit these resources: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/seco/job-portability-and-telework?content_id=271516 http://militaryoneclick.com/18-portable-careers-for-military-spouses/ http://tinyurl.com/zvmhptf (portable careerplanning.com) http://www.militaryspousefoundation.org/blog/bid/239384/Portable-Careers-for-Military-Spouses