It used to be that all the effort of getting preparing for an interview was put into the resume and looking sharp. Now, a clean resume and outfit are not bad, but there are new techniques that make them less a factor.
Personal Branding Secrets
There are no secrets. The job hunting and people hiring have pretty much changed. You may not even be aware that half of your interview could take place online. This can be bad if you’re not aware of it, but really, really good if you are and it’s a whole lot better than mailing resumes to the HR waste basket.
So, experience aside, here are four things (plus some bonus items) that can help you get hired on the spot, make any interview easier and have you standing out above everyone else.
Create a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a website where you list your experience and connect with others you know or have worked with. View my profile here. You can create connection and get recommendations. Sometimes, your profile will even be the first link that comes up when somebody Googles you. Yeah, that does happen. So, best to have something relevant come up first. You can see where people work, what they’re into and who else knows them. A LinkedIn profile also means they have a presence online and know how important it is to have a network. In today’s market, this profile is a definite must, especially if you’re just starting out.
Create a Portfolio
Typically, this is used in creative media, like photography and illustration, to feature one’s best work. But anything you create which shows visually what you have accomplished can turn a lot of explaining into the a new income. It doesn’t have to be fancy and you can even create an online portfolio.
Get an extra certification
As if all those years of school were not enough right? Well, some extra certification or involvement in a related field can qualify you in certain circles that get excited about overachievers. There’s almost always some kind of certification available in your field. There’s the ASME for Mechanical Engineers, the Certified SolidWorks Professional for SolidWorks Users, ACE for Adobe Certified Experts and Microsoft Certification for IT people.
Write about what you do
It’s so incredibly easy to start a blog. You can start one up in 5 seconds flat at Wordpress.com. Use it as a marketing tool for yourself or your interests. Above all, don’t be about what people will think or that you’ll have nothing to say or show. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that one post about something you’re working on or interested in could get you hired. If you’re a college student, definitely blog about your projects. You can print these out after you graduate and have an instant portfolio of some of the best projects you did.
BONUS Tactics to Help You Stand Out
If I had to hire someone right now without knowing anything else about them beside the following, they would be at the top of the list to get hired. It may take a little more discipline or whatever, but the results can be so worth it.
Teach a class
Preferably topics related to the industry, but hey, if somebody can stand up and explain a concept to a few people, that’s valuable. I wouldn’t draw the line at institutional training either. If someone organized training sessions for a group, tutored some people or helped out in a classroom, you can bet they have some organizational skills.
Get up early and take care of things
I’d definitely hire someone like this. Ok, this eliminates a lot of people, but c’mon! Here’s why. That one hour before everyone else starts can boost productivity or help get all the email and coffee prep out of the way. It’s also nice to get ahead before all the questions coming in and relax a little bit. This is just one thing that can set you apart. It’s not the most important but definitely makes an impression.
Do stuff besides work
Work is one part of life and not the most important. There’s family for one. And yes, people do other activities. People seem apprehensive to give to much detail or learn too much about co-workers. What does that person do? How could it make work or the business more interesting, viable and relevant to others in the field? Are you planning a trip overseas? Cool. Where too?
Pursue your ideas
I would hire someone that has interests in Business and Entrepreneurship. “Oh no, if they have a business idea they’ll quit and we’ll have to hire someone else!” Ok, right here, I’m telling the person hiring, BIG DEAL. This person is motivated, has other interest, can provide value and who knows, he may be your next business partner. Who cares if he’s 18 or 89, people that have ideas can promote a viral excitement others can be motivated by.
I just want to say to employers not to be afraid of putting resources into your employees and encouraging them to pursue their ideas. I’d go as far to say that time during the day for this would be an excellent idea. Are you helping them get to where you are sooner? Do you keep tabs on what they need to enjoy what they do? Can you imagine always having the latest technology or having each employee responsible for ideas in an area they’re interested in?
From my experience, companies are not willing to pay for good workers and hesitant to provide them with good tools and training just because they may leave. That is just a self-defeating mindset. And if you’re in a company like that, these tips should help you find a better one.
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