10 WAYS PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: NETWORKING TIPS

Think back to when you were in grade school and had the chance to bring in something from home that had special meaning to you. How happy were you to share that item with your friends and tell your story? Most likely this was the high point of your day.

You can obtain that same feeling of confidence when it comes to interviewing for a position. This is where a portfolio comes in to play. We are not talking about stocks and bonds, but a leather-bound compilation of your achievements. Few people come to an interview with a portfolio in hand, and even if they do, many do not know how to use it.

Nearly everyone will apply for a job at some point in their lives. Because you are terrific and we are positive people, we know you will get the interview. As you research the organization, you are feeling good about your chances of success in the interview. You know your stuff!

In all likelihood, you are not the only one competing for this position. According to Forbes magazine, there is an average of 118 applicants for every open position. The last thing hiring companies want to do is go through the rigors of the interviewing process— they have to sort through resumes and cover letters, interview an average of 12 people, perhaps more than once, meet with co-interviewers and compare notes. Then they have to extend offers, wait for responses, run background checks, schedule assessments and drug tests and perhaps repeat the process when their prime candidates opt for other choices. After talent management software weeds out 50% of applicants, only 20% get an opportunity to interview. What they need is a quick, effective solution so they can get back to work.

As prepared as you are to answer the employer’s questions, you know you need to stand out from the other candidates. Companies need to feel you understand what is important to them, being productive, and helping their company make money or advance their cause. They want results and they want them quickly. Given this mindset, whom would you hire? Would you lean toward the person who can answer your questions or the person who not only answers your questions but can also demonstrate their work. This is where the candidate with the portfolio has the distinct advantage. Fewer than one in 10 applicants will have a portfolio. But you do, right? This is your chance to stand out. It is well worth your time and effort for this opportunity to shine, especially in a competitive job market.

Do you have the experience or training that the prospective employer is seeking for the position? This information is clearly indicated in the job description, as it will indicate the skills required to perform this position.

With a properly presented portfolio you might even eliminate your competition right out of consideration. But with all your many life accomplishments to date, what is appropriate to include? Here’s how to build the right tool to land you the right job: 

These are the most common skills and qualities employers are looking for from candidates:

1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Problem solving
4. Initiative and enterprise, leadership 
5. Planning and organizing
6. Self-management
7. Willingness to learn
8. Technology, IT Skills
9. Commercial awareness or business acumen
10. Negotiation and persuasion
11. Analytical skills
12. Resilience
13. Managing ambiguity, fast-changing environments
14. Ability to work under pressure
15. Perseverance and motivation
16. Certification: this will vary depending on job or industry

A prospective employer will expect you to speak to these skills in the interview. Perhaps you have heard the expression, “a picture is worth a 1,000 words”? This might help you understand why examples speak louder than words, and leave a lasting impression. You could tell somebody you volunteered, but if you were to show them a picture, a chart, or an article about your experience, that experience is brought to life. They would have a better understanding of what you accomplished.

Think of this as a road map. You are in college today. Now is a great time to add these critical skills, skills that will define you and set you apart from that other “average” candidate. Your job in the interview is to prove to the interviewer that you have the skills that they are looking for in their open position. The stories about the key skills you possess and share in the interview will make them come alive to the prospective employer. What better way to introduce your story than that picture, chart, or article?

To demonstrate some of those critical skills, consider the following additions to your portfolio. We recommend 10-12 items that shows you have the required prof that demonstrates your competency in needed skills. 

CONSIDER FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO

Computer competency on software and/or certification

Photo editing program

Excel document with charts to support skills

PowerPoint—four slides per page in color

Social media results

Collateral piece created/example advertisement/story

Research

Experience, pictures, statistics, charts

Consulting project (RFP) couple pages to prove proficiency

Event manual

Analytics, tracking results

Sales report 

Accounting skills

Media article/sample of writing skills

Writing up volunteer experiences

Awards

Certificates of accomplishment

Performance review/evaluation

Letters of recommendation

Assessment example Strength Finder 2.0

Show two or three items from your portfolio that will highlight your skills. Take employers on a journey of your skills, and you are the polished and professional tour guide. Pick your stories wisely.

In the future, you will have more examples to put in your portfolio than you have today. The goal is to start to assemble examples of your work and continue to add as you advance throughout your career. It is our recommendation that you buy a leather binder and heavyweight sheet protectors. This will keep your evidence clean and professional-looking.

There is a good chance that you can remember a time when you had to study hard for an exam and you walked in confident that you were going to ace the test. Picture how you will feel when you have your portfolio tucked under your arm, headed into that interview, fully prepared. Ace that interview, land that job, and keep that portfolio growing.

Peter Titlebaum, Ed.D, is a professor at the University of Dayton.  

Alayna Meyers, is an undergraduate at DePaul University, studying psychology with an interest in linguistics.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.